Subject: Re: A New Linux Foundation From: sjmadsen@nextsrv (Steve Madsen) Date: 22 Mar 1993 15:32:18 -0500
Just my two cents worth, but I can't see the problem with the way
things are going now. In my experience, "formal" groups only complicate
matters and make life hell for anyone used to the old ways.
I always thought of Linux has a "fun" thing for people that wanted
to use Unix on their 386 boxes. That's what I do with it.. I haven't
gotten around to actually doing any development, but I'd like to in the
future. And a big part of Linux is that it is free. When I write my
software, I plan on distributing it in the spirit of Linux -- free, and I
won't ask for money. If people want to pay me they're more than welcome,
but I won't ask.
I already market (through shareware) a package for DOS programmers
using Turbo Pascal. Even though it's nice to get registrations, I get a
rush out of just talking with people that have used my code and like it.
Their satisfaction that I did a good job is great! Has anyone considered
that the authors of Linux don't necessarily want to get money for their
work? If they are given money from an "official" organization, there's
always the chance that they then feel like they owe something back,
which is always bad. Let's keep things in the spirit of fellow computer
enthusiasts, and not needlessly complicate matters.
If someone wants to compile a list of users, that's fine, but let's
not make it the product of a foundation. That idea of "Approved by the
Linux Foundation" was crap.. now instead of people developing and
distributing they get to have someone else tell them if they did a good
enough job, or if their distribution and support methods are good enough.
That's ridiculous.
Bottom line: I just don't want to see a good OS turn into a hulking
bureaucracy. I don't think your idea sucks, but Linux hasn't even gotten
to an official version 1.0 yet, and people are already talking about these
big plans for it. I just think they're a bit premature.