[Koha-devel] Open Source or Free Software?

[MJ Ray]

On 2003-04-22 12:12:17 +0100 Chris Cormack <chris at 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.

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