Zinnmann wrote:
I don't think, we have to mirror every single GPL software. But maybe a comprehensive catalogue of free software and data (like fonts) would be a good idea.
MM> It fits into the emotional state of this discussion that suddenly "a MM> free OGG player" has become "every single GPL software"...
Sorry, Magnus, my comment wasn't meant to be offensive. I apologize if it sounds like that.
No, it's just, that IMHO theres no need to distribute software as there enough download location. Of course a small Ogg-Player wouldn't harm our bandwith, but it might be a signal into a different diretion. Knowledge is our domain. And in my opinion we should stick to that. It's absolutely ok, to guide people to the (GPL) software they need. But we dont't have to offer it ourself.
I see merit in both positions. By taking a stand for OGG over MP3, we are inconveniencing people in the name of free content. We have an obligation to minimize that inconvenience, and this might be in part be resolved by hosting some GPL software and very user-friendly instructions for installing it. We can decide on a case by case basis.
A lot of GPL software is hosted on nerdy websites that would simply frighten inexperienced users. When that's the case, it would be nice if we used our public communication skills to help out.
--Jimbo