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GNU Labs at MES College of Engineering, Kerala kicks off
by Praveen A 06 Dec '08

06 Dec '08

Hi, The activities of GNU Labs, a free software-based volunteer project, began at the MES College of Engineering, Kuttippuram, on Friday with a day-long workshop. http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120652210300.htm GNU Labs encourages the idea of sharing knowledge, supporting the ideals of the Free Software Foundation. It aims at improving the existing work of free software by helping students to complete their curricular project works. More about GNU Labs http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/GNU_Labs If anyone is interested to start a GNU Lab in their college can use the wiki discussion page. A website for GNU Labs is under construction. Cheers Praveen -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

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The ABC of FLOSSware
by Anivar Aravind 05 Dec '08

05 Dec '08

http://openeducation.org.au/wiki/index.php/The_ABC_of_FLOSSware Also came across this Free Software for education catalogue http://cc.com.au/osv/education_FOSS_catalog.pdf Anivar -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

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Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by sandeep reddy 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

*Praveen A* pravi.a at gmail.com <fsf-friends%40mm.gnu.org.in?Subject=%5BFsf-friends%5D%20Statement%20of%20FS…> *Tue Dec 2 * >That does not surprise anyone. Because even on this list I don't seem >to remember seeing you. Just the work on defeating OOXML would speak >volumes. Microsoft managed to buy ISO, but we stood firm and I'm >really proud if the role FSF India, especially Nagarjuna, along with >many others, played. We were leading the world to protect document >Freedom. This is just one incident, and I can go on. May I ask where >were you when the whole Free Software community around the world were >fighting to protect document Freedom? Yet again you have proved that you know nothing and no one outside this mailing list of yours. If you are justifying the works of the so called directors so much, then you should probably be able to answer the next set of questions as well. Being board members of FSF-I it is obvious that each of them commands respect and we too had high regards for them, but the Kochi incident shook our beliefs to the roots. During the Kochi Conference, when the protesters were barging into the sponsors' stall and pasting posters in such an uncivilized way, holding such esteemed positions, we expected that the board members present there would exercise their power and take charge of the situation. But what followed left us astonished, we realized that stopping them was out of question and besides this, they even joined hands with them! Wasn't that a scar on the entire event? Wasn't it an immature act? Couldn't the board members have thought of anything but a protest? Wasn't the event a pride for them like it was to all of us? We were so glad to be a part of such an event and were even complimenting the achievements of FSF so far, but what followed left us speechless. It was this melodramatic piece of unformulated crap that sparked off all the controversies. And to clarify another thing, all the success accomplished so far is the result of a concoction of the efforts put in by millions of us across the country and not just one or two people in the lime light like you have mentioned. So if we don't appear on the mailing list it does not mean that we don't exist. It just means that we appear and make our voice heard when required so people like you and those in power realize that there is a lot more outside your little world thats keeping watch on every move of yours... >he readily recognised the work Nagarjuna has done and wanted us to be proud that we have a fighter >like Nagarjuna. Ya right, we too appreciated the fight Nagarjuna had been fighting in the yesteryears, he is undoubtedly still fighting but there seems to be an entire turnover in the cause and reason he is fighting for now!!! Lol... Point to ponder: "No fighter fights alone to win a battle, he needs his entire army to stand by him!" So does your fighter Nagarjuna!!! We are all members of the army, you've gotta remember that! >I am now really amazed at the shear number of people pop in here and >repeat the same lies. Do you seriously think everyone would just >believe your words and start doubting about people like Nagarjuna and >others in FSF India? >The community know them very well, because unlike people like you who >come here and shout again again, we have seen what they have done, >what they are doing and what they are ready to do. >They don't need certificates from you. I'm surprised that you are amazed by the number of people you see now, didn't you know that our organization had all of us and not just a bunch of you??? How many people would lie? You have the answer yourself, you are amazed by the number of people lieing you say, i guess in your amazement, you forgot to notice that these people are from varied parts of the country! How then are all of them stating the same so called "LIE"? The entire country is lieing against a handful of you who are being so honest? Thats so sad! I just wish it were a little believable! And by the way which community are you talking about? You seem too confused, it is ALL OF US that together makes the community, and if so many of the members of this very community are questioning you today, whom are you talking about in you lines - "The community know them very well" "we have seen what they have done, blah blah blah" Who is this 'WE"? Just you and a handful of those who claim to put us all out and state that they and they alone are the community? Lol! Who said we are certifying them? This is perhaps the first time I'm listening to something so ridiculous, I don't think a Leader needs to be certified by his team, as far as i know it has to be the other way round! A leader needs no certification, his acts should speak for him and not people like you or anyone else. So get the facts clear before you speak on behalf of our leaders bcoz else u'll be ridiculing them by your childish talk like you just did! With Freegards, Sandeep

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Employee Agreement of a FOSS company
by Sri Ramadoss M 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Hi, While the sum of money is accumulated with the investor, the sum of knowledge in the form individuals is extremely difficult to unite for wide range of reasons, which the investors exploit (for individuals involved seldom come together against investors' exploitation). How would an Employee Agreement of a FOSS company differ from a Proprietary Company? While its total surrender of everything at Proprietary Companies for a monthly salary how are FOSS companies different in this regard? Can successful FOSS entrepreneurs & employees at FOSS only campanies like Redhat (not forcing if you really want to go by any Non-disclosure agreement with your Employer) share their experiences? -- Regards, Sri Ramadoss M

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NIIT and Adobe
by Nagarjuna G 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

This kind of nexus should be campaigned against. what strategy should we follow. http://www.digitallearning.in/news/news-details.asp?News=NIIT-ties-with-Ado… -- -- Nagarjuna G http://www.gnowledge.org

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Re: [Fsf-friends] [ubuntu-in] [OT slightly] Rant .gvfs & gnome-clock issues (specifically libgweather)
by shirish 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Reply in-line :- On Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 22:46, Onkar Shinde <onkarshinde(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Shirish, Omkar, > Your bug report is not very descriptive. It is not easy to understand. > Please update the bug report accordingly. That bug report is just to add the name the existing database, there would be need to be few others to tell the full story. > Also assuming that you are referring to the international airport at > Chakan, is it operating currently? I mean should we really expect the > location to be added in libgweather if it is not in operating state? Nope, the International Airport whose details I've put up is the one at Lohegaon from where limited flights happen. The code VAPO has been given to Lohegaon Airport. Giving below the references :- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_International_Airport or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pune_Airport http://www.world-airport-codes.com/india/lohegaon-5918.html http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=IN64220&sch=VAPO http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/civil_op_airports.jsp (This is the Airports Authority India Website) http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/pune_generalinfo.jsp So what I am referring to you is an Airport which is functioning, it also has a weather station whose code is given as VAPO, now whether its functioning or not, don't know, somebody told me its not functioning. That's all I know. > Onkar -- Regards, Shirish Agarwal This email is licensed under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ http://flossexperiences.wordpress.com 065C 6D79 A68C E7EA 52B3 8D70 950D 53FB 729A 8B17

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Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by sandeep reddy 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

>2. Was the "National Free Software Conference" in Kochi a follow-up to the conference held in Hydrabad in 2007? > No, it cannot be considered so. FSF India came to know about the `Second National Conference in Kochi` only when the organisers started sending mails to various fora about the >conference. We were surprised to see this because FSF India was one of the organisers of the first conference in Hyderabad. We tried to communicate with the organisers of the >conference in Kochi and clarify the situation. The facts will be clear from the communications we had with them in that regard that we are publishing now. >After the communications from FSF India, the organisers removed the reference to the first national convention organised by FSF India and renamed the convention in Kochi as >simply the 'National Free Software Conference'. >The Organisers of the event continued to refer to their event misleadingly as the followup to the first convention organised in Hydrabad by FSF India, jointly with Swecha and >University of Hyderabad. ######################### The one question that came to my mind after reading that post was, 'Does one name an event based on the people organizing it or based on the kind of event being organized?' Does your above stated answer mean that only if FSF India is part of the organizing team, an event can be called a National Conference from now on? Why are you refraining from accepting the 'National Conference in Kochi' as a follow-up to the conference held in Hyderabad, is still not clear. ----------------- I have not seen any active and live participation by FSF-I in any other place but the mailing list here, where you actively participate in warding of the blames put forth on you or simply criticize and comment on other's work. This is really annoying, the position you hold requires you to set an example to all those looking up to you. Don't mind me suggesting but i think it would be much appreciated by all of us if we could get to see some constructive work from your side.

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A Window to Freedom - on Dec 4 at Sahitya Academy Hall, Thrissur
by Praveen A 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

A one day seminar on Free Software organised by FSUG Thrissur http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Thrissur/A_Window_to_Freedom Cheers Praveen -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

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THE ROAD TO FREEDOM
by Arun M 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

We need some positive stories in between all the flame isnt it ? Here is one from Gudalur. How Adivasi movement relates to free software. http://guss.web4all.in/?p=14 With regards, Arun.

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Somebody vandalised the FSF-friends and FSUG Bangalore mailing lists
by Vikram Vincent 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

The mails I had posted in response to the statement by the FSF-I Board on the FSF-friends and FSUG-Bangalore mailing lists have been vandalised. See http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002447.html http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2008-November/005788.html I am CC'ing all the currently listed list admins and RMS. To whoever did this: You cannot silence our voices by simply deleting mail content. I am resending my response. Greetings, >From http://www.gnu.org.in/board-statement-on-recent-issues <quote> * * *9. Are the members of the Director Board of FSF India elected? * <snip> As mentioned in the answer to an earlier question, FSF India is not a mass movement and is not a democratic organisation. The purpose of FSF India, as of FSF, is to provide guidance to the Free Software movement. This purpose could be easily defeated if it is made into an elected body. </quote> India is considered one of the biggest democracies in the world and the Free Software Movement is for the democratisation of technology and knowledge. However, the namesake of FSF in India ie., FSF-India, whose role is to lead the Free Software Movement has clearly defined itself as undemocratic. Let us take things objectively to analyse, debate and come to some sort of an understanding. Democracy, transparency and openness are considered the pillars of the free software movement. We talk about free(or open) standards, free knowledge, etc.. and then we hear "Democracy? That is only for theory." How can one ensure democratisation of knowledge if one is undemocratic? The Board of FSF-I may have to (re)read the works of Eben Moglen and actually implement it in their functioning. I think the following quote of Eben Moglen is important in this context. From http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Transcript_of_The_System_Of_Ownership_Of_Ideas "Haven't you heard," we say, "The era of presidents for life is over. We are holding elections, here. Here, we made this, its called democracy. Would you like some? Take it, its free." In solidarity with the Free Software Movement, Vikram Vincent

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FW: IISC and imposed monopoly rights - add to the debate please
by Senthil Sundaram (sensunda) 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Hi, this is just a temproary space...to get community participation on material which needs to be added in here.. on one hand we have the issue of 'imposed monopoly rights' - on the other hand a premier institution is promoting this.. rquest knowledgable memebers in fsf-i to state their position on this..so that we can build a debate... -S http://notoimp.wordpress.com/2008/11/23/imp-policy-in-iisc-bangalore/ harish k singh : Can you look at the article at http://osindia.blogspot.com/2008/11/global-patent-troll-comes-to-india.h tml. The patents subsidized by our belowed govt is now in the hands of these trolls. Maybe we need to address these issues when the meeting in IISc happens next month.Incidently, this company's major investor is none other than microsoft. See http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/05/12/080512fa_fact_gladwell?cur rentPage=1. Rehat Venky : "Software patents are an important issue in India right now because there is a heated debate over how to interpret Section 3(k) which says that, "A mathematical or business method or a computer programme per se or algorithms are not patentable." How "computer programme per se" is interpreted is of vital importance to the FOSS community. Therefore a talk by RMS on software patents would be relevant at this point in time and would help raise awareness of how patents prevent independent invention and restrict the freedom of software developers."

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FSF-I as a unifying force(WasRe: Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents)
by Vikram Vincent 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Greetings, My observations are at the end. 2008/11/30 Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)gnowledge.org>: <snip> > FSF was founded in 1985. What kind of hindrance did it create for not > letting democracy or freedom flourish? On the contrary it took the > lead in promoting and protecting these virtues. It gave the direction > to the movement. FSM created tools that help create social networks > to let this happen. It is therefore an enabler of freedom. <snip> > Political parties on the other hand want to administer social change, > but we do not do that. They want power and control but we don't. > > Free software movement is possible without creating any large > political groups. The most important identity that we respect is the > human being and that beings' freedom. When we have a large number of > small groups at every part of the country (an FSUG in every town, > district, we don't have them now.) FSM will flourish. FSFI will > support their formation, provide them direction, give them > infrastructure, invite the leads of such groups into the working > group, generate consensus etc. and support each other. <snip> > Let us all work towards such an organic growth, instead of creating > one large network of FSF chapters. let me repeat, FSFs do not want to > become a political powers, and does not want to govern. That will be > self-defeating to the ideals of freedom. FSF-I was formed in July 2001. The I-Lugs existed years before that. Now FSF-I should have worked for the conversion of the "Linux" to "Libre" as done in certain groups. Why divide the Movement by promoting FSUGs etc? To take free software(free knowledge) to the last (wo)man in the most backward villages of our country we need people of different backgrounds. I don't think that differences on the issue of Free vs. Open should have been a devisive issue. -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by ajay kumar 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

dear friends local chapters are you saying that FSF-I should run like its run in Europe, Americas? that means we are trying to force solutions meant for other countries to that of ours! in order to have more people (in general terms we call "mass base") FSF-I must have local chapters. I mean considering your own views Just see the number of population in indian states they are as equal in population to that in each country in europe, this clearly shows the importance of having local chapters. On an average I think people sleep for 6 hours else if a person sleeps for months and years together, wake up a fine morning find themselves in losing there control over the foundation, obviously it makes them irritated, uncomfortable and the consequence is FAQ's in gnu.org. You people didn't even bother inform organisations that are mentioned in the FAQ's. board of directors When is the so called Board of Directors going to so called NOMINATE there new Board? most of the current board of directors are the same onces who are there since its inception which needs a change. (well power and control over FSF-I need to change) for everything that is old has to go and something new will always come into place and this transition dosn't happen smoothly. Well as the mails start poring in and that board of directors feel that they are baring the peoples quest for clarity, they are actually undermining the larger interest of the people. And to say "when you have a responsibility you don't bare things or say "patiently replying", rather you need to understand the pulse of the people". How long can you guys go on dictating terms like this? who can speak on behalf of fsf india? ha thats such a big joke. first you say that what ever the fsf-i board members say becomes the stand of fsf-i and then you say that fsf-i board will discuss it first and then say that "ITS THE BOARDS DECISSION". Well I need some more clarity the mails that arun, sasi and nagarjuna have mailed to this mailing list, are they the official stand and official statements of FSF-I? or are they just some personal views? Why do you guys make the rules and then break them? (by going on your own words "WE THE *BOARD OF DIRECTORS FSF INDIA* have the only right to dictate) i haven't seen any of you guys mention weather the statement that you are making is an official stand of fsf-i or its just personal views. other than the mention of "For instance, this FAQ is a statement from the Board." in the page that is on the gnu.org.in website there is no mention of it any were else. For instance http://www.google.com/search?q=satement+from+the+board+inurl%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2… when people at the top look bellow there feet they find lilliputs. When these lilliputs come face to face they suddenly become big, this is called as mass base and this mass base has to be organised in a democratic way. I am proud to be in a democratic country were i can express my views freely. I want that freedom back to the very organisation which i believed for and trusted for so many years has motivated and kept me free from escapism, opportunism. with love for freedom ajay kumar

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History of Free Software movement in India
by Anivar Aravind 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Dear Friends In kochi conference I did a presentation on History of Free Software movement in India. (I presented my session after the boycott novell campaign and manhandling ) The slide of the presentation is available at http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/wp-content/uploads/storydom.pdf (Thanks Hiran for the Theme & design) I am planning to make this as an article. Please go through it and point if i missed any groups So please send your feedback Also it will help the people in this list to get the name of various groups contributed to the Free Software movement Anivar Aravind -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

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Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by Arun M 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Dear Friends Please find FSF India's statement on recent developments. http://www.gnu.org.in/board-statement-on-recent-issues I hope this addresses some, if not all, the questions. More documents will be published in the coming days. regards arun

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SAY NO TO M$-VTU CAMPAIGN : Blr : 29th Nov 2008
by Senthil Sundaram (sensunda) 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Hi, I guess it was a good programme yesterday for free software ...we have to concentrate on the long term aspects...please do write on what we could do better..please make this a community report on what you thought is good and bad.. We had many people saying "NO TO M$-VTU" Lock In. the nice thing was we were able to have some new people From colleges : both lecturers and students ..a good representation from all sections of civil socitey i think somebody will have the media report and picutres.. thanks senthil 0) we started with a 1 minute silence for all the tragedy in bombay 1) Lecturers : RVCE(renuka) , Chirst(viki) , CMRIT(pramode) ( one new college) , 2) Students : christ , Amrita , bms-it, ait participated 3) We had research scholars from IISc 4) We had Dr Anja from IT for Change 5) We had a good number of programmers and people from the [proprietary] software industry - I think many companies were repesented ;) 6) the children from the slum computing center , wanted to make this a day out, to see what their teachers were upto..and sang a nice little song to end the program - a song which means "we are building the dreams for a new future" - they planned a visit to cubbon park, got late - but enjoyed the picnic of sorts..they were happy to see the encouragement they got from so many 'Drs and scientists" in blr.. 7) some students from bmsit came - but didn't like the 'street mode' - we explained to them why its important to take streets at times - we will work with them and are sure they will relaise the importance of this... 8) a good amount of material - press notes , fliers were in kannada this time - this is important - thanks to the suggestion of sri ramadoss 9) we also had some t.v channels covering it this time apart from the press..i do know the press people who came - please update 10) Dr Vijoo Krishnan, Head of Political Science . 11) Dr chaterjee - a scientist with Astro Physics 12) Parth from NRCFOSS also helped with the material. 13) Anivar from SMC 14) Renuka lecturer from RVCE 12) The student fedaration of india also had lent its support and said that it will take the issue of free software [ the left naturally takes to free software i guess ] 13) if we could have had a teachers union that would have been great.. 14) NRCFOSS also lent its support 15) There were folks from the kannada blogging community as well Thanks senthil

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by V. Sasi Kumar 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

On Sun, 2008-11-30 at 14:27 +0530, Arvind Kumar Chinniah wrote: > Excellent go ahead with your complete strategy on and against the > democratic stance on freedom and software. > You were informed about that, else I don't know how you were present > in the campus ? (A BASIC LOGIC MESS). I did not understand what I was informed about. If you are talking about the Cochin University conference, yes, I was not only informed, but also invited to chair a session. I declined the offer because I had another commitment and I was not sure whether I would be able to even participate in the conference. I informed the organisers not to make me chairman for any session because of this confusion. I told them that I would participate if I could. So what is your problem? That I did participate in the conference? Are you saying that I should not have participated? > And even dont know how you guys went on through taking sessions that > too from the first day morning. You mean to say that those who had agreed to take sessions should not have? So that it would throw the conference into confusion? So that you could have then blamed these people for having created the confusion? Sorry to disappoint you there. > A symbol can be patented, even I'm against it, pls get to know abt > that if u r ignorant. (Hope this can be made as a separate thread of > discussion). Thank you for the knowledge. I did not know that a symbol could be patented. Hope you are knowledgeable about patents. > You said you accept the money or incentive, if you were sponsored, on > their willingness. The case in Kochi Conference also is the same. > All the linux user groups were asked for sponsor, Novell user group > came out with a quote for sponsoring at the platinum level. Oh so was it the Novell user group that sponsored the conference? Must be a rather wealthy group if they could become the Platinum sponsor of a conference that hosted 1500 people. > The question is "Are you the only authoritive to make decisions on > free software in India ?" > I was actually expecting an answer for this. And the other are all due > to the way you made your statement page. Of course not. Actually, I don't make any decisions on free software in India. It is actually the governments and the people who make decisions. We Free Software advocates talk to them why they should adopt Free Software and Free formats. That is all. Best -- V. Sasi Kumar Free Software Foundation of India http://swatantryam.blogspot.com

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Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by tina celia 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Words from Gitanjali coming back to mind. > > "Where knowledge is free > Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic > walls" > Time and again the above lines are being quoted, it dates back to ages and has its own relevance, but here's a new thought that belongs to today's world; Wake up oh country to the rising of a new call, Oh stretch out your wings and reach out to all, Than being clustered and so forlorn, Reach out to the thirsty before they be gone... I guess the point is clear now. Unless the waters diversify into streams and rivers they cannot flow out to the millions and quench their thirst, yet again they flow back and unite to form one water body. Which then seems to reach out, the gigantic ocean or the stream at hand??? >1. Who organised the First National Conference on Free Software held in Andra Pradesh in 2007? >As part of FSF India's effort to strengthen the free software movement in AP, FSF India has been working closely with free software activists there. Initiatives like Swecha took >place as part of that. FSF India Director, Mr Kiranchandra provided the leadership for the activities in Andhra Pradesh. Based on his suggestion and his initiative, FSF India decided >to organise a national convention of free software activists. Under his leadership, FSF India worked with other organisations like University of Hyderabad and Swecha to conduct >the first national convention. >However due to the inexperience of the local organisers, the valedictory session became a platform for anti-free software propaganda. Some of the speakers invited for the >valedictory session used the opportunity to spread messages against Free Software. Though other speakers like Dr. Nagarjuna did try to correct the misinformation, the damage >could not, obviously, be fully undone. >A free software event should support the free software cause, and that also means not lending its platform to the opponents of free software. >Those opponents have lots of money, and hold far more events than we do, in which they promote their ideas. They are not entitled to neuter our events by becoming speakers >there. I have been taken by surprise that being such eminent people of FSF India your response to the National Conference held at HCU unfortunately ends up like this. Having been a part of the Conference is this all that you noticed or cared to mention about? It can be stated without second thoughts that the first National Conference was certainly a success, it brought out the true spirit of freedom among a varied lot and spread knowledge in a new and unique way, to the extent that there has been a great response ever since. The entire event and those who worked so hard to make it such a success have been appreciated by all. And you address them as "inexperienced local organisers" ? I have not heard a word of praise ever pertaining the event from you. This is seriously disappointing, it would rather have been better if you would not have said anything at all, like you remained all these months, than actually criticizing the event and the efforts of the organizers.

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Free Software Free Society Conference in Trivandrum
by Arun M 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Dear Friends, FSF India decided to support http://fsfs.in/ conference being organised under Government of Kerala. Conference schedule will be updated soon. A note on the conference is given below. It would be interesting if we can provide video stream using free software. I found this link http://giss.tv/ Do you know any one with experience in this and willing to help us ? with regards arun 2nd International conference on Freedom in Computing, Development and Culture. 9-11, December 2008 at Mascot Convention Center, Thiruvananthapuram The Free Software Movement, started about a quarter of a century back, pioneered the various movements for freedom in the digital world – for instance, free knowledge represented by Wikipedia or freedom of creative works from copyright restrictions represented by Creative Commons. We also see a new form of social production where collaboration becomes more important than competition, where people from different parts of the world co-operate to create digital products including documents, music or software. These movements, in their own way, are helping to bring about a reduction in the Digital Divide and increasing access to useful works of knowledge. It is perhaps time to define the contours of this new space and situate interventions therein. Located at the intersection of Free Software, Development and Society, the FSFS Conference will examine the application of the Free Software model for freeing intellectual artefacts from the clutches of restrictive laws (like the Copyright Act), and making them available for human development. The conference will also address, inter alia, issues such as technology access and the digital divide, legal issues, and experiences of using the Free Software model in fields such as music, and literature.

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by Arvind Kumar Chinniah 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Now the cat is out of bag. It is clear from the statement from Board of directors that the on going battle against the Kochi conference got the covert and overt blessing from the whole board of FSF though some of them participating in the conference. The name Free Software Foundation (FSF) and its emblem, the wheel symbol might have be patented by FSF in any of Indian Patent office if not in US and the ban imposed by FSF, not to use the name FSF is understandable but the FSF cannot extend its territory to impose a ban on others not to use the term Free Software. The point no 11 state that the FSF India is willing to accept monetary or other support from any source so long as it comes without any strings attached and FSF India reserves the right to criticize any organization that, according to it, acts against the interests of the Free Software movement, irrespective of whether they have been supporting FSF India in any manner. This policy itself is flawed. When you get the fund from an organization and got the right to criticize it, what kind of ethics it is. Ethics courses conducted in many universities clearly guide that the way to handle such kind of conflict of interest is not to get fund from the donor who is about to be criticized. However you may come out with a theory that the money the donor earned was from the knowledge of the people who are working with them which is supposed to be in public domain. I understand that, based on the above policy, FSF, Boston has accepted fund from the same Novell. If you apply the same policy to the organizers of Kochi conference, you have no ground to oppose the organisers who got fund from Novell. I want to ask the question from you whether any such protest was organized by FSF Boston after getting fund from Novell. The point no. 5 state that it is opposing the policies of CPI(M) led government IKM supported propriety software in Kerala. Before registering such protest with the CPI(M) government, did you ask them what constraints they have in implementing free software in their activities or why do they support IKM supported propriety software? Did you register such protest with all other state governments who are supporting propriety software? Why do you choose CPI(M) led governments alone? The point no. 11 clearly states that the FSF governing body is not a democratic body and it will nominate a person into the body like a guru anoints his shisya as in Sankara Mutt. When you don't follow any democratic norms, what point you have against the organisers of the Kochi conference to state that the authorities stopped the protesters in an authoritarian and undemocratic manner as mentioned in point 9. The point no 6 states that FSF doesn't have campaign against Novell which implies that it is nothing to do with the boycott Novell campaign at Kochi conference. You say Novell is contributing to Free software but many of the Novell's action put the free software community's and the user's freedom at risk. It implies that Novel is very good as they are contributing to free software but some of their actions embarrass the free software community. This position eliminates your option of boycott Novel campaign. The only option left before you is to talk to Novell as they are your fellow traveler according to your statement and advise them not to embarrass the free software community. Then why do you poke your nose with the boycott novel organized by somebody who doesn't have any connection with FSF like FSF-TN or the organisers of Kochi conference and state that it was stopped undemocratically. Did you think the way the protesters did their job is legitimate? What right they have to deface exhibit material displayed by the organisers. It is like defacing the billboards of shops which was not written in Marathi by Raj Thakery's Navnirman Sena. It is common occurrence that many times violence took place in many places of our country when a political party pasted a poster over which the rival political party pastes another poster. The organisers approach the CUSAT authorities and got due permission from them to conduct the conference explaining the details of the activities they are going to have in the conference. If the protesters want to have some activities inside CUSAT, they should have approached the CUSAT authorities and got due permission to carry out their Boycott Novell campaign, whatever it may be like pasting posters or handbills or protest demonstration. If I be in a position of CUSAT authorities, I would not allow two activities simultaneously took place in my campus which are opposite in nature and this is what it was precisely done by CUSAT authorities. How does it be called undemocratic? When you have difference with the organisers, the way it was conducted you have no right to disturb their activities, you can organise your protest action at some other place. When you say that FSF is not a mass movement, what business you have with the organizers of Koch conference who wish to take free software to mass level? You got irked by the success of the organisers who could able to organise a huge mass and felt that the free software is your private property and was stolen by the organisers, and instigated a section of people to organise the protest Novell Campaign which is a knee jerk reaction on the part of FSF. - Arvind --- On *Fri, 11/28/08, Arun M <arun(a)gnu.org.in>* wrote: From: Arun M <arun(a)gnu.org.in> Subject: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents To: "fsf-friends" <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in> Date: Friday, November 28, 2008, 8:39 PM Dear Friends Please find FSF India's statement on recent developments. http://www.gnu.org.in/board-statement-on-recent-issues I hope this addresses some, if not all, the questions. More documents will be published in the coming days. regards arun _______________________________________________ Fsf-friends mailing listFsf-friends@mm.gnu.org.inhttp://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by pratapreddy 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

On Sun, 2008-11-30 at 00:39 +0530, Nagarjuna G. wrote: > On Sun, Nov 30, 2008 at 12:22 AM, pratapreddy <pratap.fsf(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Dear friends, > > > > I am referring to FSF India Board statement on recent issues.. > > > > It is quite surprising to me while going through the description to the > > first question-Who organized the first national conference on free > > software in 2007. The statement says... > > > > <quote> > > ..... Based on his suggestion and his initiative, FSF India decided to > > organize a national convention of free software activists. Under his > > leadership, FSF India worked with other organizations like University of > > Hyderabad and Swecha to conduct the first national convention. > > <unquote> > > > > A committed group of Swecha activists, academicians from Universities > > like JNTU, OU in-association with University of Hyderabad actively > > involved in the first national conference. This group is very important > > They should be given due credit. I think community involvement is the > > key factor for the success. > > > > "A committed group of Swecha activists, academicians from Universities > like JNTU, OU in-association with University of Hyderabad actively > involved in the first national conference." I second this statement > from Pratapreddy. Can we edit the statement? Thank you Dr. Nagarjuna. The community will be happy if you incorporate the above statement. > > Nagarjuna I have another concern with regard to first first question. Many of us are inspired by the first national conference on free software at Hyderabad. I think the statement needs further editing. "It is successful platform for sharing knowledge as well as experiences among free software community. The conference paved the way for the free software community to expand in India." In any event success is to be projected reflecting the relality. Please focuss this direction also. pratap. -- Dr. L. Pratap Reddy, Prof. in ECE Department, JNTU College of Engineering, Kukatpally, Hyderabad - 500 085.

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by vijay reddy 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

HI > >>I am sorry, but I don't understand why it is shocking. Is something > >>seriously wrong with it? "FSF India does not have any plan to form local chapters. FSF India is not a mass based organisation." Dont you think this one statement in itself is shocking.Being the leaders of the movemet/organisation you all should be guiding it rather than sabotaging it with this sort of a stand. Many enthusiasts like me work in this movement and try to bridge the digital divide and take technology (free softwares) to the people(masses). Reading the above statement shocked me. And also that FSF India does not have any plans to form local chapters. If FSF can start local bodies like FSF I, then FSF I should also start local chapters, whats stopping and more importantly why stopping?? > >>This also is not clear to me. How is FSF India trying to divide the > >>existing committee? What committee, as a matter of fact? Well it was a typo. It should be community and not committee. Don't you think that adapting this sort of an approach will divide the community. If you dont think so, then going through the works of RMS and Eben Moglen would facilitate in the thinking process and help in understanding why I felt so. > >>Again, I fail to understand how FSF India is killing the movement. I > >>have heard this being repeated often, but have not yet been able to > >>understand. Can you please explain? People who have worked in taking the Free Software Philosophy ,paradigm and technologies to the people would better understand why this sort of approach kills the movement. > >>And we already have FSUGs and GLUGs that are very active. What is the > >>point in setting up another organisation? I have neither asked nor mentioned anywhere to set up another organisation. What i have asked is why take a stand on not setting up of local chapters? I think there is a lot of difference in setting up another organisation and setting up of local chapters of an existing organisation (or company; use the appropriate term as per rules/regulations). > >>More people using Free Software and understanding its philosophy are > >>objectives all of us are working for. But how does this reflect on the > >>constitution of the Board of FSF India? The constitution should, I > >>think, depend on the function. Constitution reflects the objectives we work for. How is it that the constitution says one thing but the objectives of the very organisation that follows the same constitution be different. This is hypocrisy to the core. > >>FSF India's role is to ensure that the ideals of Free Software are not > >>distorted, and to promote Free Software and its ideals. This requires > >>that the people on the board are clear about the philosophy of Free > >>Software. When a large section of the population does not have that > >>clarity, it is not advisable to have an elected body which may or may > >>not stick with the philosophy. I find major problems there. > >>As I tried to explain above, FSF India cannot be a democratic body > >>precisely because its aim is not to reflect the aspirations of the > >>public but to act as a touchstone for the philosophy of Free Software > >>(which, I hope, you believe in), on the one hand, and to advocate Free > >>Software and its philosophy, on the other. And remember, a member of the > >>Board gets no authority on the FS community or on anything else. There > >>is nothing attractive about being a member of the Board. The Foundation > >>is not ruling over anything. It is not like a government. Well i totally accept your point that one of the major objective of FSF-I is to advocate Free Software and its Philosophy, and i firmly belive in the same. Thats the very reason why i am shocked by the stand taken by the people who are supposed to be the leaders. I would like to know, is it possible to advocate the same in a vast country without having local chapters? > > > > In fact, if you take the history of Free Software, it was RMS who > started things and set up the GNU project, the GPL and the other > licences. It was not done in consultation with the people. It was only > in the case of GPL v3 that there were consultations with the community. > Even there, the clauses were not decided on the basis of a vote. A lot > of people the world over happen to think that all these are good for > society, and so they support it. > > >>And there is no aristocratic manner anywhere. All the members are > >>available for discussion and anyone is welcome. There are no guards or > >>protocols to be observed ;-) Well if it is not a democratic organisation, then the way in which the board framed the responses and the way in which i acts and would act can not be democratic either.Since you have mentioned that it is not democratic, there is no point in discussion,as per your anti-democratic stand. Hence,i feel, it is aristocratic. > > > > Hope you understand. > > Best > -- > V. Sasi Kumar > Free Software Foundation of India > http://swatantryam.blogspot.com > Hope i made my understanding clear. -- Vijay Chandra

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by vijay reddy 29 Nov '08

29 Nov '08

Hi, The answer given by FSF India on the question "Is FSF planning to start local chapters in every state?" is shocking. Why is FSF India trying to divide the existing commitee with this sort of approach.What they should be ideally doing is to encourage setting up of local chapters and strengthening the movement. But with this sort of stand and approach they are in fact killing the movement, killing the enthu among the people who are a part of the movement. Stating that " FSF India is not a mass organisation" is itself in contradiction to what the founder of Free Software Movement, Mr. Richard's speaks, that of majority of people using and evangelising free software. It would be better if the people who frame these should be in sync with what the majority of the community thinks rather than act in an aristocratic manner. Vijay Chandra

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Statement of FSF India board on recent incidents
by pratapreddy 29 Nov '08

29 Nov '08

Dear friends, I am referring to FSF India Board statement on recent issues.. It is quite surprising to me while going through the description to the first question-Who organized the first national conference on free software in 2007. The statement says... <quote> ..... Based on his suggestion and his initiative, FSF India decided to organize a national convention of free software activists. Under his leadership, FSF India worked with other organizations like University of Hyderabad and Swecha to conduct the first national convention. <unquote> A committed group of Swecha activists, academicians from Universities like JNTU, OU in-association with University of Hyderabad actively involved in the first national conference. This group is very important They should be given due credit. I think community involvement is the key factor for the success. More over the conference announcement is available in Swecha web site but not in FSF India portal. (Board statement confirmed it). I may not agree in toto with the continuation of the statement referring to valedictory session... The emphasis delivered by one of the speakers in the valedictory session is mainly focussed on bridging the gap in the digital divide. I dont think that he used our platform for anti-free software propaganda. On many occasions he encouraged free software. In Indian scenario, more and more community participation in a larger democratic interest will be the final solution. pratap, -- Dr. L. Pratap Reddy, Prof. in ECE Department, JNTU College of Engineering, Kukatpally, Hyderabad - 500 085. cell no. +91 94900 98012

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Item-9 in Open Source Definition
by Mani A 28 Nov '08

28 Nov '08

It is obvious that Clause 9 in http://opensource.org/docs/osd is against the principles of FOSS. (Quote "The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software. For example, the license must not insist that all other programs distributed on the same medium must be open-source software. ") Obviously it is not being modified due to corporate pressure. Even http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html does not explicitly find fault with it. This must change. Best A. Mani -- A. Mani Member, Cal. Math. Soc

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Re: [Fsf-friends] a clarification needed
by Vikram Vincent 26 Nov '08

26 Nov '08

Greetings, 2008/11/18 Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)gnowledge.org> > On Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:59 PM, Vikram Vincent > <vincentvikram(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > 2008/11/18 Arun M <arun(a)gnu.org.in> > >> > >> <snip>FSF India was not part of the conference though some board members > >> participated > >> in the event. Our participation is no way an endorsement to the > >> conference. > >> FSF India do have its own stand on the conference. Please note that > >> this has nothing > >> to do with what happened. > > > > Why is it that FSF-I has no public opinion about anything important? > > Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore... > > We want to know the reason for FSF-I not being a part of the conference. > > From the Vision of FSF-I http://www.gnu.org.in/why-we-exist the only > work of > > FSF-I is to be a not-for-profit company with certain goals which are not > > mass movement oriented. This is not useful to the Free Software Movement > > which is a mass movement. > > Is FSF-I democratic in its constitution? Meaning, are the members elected > or > > do company policies apply? > > If FSF-I continues in this manner then why do we need any FSF-I? We need > an > > organisation which can guide this Movement and not simply to give > > verdict/blessings that "this/you is/are right", "that/you is/are > wrong",... > > We want to know how FSF-I intends to proceed in the future. Does it plan > to > > be a participant in the Movement? We want it to be democratic and > > representative of the Movement in all senses and not simply through talk. > > A large set of questions, and each of them will be clarified. > > Nagarjuna > Since almost a week has passed would this be an ok time for a friendly reminder? Kindly also address the following: When was the last time that FSF-I had an election to the committee? When does it plan to have the next elections? Which system of functioning does FSF-I follow since sister FSFs do not follow the same system... -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/

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Free software is the future. The Future is ours.
by justin joseph 24 Nov '08

24 Nov '08

In the nationanl conference on Free Software at cochin, Slum dweller had put up a stall with Mani's paintings: http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/23/stories/2008112354831000.htm However the report mentions "Open Source". But slum dweller is a Free Software person and understands: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html Yesterday we had a discussion, "are we getting more publicity than we deserve". However it has helped, that is important to inspire youths nearby slums to start such computer centers using Free Software. Though the center itself has a very long way to go and Mani's Free Software paintings are worth the publicity.

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Re: [Fsf-friends] FSFS.in will have a larger controversy
by Mani A 23 Nov '08

23 Nov '08

On Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 9:55 AM, V. Sasi Kumar <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> remain transparent. Corporate bodies can never really be trusted. The >> intent of some 'document freedom camps' for example, are suspect. > You mean, the donor should have some obligations? I thought you meant > that the acceptor should have obligations. But even saying that the I mean the acceptor should have obligations. The specific additional terms agreed to by the parties should be stated. It should be for interested people in the community to try something ... in case of any apparent irregularities. The purpose is to strengthen the free software movements. Hopefully it will help different groups to improve their resources. Best A. Mani -- A. Mani Member, Cal. Math. Soc

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Draft letter to VTU VC - Say NO to vendor lock-in in education
by Vikram Vincent 23 Nov '08

23 Nov '08

http://bangalore.gnu.org.in/index.php/SayNOToVendorLockInInEducation -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/

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Re: [Fsf-friends] FSFS.in will have a larger controversy
by Mani A 22 Nov '08

22 Nov '08

On Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 9:42 PM, V. Sasi Kumar <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> My point is that the act of accepting donations should have legal >> obligations associated. > > Why should there be legal obligations associated? There will usually be Ultimately the community has to trust a few at any given point of time. So it makes lot of sense. Moreover the whole process would remain transparent. Corporate bodies can never really be trusted. The intent of some 'document freedom camps' for example, are suspect. Best A. Mani -- A. Mani Member, Cal. Math. Soc

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FSFS.in will have a larger controversy
by CK Raju 22 Nov '08

22 Nov '08

"At times, Sun is to Microsoft what Novell is to Microsoft." Looks like a perfect recipe for another round of international controversy at FSFS.in I'm busy re-loading ammunition.... CK Raju

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Fwd: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART- 3)
by jinesh kj 22 Nov '08

22 Nov '08

Vikram Vincent, very nicely written. It is very tough to read as parts, Better post to some blog and provide link. That will help in reading everything as one(hope you got me no offence). I just saw a good comment on Anivar's blog by Dr. P. Madhu. He talks about freedom, i felt it interesting. Freedom is not a favour we receive. It is our right. CUSAT "allowing" expression of freedom is ridiculous! "Freedom" itself is protest against "unfreedom". It is a frontal attack on unfreedom. Free software movement is a protest movement! That is the way it should be. Unfreedom should be opposed. Emotionally charged protests against unfreedom is nowhere inferior to any other forms of protest. When one invests one's self for anything there will be emotion. The vandalism unleashed by the undeserving "Doctors" of CUSAT only reminds the Bush Administration's doctored version of freedom. Bush Administrationwas fighting for the hegemony of oil companies he was representing. Bhasi and his allies were representing NOVELL! Forcing unfreedom in the guise of freedom is a rogue activity. Protest against such a rogue sabotage is ethical response to it. Freedom is not allotted to any one! It has to be grabbed. Why to lament on comments coming against India! A patriotic Bullshit! Unfreedom whether comes through backdoor or front door those who defend freedom have to stop it. Freedom and unfreedom cannot co-exist. Someone was writing about conspiracy. Conspiracy did not come from protesters. It is very much there. Micronovell IS a conspiracy. In a world of unfreedom, fight against it cannot be other than "rash," "impolite," and "democratic" ( what is democracy for Mr.Joseph Thomas?). Nothing unfortunate happened. Something that deserves protest is protested. The protest should continue. Indeed it should gain more force and vigour. Have RMS a say on this issue. That should bring some wisdom to the doctor and his allies like Joseph! The reconciliation Joseph describes reminds me of Stalin-Hitler reconciliation pack! Poor win-winners! Dr.P.Madhu He might differ from your view on many things, but it is better to read through what he talks about freedom, it extends beyond software. Jinesh K J -- My Feelings,Expressions- http://logbookofanobserver.blogspot.com My scribblings- http://logbookofanobserver.wordpress.com SMC : My computer, My language http://smc.org.in സ്വതന്ത്ര മലയാളം കമ്പ്യൂട്ടിങ്ങ്, എന്റെ കമ്പ്യൂട്ടറിന് എന്റെ ഭാഷ

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Mission Mode Project
by CK Raju 22 Nov '08

22 Nov '08

"Through 26 Mission Mode Projects and 8 support components that are estimated to cost over Rs. 23,000 crores over the next 5 years. Major Governmentdevelopmen t programs like NREG scheme will be implemented on an e-governance format. S tates have the flexibility to add up to 5 state-specific projects. The entire effort involves 500 implementation agencies, 2 lakh sites and an estimated 70,000 man-years of effort." Details at http://www.indg.in/e-governance/egov-missionproject/view?set_language=en ========== "Requirements for Customization in the CIPA Software Core, and the additional Local Development, are being discussed with States viz. Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh; and being incorporated/developed." [The link says hardware already delivered for Kerala Police.] Details at http://www.mit.gov.in/default.aspx?id=870 ========== In the "Implementation Guidelines, 2007", "ANNEXURE VI – FUNDING PLAN, it says 50% of System Software would be paid in 9th month and remaining 50% in the 12th month after commencement of the project. Interestingly it also says RDBMS should be SQL 2003 compliant - which Microsoft and Oracle "claims" (who is the authority - they themselves, who else) they are. ========== Thus, in Kerala we are seeing the beginning of another major successful move, possibly initiated by proprietary software corporates - and Kerala Police being made the first victims, if that be the case. The Government IT consultants here should abandon such gross criminal intents, at least for the sake of future generations here. Kerala Police has a fairly umblemished record in administrative matters. Can IT secretarial office of Govt of Kerala shed some light ? CK Raju

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Update 2 on my Blog post: Congrats From RMS
by Anivar Aravind 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

Updated the blog post http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… 1. Mail From RMS ============== I received a mail from RMS (Richard Mathew Stallman) , the founder of Free Software movement. He says First of all, congratulations on being the first free software activist to be physically attacked for a peaceful protest. This means our movement is gaining in stature ;-). He also commented about our campaign strategy ANIVAR> Most of the participants in the Conference were newbies and Novell is ANIVAR> the only GNU/Linux distro widely promoted in the exhibition. Our ANIVAR> protest is not targeted at Organizers or Novell. It was just a way to ANIVAR> spread awareness on Novell's evil trends through the posters to ANIVAR> prevent Novell's misguiding new users That's the right way to approach it. 2. ILUG Cochin's Event Report ==================== ILUG Cochin Released an Event Report about the event. The event Report says The series of events that happened was bad in terms of the organizers taking an unnecessary tough stand on the matter and not lending an ear to the actual facts. We were happy to raise our voice and protest with the Free Software community opposing the likes of forces like Novell. Indeed it was good to see a resistance in a programme of such magnitude like the National Conference. Although there is no doubt to the fact that the conference did its job, bringing people from all walks of life and ILUG Cochin did the job telling people the principles behind it, the opposition against Novell has also increased the significance and importance of the event thereby bringing about a lot of questions into the community which would not have been raised otherwise. 3. SMC's Statement ============= <snip> Members from SMC were part of the Programme Committee and the Souvenir Committee. There were no indication that Novell was the platinum sponsor of this Free Software Event. The organisers never communicated about the sponsorship and thus betrayed the whole Free Software community as Novell did. This is evident from the incidents that occurred after the peaceful campaign to boycott Novell by the SMC members & other Free Software Supporters present at the meeting. </snip> <snip> SMC takes this opportunity to deeply condemn the organisers decision to include Novell into the Free Software event. SMC urges the organisers of the event to aplogize to the community on this dreadful alliance with the notorious Novell Corporation and the way the organisers treated Free Software Campaigners. </snip> Also Read Comments http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… Anivar Aravind -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

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Re: [Fsf-friends] FSFS.in will have a larger controversy
by CK Raju 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

On Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 3:30 PM, Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)gnowledge.org>wrote: > Therefore, if we do not mend our behavior or change our standpoint > according to who is supporting the movement (like an opportunist), we > are on the right path. > I thought of sending across this Cliff Richard's lines to Sun Microsystems. When I was young my father said "Sun I have something to say" And what he told me I'll never forget until my dyin' day. He said "Sun you are a bachelor boy and that's the way to stay. Sun, you be a bachelor boy until your dyin' day" Cheers, CK Raju

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Report & Decisions of Community Meeting (20-11-2008) on FSFS exhibition
by Anoop Jacob Thomas 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

Hello Friends, We had a Free Software Community meeting at Space Office, Trivandrum. The community has a special privilege of having few stalls in the upcoming conference(FSFS). The agenda of the meeting was to divide the stalls among the participating Free Software communities. The following people took part in the meeting, I doubt if I have left anyone, if so please update me. Ashik Salahudeen, Ranjith S Kumar, Anoop Jacob Thomas(myself), Saral, Mani, Cherry, Joju Joshua, Anoop S, Vimal Joseph, James P Mathews, Adhap, Rajiv S. R, Akhil Sasidharan We have decided to divide the stalls as themes. And 10 themes have been decided. 1. Why Free Software (why anyone should be using Free Software) 2. Install Fest (GNU/Linux install fest) 3. Repository Counter (Distros, distro repos, applications, games etc) 4. Copylefted Materials Counter (Printed copylefted articles) 5. SMC (Swathanthra Malayalam Computing) 6. Developing in Free Software (IDEs,Linux Kernel and device driver programming, Embedded Systems), 7. General Applications (GIMP, Blender, Openoffice.org, etc), 8. Scientific Computing (Scilab, Mayavi, Octave, Stellarium, Marble etc), 9. More Free Operating Systems (showing GNU/Hurd, React OS,OpenSolaris etc,for information to the student community as they can help further in development) 10. Fosstronics (Fedora electronics lab, Open Hardware etc) The main aim of the public event at Kanakakunnu(exhibition) is to educate the public. So we must be providing informative materials also. We need volunteers for this effort. We will be having a poster exhibition at Kanakakunnu Palace, we need posters for that purpose and few people have shown interest in creating posters. Others if not able to meet us personally need not worry, you can send the posters to my email id and also post it in the group. Eventhough themes have been decided we have not split up the themes among the communities. Members please throw in your ideas as to what all can be showcased among the 10 themes. So friends all of you can be a part of this Mega Event, you can take up any of the above themes. We can add more applications to theme 7 (general applications) if needed. And if anyone is ready to take a seminar on any topic related to Free Software please contact us. In Why Free Software, Install Fest and Repository Counters we wish to give out fliers(notice) which will contain neccesary information about Free Software, Contact Information of volunteers who can assist in installation, Equivalent Softwares etc. The copylefted articles counter will give information about Wikipedia. Printed copylefted articles will be showcased and we will be giving out a compilation of copylefted articles on CD or USB. SMC will assist a common man on all queries regarding Malayalam Computing. We can give notices so that people will be provided with a reference material. Developing in Free Software will showcase the IDEs like eclipse, anjuta etc. Linux Kernel and device driver programming will also be demonstrated. So infact we need volunteers who can take up each activity in the stalls. Communities please come up with your ideas. Those who have not joined FSFS-discuss please join the mailing list and be a part of the event. http://www.fsfs.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsfs-discuss Friends please post information about the conference in all communities you know and pass it to all you friends and family members. Anyone can contact me for information and suggestions. Please call me only on or after the 26th of Nov(as roaming incoming charges are high [:(]), but you can mail me. -- Anoop Jacob Thomas Mobile: 9846670945 Email: anoopjt(a)gmail.com Join: http://www.fsfs.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsfs-discuss

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Good bye to this list
by Deepa Paul |ദീപാ പോള്‍ 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

On Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 7:41 PM, Laxminarayan Kamath <kamathln(a)gmail.com> wrote: > On 11/20/08, Deepa Paul |************ ************* > <deepa.paul(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Dear fellow comrades, >> >> Male Chauvinism rules this this list now. >> Deepa Paul > > > http://xkcd.com/385/ > > I can see some connection here. I just dunno what. > Thats a good one. Sarcasm accepted :-) Replying to list > -- > Laxminarayan Kamath Ammembal > http://lankerisms.blogspot.com > (+91) 9945036093 >

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Good bye to this list
by Deepa Paul |ദീപാ പോള്‍ 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

Dear fellow comrades, Male Chauvinism rules this this list now. Any of us are bot going to achieve anything out of it. I am really tired of reading mails with Chauvinist attacks and counters . This is the last request to stop this FLAME not at all based on the ethos of free software. If this continues I have to quit this space. I feel I am not the only one tired with this flames. I request all responsible members to relcaim this list . I am waiting 2 more days before saying good buy to list Deepa Paul

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Fox marries chicken, both moves to henhouse
by CK Raju 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

I found it hard to believe but the story is true. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Gardner/index.php?p=2369 CK Raju

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Re: [Fsf-friends] [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART - 1)
by Vikram Vincent 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

Till now I have been as polite and to the point focussing only on objective issues relevant to the future of the Free Software Movement in India and Karnataka in specific. But it seems that personal attacks seem to be the "in thing". Anivar, Read my clarification below. I shall make it bold to enable you to clearly read it.* My request for clarification is very clear I had asked Anivar to provide mails where I have been abusive in the least. * *I never asked him to delete reference that I walked over to read the handbills being pasted in the main venue. http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002194.html* *http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002196.html * 2008/11/20 Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> > On Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 2:14 PM, Vikram Vincent <vincentvikram(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > > > > > 2008/11/20 naveen mudunuru <naveenmudunuru(a)gmail.com> > >> > >> Anivar, > >> > >> i saw your blog and it is ridiculous, Vikram never requested you to omit > >> those lines he questioned ur statement and gave clarification about your > >> posting on his participation(as per his mail to the same list). > > It is true that he participated. You can confirm it with other people > participated in protest. But if he dont want to put this fact, the > only option in front of me is to strike that sentence. Why do you destroy your own credibility with such false statment? Read my reply above. I never denied coming over and reading your handbills. I only asked for clarification as to when have I sent abusive mails. > > > Anivar > > >Vikram > >> please clarify if you had a talk to him or mailed him anything other > than > >> what you mailed to the list. make some sense in what ever you write. > >** > > *My request for clarification is very clear > I had asked Anivar to provide mails where I have been abusive in the least. > I never asked him to delete reference that I walked over to read the > handbills being pasted in the main venue.* > * http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002194.html<http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002196.html> * *http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsug-bangalore/2008-November/002196.html *

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Fwd: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART- 3)
by Vikram Vincent 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <naveen.nj(a)birlasoft.com> Date: 2008/11/20 Subject: Re: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART- 3) To: fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in * PART – 3 * * (This is a continuation of PART-1 & PART - 2. So first read PART-1& PART -2 and then read PART- 3)*** *A Glimpse into The FSF Conference - CUSAT* Ah, the drama version alias the one-man-show! Organizers asked the posters to be removed triggering the one-man-show exponentially. I came across numerous mails/blogs/messages that a mob of 20 was protesting. But this one big man was being recorded by the rest in their respective hi-technology cell phones – and the man was happy and on fire. 20 minutes after this incident – pics & movies in various angles were posted online – the very proof to the above fact. Before attempting any intentional-publicity-claim, informing the media is a dirty trick played so often by many such small 'organizations'. He knew it, the *samurai*, and now we know it, watching his moves n movies in the videos recorded. Allies arrived flying for rescue aid in 20 minutes after the show-off started – now that makes me suspicious (just me or even you?). A 'press conference' threat raised by this gentleman incase the poster is not removed before the arrival of CM proves his/their intention to the core line. The University Registrar made a polite request, but then he had his own standards of replying dirty – and so he was asked to stepped off (instead of being slapped off). Glimpsing through the Conference Organizers let me put my view in this regard. Free Software has to be FREE as the name says – no possessor in terms of the giants in this arena, no patent and nobody enjoys cumulative accounts. People who have been earning money couching idly in their bedroom cushions are scared when CPM, who has a massive and valiant history of struggle against capitalism and monopoly, is promoting free software. CPM is supporting a fetus in this arena of Software World and must be supported by all. If the people who messed and the people who organized happen to be the same, I truly believe you have affronted your own organization and give your heart and soul to your cause next time and better keep things at your home within your walls! Criticizers... I do understand that growth and criticism seems to be parallel but they meet only after realizing that the blogs and mails you use for complimentary, to criticize but actually has to be colossally appreciated, has the tinge and scent of the sweat, pain and blood of these organizers. Regards, Naveen ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Anivar Aravind* <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 5:51 PM Subject: [FSUG-Bangalore] My Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest To: Principal Support List of FSF-India <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software Users Group - Bangalore <fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software User Group Thrissur- Discussion list <discuss(a)lists.fsugtsr.org> I blogged about the national Conference & Boycott Novell Protest http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… If you are any more questions to me. Leave a comment on the post . I will update the FAQ Anivar -- I am always happy when I am Protesting: Richard M. Stallman _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore

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Fwd: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART- 2)
by Vikram Vincent 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <naveen.nj(a)birlasoft.com> Date: 2008/11/20 Subject: Re: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART- 2) To: fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in * PART – 2 * * (This is a continuation of PART-1. So first read PART-1 and then read PART- 2)*** *A Glimpse into The FSF Conference - CUSAT* I understand the passion the free software activists had while protesting against Novell, an outflow of grave anti-dominion feel. But this was not the way, especially considering that the protest against Novell was lead by a member of the program committee – there should've been some morale. 'NOVELL' was the next important thing after the conference from Saturday, considering the gargantuan 20x30 backdrop hung in the main stage. I must say, being humble enough to proclaim that I possess some basic common-sense that it is next to unbelievable that among the 15 – 20 people behind the BOYCOTT NOVELL MOVEMENT, not even one of them saw this banner. I remember Mr. Arkky (the cameraman in the exhibition hall) who send a mail about this, and many others retorting about this '*UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT'* but present in the inauguration ceremony. As per the hierarchy of incidents, the fact that Novell had a hand in sponsorship was realized too late by them, too difficult for me to accept considering the above facts, and even if they knew it early, instead of resorting to cheap publicity methods and making a mess of things they should've shown the sense of making it clear with other committee members like Anil and Deepak who have made their points clear through blogs and mails before. But they fled with their say-sos and made the innocents from MEC & TCR Engg College partners of their crime – conspiring how to make a huge mess out of the whole thing. Some* ALUMNI* did approach the organizers but not to gather support for BOYCOTT NOVELL movement, but to escape the hands of the volunteers for the chaos caused by these so called revolutionaries. Novell put up their stall only after giving the sponsorship cash to the organizers. I won't be able to digest the reason – even if I get one – why one among the program committee member himself lead this anarchy!!!!!!!. Why I call it a beautiful drama, I'll speak about later - but after this drama of incidents I had a casual chat with the organizers of the Novell stall. They actually thanked the protestors – how wonderful – as the whole incidents boosted up their publicity. People who knew nothing about Novell now know everything about it – the very purpose of stalls & publicity. 'Boycott Novell' posters were pasted in many stalls forcefully. Banners welcoming the delegates put up on behalf of the various associations like Cochin University Employees Association and Cochin University Teachers Association etc had no escape... Dr Bhasi, a highly honored faculty of CUSAT, when trying to obstruct the chaos that ensued in the exhibition hall was probed about his authority in the matter. It is demeaning to note that a former student stooped to such low levels as to ask such a respected man to remove the posters himself. I do take this as an opportunity to express my heartfelt regret at such an action. Even the University Security Officer, Mr. Suresh Babu – an extremely student friendly officer, was assaulted by questions about his authority and was asked to show his identity card – how appalling for him, for us. Volunteers, pushing away their exam pressures going on throughout this month did an awesome job to make the whole program a grant success – their dedication and commitment to the principles of such a movement being the driving force. Unfortunately they too weren't spared. The 'former students' who did witness a variant of such an atrocity during Culturals and Sports can have a better understanding, I suppose. *(To be continued as PART – 3)* Regards, Naveen ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Anivar Aravind* <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 5:51 PM Subject: [FSUG-Bangalore] My Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest To: Principal Support List of FSF-India <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software Users Group - Bangalore <fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software User Group Thrissur- Discussion list <discuss(a)lists.fsugtsr.org> I blogged about the national Conference & Boycott Novell Protest http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… If you are any more questions to me. Leave a comment on the post . I will update the FAQ Anivar -- I am always happy when I am Protesting: Richard M. Stallman _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************* "This message and any attachments are solely for the intended recipient and may contain Birlasoft confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient,any disclosure,copying, use, or distribution of the information included in this message and any attachments is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us by reply e-mail at (administrator(a)birlasoft.com) and permanently delete this message and any attachments. Thank you." ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************* _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/

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Fwd: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART - 1)
by Vikram Vincent 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <naveen.nj(a)birlasoft.com> Date: 2008/11/20 Subject: Re: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest (PART - 1) To: fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in *PART - 1* ** *A Glimpse into The FSF Conference - CUSAT* I am a fresher – in all aspects – into FSF. I feel my pulse mount when I see monopoly, the reason that leads me down here. I was back to my campus (CUSAT) last weekend when I came to know about this conference and had the honor of being a delegate for the last two days. But what I witnessed finally had to be mentioned about, at least to serve my mindset. A Temple of Education – one like CUSAT – esteemed to be one among the best in the state has been affronted by some recent series of atrocious incidents happened during the Free Software National Conference - labeling the students and teachers of this prestigious institution as erratic and irresponsible, questioning their integrity and devotion. It has been raised by some 'former students' and some so-called revolutionaries who love to be addressed as the 'proprietors of free software movement, supported by a few intellects. I, as an alumni and a witness to the roll of incidents take it as my obligation to comment on it. The SFI and the CUSAT University Union is being blamed in the light of the recent incidents that took place. But the fact that it was SFI who first invited Richard Stallman *(Prophet of FSF)*to preside over the Students Parliament which held on 2004 in Trivandrum and that it was the CUSAT University Union who made the platform for him in CUSAT is being deliberately kept under cover. The tradition of CUSAT B.Tech Students - has been put down! There was a time when they retorted the monopoly of the big players when the American Dictator was screeching Iraq with bombs - with pure rejection of sponsorships from big-names like Pepsi & Coke and moved into the court raising fund from among them to accomplish their Culturals & Sports. Let's get into the nerves of this Novell Whim. Only two days before the conference started did the organizing committee get the sponsorship from Novell - the reason why Novell's name was omitted from the official website of the conference. Organizing committee is at an obvious burden for not letting themselves know who is pouring in such a huge amount – lack of commonsense, I must say!!! But its beating around the bush, let me hit on the nail - the fact that Novell's stall appeared in the exhibition only on Saturday morning while the exhibition actually started on Thursday, is the ultimate proof that sponsorship from Novell was confirmed only on Thursday or Friday. It is intriguing that even after knowing this one of the program committee members himself is raising the issue that Novell's name was purposefully omitted from the conference website. This has to be thought off amply. *(To be continued as Part 2)* Regards, Naveen ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Anivar Aravind* <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 5:51 PM Subject: [FSUG-Bangalore] My Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest To: Principal Support List of FSF-India <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software Users Group - Bangalore <fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, Free Software User Group Thrissur- Discussion list <discuss(a)lists.fsugtsr.org> I blogged about the national Conference & Boycott Novell Protest http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… If you are any more questions to me. Leave a comment on the post . I will update the FAQ Anivar -- I am always happy when I am Protesting: Richard M. Stallman _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore

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Freedom of expression cant be suppressed with muscle power
by Anivar Aravind 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

Freedom of expression cant be suppressed with muscle power. MES students recovered deleted videos from their memory card. I posted them in my blog post http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2008/national-free-software-conference-boy… -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

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The conference issues and facts
by Kiran Chandra 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

It is very unfortunate that a campaign on the name of novell is being carried out against the conference which is also going out of proportion. These kinds of attempts just harm the movement and will be of no good. Hence i am coming out with facts. The sole contention should be to keep the freedom flag waving. There would be none who would not be criticising the collaboration of Novell with Microsoft. However confining the attention of the entire community to one issue would undermine the importance and success of the conference which is historic for the free software movement. This protest doesn't appear to be the one against novell rather to be against an important confernce of a high magnitude in the history of the movement. This was a conference which was well attended by 1500+ participants that includes industry, students, academia, Vice Chancellors, Policy makers and many others from all walks of life. There were 30 seminars, 17 workshops, 18 open fora, exhibition and many other kinds of activities.There were good number of declarations made and initiatives taken up. At a time when there is a back door entry of software patents an initiative on behalf of the lawyer community to take on the patents in the legal battles was announced. An agreement for collaboration between eight universities to conduct research on and based on free software and to implement it was made. There are many in these lines which have been an outcome of this conference. There was huge number of academia representing this conference. Any protest organised, will generally be made in front of the office of novell or in the presence of the representative of the novell. However this protest was not called when the novell representative was there on the dias as a speaker on which me and nagarjuna were also present. The community has never seen any protest in front of the novell offices or the other conferences supported by novell accross india. The situp was organised infront of the main hall, the posters were being put at all parts of the campus. The actions thus appear to the community that they were just not against novell but against the conference. This is not the first time that such issues are being created by the same people. They were trying to create hurdles, divert the attention and subvert it even during the preparations of the conference. There are many conferences that are happenning in the country which are organised by many others, we as FSF India will be attending them and try to ensure to get the best benefit for the movement. The main organiser was CUSAT(Cochin University of Science and Technology), there is an LDF govt. which supports free software hence the conference could get support externally. These kind of conferences are in the interest of Free Software Movement. We in the movement are trying to rally the support of all political parties. Tomorrow even other political parties also will be forced to support us, the movement will have to be built accordingly. Why should we a part of the community get involved in killing initiatives and attributing them to the events of political parties. Attributing such things would not help the movement to grow. The community watching these kind of developments will be forced to beleive that these people only want to subvert the conference. The university authorities will act in their own discipline if there is some problem that creeps in the course of the conference. Any man handling is condemned without any second thought. This conference was not organised by novel or was it the sole sponsorer. It was one among the many sponsorers. Taking up a campaign which is not in the top list of FSF campaigns and calling for the boycott novell protest on the second day of the conference when the entire delegation was seriously debating the issues concerning just undermines the conference. This hue and cry rather than helping the movement just undermines the conference and the movement. This is absolutely not doing good to the movement. The continuous row on whatever levels(either personal or official) and spilling over words will just harm the movement. The energy of the community that should be focussing on more important issues is being dragged into such debates which will not help in attending to important issues confronting the movement. Let us march to the international conference with the spirit of the conferences held and concentrate more on the priority issues like patents which is an immediate necessity. --Kiran Chandra

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some concerns
by haynes davis 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Does FSF-India want to continue the 'Boycott-Novell protest' by pasting posters over Novell posters and boards all over India? Will FSF-India condemn the cpim hijack news that came in Mangalam and Newage Business ? The hijack view is expressed by many who are associated with FSF-India. Will FSF-India disassociate from such comments? If FSF-India takes any decision on these, who all will be bounded by that? Can any one 'escape' the decision by representing any other group? During the decision making who all will be heard in the process? How can FSF-India make sure that the communities' concerns at large can be addressed? Regards, Haynes

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Time for a Change
by Roshan Phillip 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Friends, I think it is high time for a change....we need a strong organization to take this movement forward. And for that we need a strong leadership. Nagarjuna, Arun etc are good..but their activities seem too localized. I think Kiran Chandra has proved himself as a very able leader within a short span. His activities in Andhra, Grass root level work in Bangalore, the big event in Chennai and finally in Kochi, all these are just signs of how an organization should be taken forward. Moreover, an organization cannot work in isolation. Kiran's close connections with the Communist Party can be and should be used for the benefit of the organization. Being the editor of CPI(M)s very popular newspaper, he should be able to take the organization to the next level. On behalf of the free software volunteers across the country, i request the current leadership to step down gracefully, as it is high time for a change.

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Thanks ilug cochin
by Senthil Sundaram (sensunda) 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Hi, I would also like to second the report of ilugc...if initial reporting was not sensational and confrontational..things would have been much better for us.. also seeing the pictures in anivars blog/video i thought people had infact a good chance to protest..till the last unfortunate turn of event.. and i repeat if some seniors wrote in the way ilug-cochi wrote - we wouldnt have had these flames..i hope fsf-i sides with people like this rather than sensationalists. thanks senthil

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Fwd: [ILUG-Cochin.org] ILUG Stall at National Conference 2008
by Anivar Aravind 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <events(a)ilug-cochin.org> Date: Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:34 PM Subject: [ILUG-Cochin.org] ILUG Stall at National Conference 2008 To: mailinglist(a)ilug-cochin.org Warm Greetings to the Swathanthra Software Community, The ILUG Stall at the National Conference was a grand success, simply because we were the only stall with the theme "Freedom" emphasizing the core values of Free Software unlike most of the other stalls at the exhibition. Of Course it is debatable question as to the presence of stalls from fertilizers to fisheries at the exhibition, but of course it was a very great opportunity to explain to them the core values of this social movement. Also considering the fact that there were lot of proprietary software being exhibited in several stalls. We raised our voice against these stalls, providing our help to replace it with Free Software. Some agreed while others were reluctant. The stall was put up from 13th after bringing in the machines the previous day night. But it wasnt until 14th afternoon that the stall reached full fledged functioning. Although we had been given a small space at the conference, we made best use of it, by displaying very good and relevant information about Free Software and the GNU movement thereby keeping our stall always filled with people. We had 4 machines setup to display various applications. One of them was used to give a demo of the Installation process of the Debian and Gnewsense DVDs and CDs we were distributing. Ours was a stall, were anyone could just walkin and try their hands at any of the applications, this helped people to get a feel of what Free Software was. Again this is considering the fact that 90% of all the visitors were either new to Free Software or had just started using it. In order to meet the expenses for the stall we had distributed Debian GNU/Linux DVDs and Gnewsense CDs for a price. While we never forced anyone to pay the original price, we explicitly told them to pay whatever they like the minimum being the cost of the DVDs. While for CDs several were given free of cost to the people who visited, especially students and those who could not afford. The first day saw very few people visiting the stall. The second day turned out to be more crowded with people turning out in moderate numbers. There were students, parents, freelance developers and teachers turning up at our stall to understand what exactly free software meant. The most important achievement was we being able to clear up several of the misconceptions. The hard copies of RMS Essays we had put up for a price were also purchased by a few. The first day of the conference had a big rush at the exhibition venue with the delegates pouring in as well. A couple of us had attended a session by Nagarjuna (gnowledge.org), FSF India Chairman. After the speech we caught up with him and guided him to a second venue to devliver his next speech. Nagarjuna came to the exhibition late and visited our stall. Although there have been discussions offline about our plans to change the group Name, nothing has been discussed on the list yet. We made use of the occasion when Nagarjuna visited us and requested him to correct our name for us on our banner. He accepted our request and as per our initial plans he corrected our name on the banner to "Indian Libre User Group". He also spend some time with ILUG Cochin Members, SNGIST College students and MES College students. He also discussed a few points about the "Business model of Free Software" with Mr Unais Mohammed" from KSEB. We also had the FSUG Bangalore coming to put up their stall at the venue. It was also a stall of the Ambedkar Community Computer Center, were a handicapped boy Mani was selling pictures made by him using Free Software(GIMP). We had a great time with the students and faculty of SNGIST College, Manjaly and MES College of Engg, Kuttipuram sharing their knowledge with us. Sunday was a day of action in every way. There were two sessions by ILUG on the day. "Significance of Free Software on Mobile Platforms" was handled by Sameer and an Open Forum Discussion on "Significance of Free Software Groups in Society". The first talk focussed on the growing importance of Operating Systems on Mobile Phones and how Free Software was the apt choice for Mobile platforms as well. "OpenMoko" was used as a reference. The Open Forum discussion was focussed more on helping 3 groups to help form User Groups in their colleges. SNGIST Manjaly, Paravur. KKTM Kodungaloor, and CUSAT. The dicussion saw several of the participants pouring out ideas to start groups in these colleges. CUSAT already having a Free Software group, just needed to get it up an running again. A group of people belonging to the Free Software Community including students had also done a protest against the main sponsor Novell, ILUG Cochin also pledged their support by putting up posters of "BoyCott Novell" in the stall.Some friends of the members of ILUG Cochin had come in and handed over posters and volunteered to stick them in the stall. At the same moment the organizers were rushing towards our stall to remove the posters as Novell had objected to it. The rough behaviour from the organizers were a matter of concern, especially the seizure of the cameras carrying the pictures of the brawl. The series of events that happened was bad in terms of the organizers taking an unnecessary tough stand on the matter and not lending an ear to the actual facts. We were happy to raise our voice and protest with the Free Software community opposing the likes of forces like Novell. Indeed it was good to see a resistance in a programme of such magnitude like the National Conference. Although there is no doubt to the fact that the conference did its job, bringing people from all walks of life and ILUG Cochin did the job telling people the principles behind it, the opposition against Novell has also increased the significance and importance of the event thereby bringing about a lot of questions into the community which would not have been raised otherwise. The stall was dismantled by 5.00pm at the end of the exhibition and everyone left for home after an eventful day and 4 days of hard work. Thanks to Binny and Sreenadh for spending all 4 days in the stall from day to night. Thanks to Shibin, Kevin Sha, Anil, IB Manoj for helping with the functioning of the stall. Thanks to the students and faculty of SNGIST Manjaly for helping us out with the stall and taking care of it in our absence. Thanks to Nagarjuna G for spending a great time with us. All the people who visited the stall. And of course the organizers of the National Conference for having provided us an opportunity to put up the stall Unfortunately senior members like Jay Jacob and Balakrishan Sir were unable to make it to the conference. _______________________________________________ Mailinglist mailing list Mailinglist(a)ilug-cochin.org http://ilug-cochin.org/mailman/listinfo/mailinglist_ilug-cochin.org -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

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Is civil disobedience required for Free Software Movement
by renuka prasad 18 Nov '08

18 Nov '08

Want to hear from you all about the subject mentioned above This request is not for discussions about any particular event or any incidents that have or are taking place , please avpid any kind of cross references , please put your own thought More interested to know what software freedom fighters think about this , If you are a software freedom fighter believing in the ideologies of FSM initiated by RMS and can think about the topic mentioned in the subject can help me in understanding about the same regards

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