[OT] Mono politics [was: Re: Compile Mono]

[Avi Greenbury]

On Thu, 15 May 2008 19:08:22 -0400
Bob McConnell <rmcconne at lightlink.com> wrote:

> Michael.Coll-Barth at VerizonWireless.com wrote:
> >  
> > Say what?  Wouldn't 'true software freedom' mean that I can use *any*
> > software I want?  Even if it isn't open source?
> 
> Yes, that is the meaning of freedom. But Mono is a blatant attempt to 
> slip proprietary components into Linux and take away that freedom. 

No. It isn't.

Mono being in Ubuntu is Ubuntu exploiting that freedom, by making it available.

If Ubuntu had looked at the licensing issues and decided that, on those grounds, they would ensure I could not use Mono under Ubuntu, _that_ would be taking away the freedom to use any software I want.

I use Skype and Opera, despite them being closed source. This, too, is me taking advantage of the freedom to use any software I like. Neither are restricting that freedom at all, certainly not by merit of being closed source.

-- 
Avi Greenbury