Why not call it "Libre for Libraries"? :-) Cheers, Wol -----Original Message----- From: MJ Ray [mailto:markj@cloaked.freeserve.co.uk] Sent: 22 April 2003 12:44 To: Chris Cormack Cc: koha-devel@lists.sourceforge.net Subject: Re: [Koha-devel] Open Source or Free Software? On 2003-04-22 12:12:17 +0100 Chris Cormack <chris@katipo.co.nz> wrote:

In this case Rachel was meaning Free as in free beer.

OK, fair enough, but that's not free software, as was being discussed. [...]

The easiest way to do this on the front page of the koha site, in a simple way that most people understand was to use the term Open Source.

People don't understand "Open Source" and the OSI definition is far too long to be memorable by the average human brain unless they are a specialist OSI-advocate. The fuzzy concept of "open source" is part of the reason why the confusion marketing tactics of certain free software opponents are so successful.

Having said that, as I said before I refer to Koha as Free Software, or Open Source, depending on who im talking to. Which I think is the best solution.

I disagree, as you've probably gathered. ;-) Very few non-specialist audiences understand either term, so an explanation is useful and I go for the clearest simplest explanation, honed over 20 years.

As long as people understand its licensed under the GPL and what that entails .. i dont really mind what its called :-)

Well, yes, the important thing is the concept, not the brand, isn't it? I agree entirely, so suggest that people reject the brand-as-king "Open Source" term. -- MJR http://mjr.towers.org.uk/ IM: slef@jabber.at This is my home web site. This for Jabber Messaging. How's my writing? Let me know via any of my contact details. ------------------------------------------------------- This sf.net email is sponsored by:ThinkGeek Welcome to geek heaven. http://thinkgeek.com/sf _______________________________________________ Koha-devel mailing list Koha-devel@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/koha-devel