FSUG-Bangalore November 2008

fsug-bangalore@mm.gnu.org.in

53 participants
115 discussions

Re: [FSUG-Bangalore] Blog post on National Conference & Boycott Novell Protest
by naveen.nj＠BIRLASOFT.COM 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

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. 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. 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- boycott-novell-turn-outs 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. 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FSF should distance itself from undemocratic, illegal, immoral and unjustifiable acts of protest.
by haynes davis 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

"YOUR FREEDOM ENDS FROM WHERE MY NOSE BEGINS"* *The Boycott-Novell protest that was staged during the National Conference at Kochi was really unfortunate. Not because of the ideology of Boycott-Novell, but the the intentions of some of the protesters. Was it good to paste posters in other stalls and on someone else's posters? Was not it against the principles of freedom? Was it good enough to challenge the organizers that 10 posters will be pasted for each one removed? So the intentions seemed to be to interrupt the function rather than raising a cause. And the saddest part is that the protester himself was one of the organizer. The organizers gave us the opportunity to raise our concerns through open forum or posters, but with out infringing on others freedom,without disrupting the function. Why some among us is writing articles in news papers opposing such initiatives live Kochi Conference? Do you think it was journalist who dug up the issue of cpim hijack of FSF. Some among us are creating confusion regarding the GRAND HIJACK THEORY. Why does not the FSF people stop the double speak. Please make the things straight and clean. Cpim has supported free software the most. Does not we need its support. Or why should we accept its support and then accuse it of hijacking. if its true then please come forward with press release on FSF letter pad accusing cpim so that we can end the controversies. Why FSF still does not condemn the undemocratic, immoral way of protest that took place. Are these happening with the knowledge of FSF persons who were present in the venue. Are they supporting these. FSF should distance itself from undemocratic,illegal, immoral and unjustifiable acts of protest. Regards, Haynes.

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Is civil disobedience required for Free Software Movement
by renuka prasad 19 Nov '08

19 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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Freedom of expression cant be suppressed with muscle power
by Anivar Aravind 19 Nov '08

19 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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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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Time for a Change
by Kiran Chandra 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Dear Friends, I dont subscribe to the points that Nagarjuna and Arun are not able leaders. Such kind of statements will not help the movement to grow rather create more confusion. The positions of Nagarjuna and FSF India Board are publicly know on many issues. The point that i am an editor of a news paper of CPI(M) or was an editor of the news paper of CPI(M) is not a fact. I was never the editor of any news paper. -Regards Kiran * * * * 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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For Your Kind Attention Please
by Parthan SR 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Hi, When you were all busy firing cannons at each other, somebody sneaked into our home turf - http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111956231000.htm -- --- With Regards, Parthan "technofreak" <gpg> 2FF01026 <blog> http://blog.technofreak.in

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Boycott Novell Protesters Man-handled at National Conference on Free Software 2008
by Rakesh 'arky' Ambati 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Hi, Boycott Novell Protesters Man-handled at National Conference on Free Software 2008 http://playingwithsid.blogspot.com/2008/11/boycott-novell-protesters-man-ha… Here is blow by blow account of trouble that brewed up on the second day of National Conference on Free Software 2008 in Cochin university. The activists put up posters against the Novell Corp (the main sponsor of this event) at the Free Software exhibition complex. The organisers called up Kochi police and man handled the Anivar Aravind a former student of the Cochin University and a well known free software activist. Cheers --arky Rakesh 'arky' Ambati Blog [ http://playingwithsid.blogspot.com ] Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger.yahoo.com/invite/

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Re: [FSUG-Bangalore] My Blog post on National Conference &..... By Aniwar
by Rahul Computerwala 18 Nov '08

18 Nov '08

1. i can clearly see from that video that the person is asking them to protest elsewhere but these protestors are adamant on being here and also the video taken, clearly all well planned adn wanting to gain mileage out of it. 2. As Aniwar telling that they were busy on 1st day, i think protesting against something wrong, if they fell it is, then they should have left other works and started the protested if he/they were really interested in free software movement at large.(i hope he/they werent planning for the second days protests)

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on FSF should distance itself from undemocratic????
by Rahul Computerwala 18 Nov '08

18 Nov '08

Replies to Arun's Comments: May I know the crime committed by me or FSF India ? *The clarity which is needed at this moment is the crime commited. Why one of the members from FSF-I says he will use the platform even if there is Microsoft conference while the other says why Novell???? If FSF-I is well communicated and transparent organization then why this DOUBLE SPEAK??? I have told this earlier also but some people aren't reading other mails except of posting their mails. Why is it FSFI folks take convenient personal positions and then different official positions and everything is confusing so much. * Why was the camera of students were captured and images were removed? *If anyone is trying to disrupt the peaceful and good conference and id you appease them naturally some people who may feel offended and I know its part of one of the mistakes done by volunteers. But noone will keep quiet as an individual if someone is trying to disrupt the functions in our house. I thought it was the same for them too.* Would this issue have been got out of control if the organizers allowed peaceful protest by putting some posters? * * *Being part of this conference I saw how peaceful the protestor was. I was there in the stall to witness it. Trying to put it up the stalls even though certain stall owners were quiet interested. And I could clearly see what the protestor/s could get when I saw the article in some magazines about these things. I could clearly see the mileage and as in Bangalore experience I know that Anivar is known for such stunts and now again as always he is using this platform which few others for there own personal gains. Condemn this intention and well preparedness of hampering such a positive conference.* * * *BOYCOTT NOVELL* *BOYCOTT CHEAP PUBLICITY STUNTS* Why Anil or other organisers did not respond when Anivar called him to come and resolve the issue? *My Question is, were protestors a bit patient enough to wait for the organizers to come, as they will naturally be busy in organising some or the other events???? Or was this protest a drama to create something for themselves. Some mileage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!* Some people seems to have some interest in showing this as a CPIM - FSF India fight. It is very easy to create David and Goliath and derail the discussion. *First clear the double speak and then ask questions who is creating what. Without being clear themselves I don't see this statement having any relevance. And as far as fight with political party and FSF-I goes I have been regular reader and I think this was started by one of the FSF-I members isn't it???. Anivar, sasikumar and matthew are ones who create this fight. FSF-I and some whole free timers have created such a David – Goliath issues. * * * *That's why I say. Without being clear don't comment. This would not have any ground. These comments does nothing but creates confusion within FSF community*. * * *With lots of questions on some of very confusing answers* * * *Devils Advocate for free software movement* * * *Rahul Computerwala*

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FSUG-Bangalore November 2008