jeff wrote:
Hans de Goede wrote:
Really, arguing that Fedora's stance is inconsistent, while in reality
yours is doesn't gain you much respect. Either:
1) all firmware is software and must be free in which case support for
evil hardware which comes with the firmware embedded must be removed
from linux-libre!
No, because the goal of linux-libre is to have a kernel which doesn't
distribute non-free software.
Oh, but promoting the usage and buying of devices which contain non-free
firmware by supporting those is ok, because it isn't non-free firmware that is
evil. It is the distributing of non-free firmware that is evil. Yes a very
consistent and logical pov for which I applaud you!
Basicly the message you are sending is: people please by devices with firmware
in rom, preferably otp rom, because then certainly there is no evil. Not being
able to ever change the firmware is good, because as long as firmware never
gets distributed separately from the hardware, we can pretend its not there and
live our ignorance is bliss lifes thinking that we are in the all software in
my house is free utopia. Because if I cannot see it it isn't there.
Really that I didn't think of this before, it is so brilliant! I guess I should
do away with all my PC's and instead switch to an internet appliance device,
because then I no longer have to worry about whether I have any non-free
software at all. Certainly if I don't need to install the software myself it
isn't there at all then.
2) all firmware is considered part of the hardware, independend of the
distribution mechanism of that firmware (the Fedora pov).
---> No, the difference is Fedora is *DISTRIBUTING* the non-free bits.
<---
So the goal of linux-libre is to not distribute non-free software. Do you ever
buy a PC / laptop? If so you're involved in a transaction which almost
certainly involves the distribution of non-free firmware. Worse, not only are
you involved in such a transaction, you are _paying_ for the system of which
the non-free firmware is an integral part and thus you are paying for non-free
firmware, thereby promoting the production of non-free firmware.
Do you ever sell any of you PC hardware (motherboard, latop, printer) second
hand and / or give it away to friends / family, then you are *DISTRIBUTING*
non-free firmware. Really, they should put you in prison for that!
Please stop being so hypocritical.
Putting it simply there are 2 possible stances on non-free firmware:
1) Its evil and as such should be erradicated, therefor I will not buy or use
any devices with it. Nor will I add support for any devices containing
non-free firmware to my Free operating system
2) Its evil, but allas it is here, so although we are not in favor it we
condone it.
The its evil, but ok as long as not distributed vision is just plain
hypocritical, so you are happy *USING* it, and passing device which contain it
along to friends / family, but distributing it in a way where it is not hidden
inside a device is not OK?
Anyways this will be my last mail in this thread, I cannot argue against so
much hypocrisy and bend around corners logic.
Regards,
Hans
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