Ideological differences when representing Ubuntu in events.

[Martin Owens]

Ubuntu-MA is home of the Free Software Foundation's HQ. We get on fairly
well with the FSF on a personal level, though they have levelled
criticism at us about Ubuntu containing non-free, I have in tern
criticised the FSF in Boston of taking no positive action in the local
community, they are far too concerned with gradios world politics to get
down and dirty with installing and supporting Free Desktop machines.

It's an interesting relationship, but I think we all understand where
each of us is coming from. Ubuntu seeks to increase awareness and use of
Free Software by providing products that work, so long as we never
forget to mention the ideals, philosophies and principles of the Free
and Open Source ethos that gives us the great fortune of being able to
make computers work better, then I think we have no real conflict.

Consider this flyer:

http://doctormo.deviantart.com/art/Ubuntu-AnimeBos-Flyer-Front-156027211

An entire 1/6th of the flyer is dedicated to explaining FOSS in a
friendly way and it's certainly not trying to make light of the
importance of freedom. This weekend I think people appreciated a helping
hand explaining what it all means in clearer language as well as lots of
practical tips.

But would the FSF appreciate that balance? Depends on the person from
the FSF I think.

Regards, Martin Owens

On Sun, 2010-04-04 at 17:35 -0430, Efrain Valles wrote:
> I would like to salute everyone out there representing Ubuntu in
> events around the globe. With this email, The Venezuelan Team seeks a
> bit of council with regards the things we go through when we decide to
> go out and promote Ubuntu in our country. We seek to share experiences
> and possible solutions that you around the globe may have found when
> facing similar situations.
> 
> Since its beginnings, Ubuntu-ve has participated in the National
> Congress of Free Software and many other events where we share with
> sister projects of distributions and lugs. In recent years, the
> Ubuntu-ve has been put in situations where we participate in events
> and there is always a speaker or organizer of the event questioning
> Ubuntu's commitment with software freedom. This is something that we
> all know could lead to endless unfruitful conversations about ethics
> and other aspects. It is a good thing that over the years Ubuntu as a
> project has proved its solid commitment to Software Freedom and
> Ubuntu-ve has tried hard to convey that in our Local participation.
> 
> This year, The National Summit of Free Software considered leaving out
> Ubuntu all together based on the differences between GNU project in
> Venezuela and their opinion on Ubuntu as Free Software.
> 
> My worry lies with members that are joining the team and they see
> themselves being pointed at and receiving all this negative 5 year-old
> FUD statements that really wear out the spirit in some of the younger
> members of the team in really remote areas.
> 
> I am sure Ubuntu-ve is not alone in this situation and I would
> definitely love to read you experiences with this issue. The
> Venezuelan Team would be very energized to read yoru thoughts.
> 
> Warm hugs from Venezuela
> 
> -- 
> Efrain Valles
> Ubuntu LoCo Council Member
> https://launchpad.net/~effie-jayx
>