__/ [ Oliver Wong ] on Wednesday 19 July 2006 21:14 \__
> "Roy Schestowitz" <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:3327858.jsOBmJh90r@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Realising the true value of Freedom
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>> | ...This is when people who use GNU/Linux and free software will find out
>> | how much they have gained from this movement and then, people will start
>> | to realise the true meaning of the word 'Free' in 'Free Software' and
>> | associate it with the word 'Freedom'
>> `----
>>
>> http://linuxhelp.blogspot.com/2006/07/realising-true-value-of-freedom.html
>
> The analogy made by the blogger is quite a stretch...
>
> <quote>
> It is only when you enjoy a right and then that right is suddenly taken
> away from you that you start to realise how much it contributes to your
> well being.
>
> On a similar vein, many people who use free software including GNU/Linux
> take it for granted and do not even think twice about supporting the
> software they enjoy using. But suppose tomorrow, the rule of law passes a
> decree that using GPLed free software is against the law and prohibits the
> sharing of free software including GNU/Linux distributions. This is when
> people who use GNU/Linux and free software will find out how much they have
> gained from this movement
> </quote>
>
> Replace open source software with anything else that you can do regularly,
> and the point is no less powerful:
>
> <Example>But suppose tomorrow, the rule of law passes a decree that
> drinking beer is against the law...</Example>
> <Example>But suppose tomorrow, the rule of law passes a decree that surfing
> on the Internet is against the law...</Example>
> <Example>But suppose tomorrow, the rule of law passes a decree that
> thinking is against the law...</Example>
>
> I don't see the bombings in India and the subsequent Internet
> censorship
> as being related particularly to GNU/Linux.
Linuxhelp is a very popular Linux blog. The author (was his
name Ravi?) is from India, so he took the opportunity to
comment on the bombings in relation to the main theme
(Linux, thus on-topic), as well as the context (blogs). It
seems to happen quite frequently in Indian blogs because it
attracts the audience. In fact, this happens in every blog
([meponders about Linux Extremist /]) I'd just say: "fair
enough". In related recent news/study, most bloggers
concentrate on story-writing (usually about self) rather
than news (e.g. off-site reference). It seems to be a
transition, which affects me as well. It's the only way to
compete with 100 million blogs that act as an automated
channel to other Web sites. It's about distinguishing
oneself, as well as self expression.
Oops. I'm done rambling. *smile*
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