Interesting perspective by Drew DeVault on where the FSF fits in the current landscape of FOSS and what it needs to do to stay relevant.

  • pingveno@lemmy.ml
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    2 years ago

    I would love to see the “but it’s GNU/Linux!” shouts ended. In days of yore there was a case that you really were using the Linux kernel with a predominantly GNU user land, true. But now other projects like browsers, desktop environments, and office suites make up a much greater share of the code in a given system and the GNU portions can usually be swapped out. Insisting that GNU be put on a pedestal does a disservice to the rest of the ecosystem. Also, GNU/Linux just sounds clumsy, unlike Linux. Something that rolls off the tongue is its own virtue.

      • pingveno@lemmy.ml
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        2 years ago

        For the most part yes, but there are still adherents to “GNU/Linux” that will talk your ear off if you give them the air and an excuse.

    • ozamidas@lemmy.ml
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      2 years ago

      While it does sound clumsy, it also doesnt sound like a brand, and i appreciate that.

      The part that i appreciate the most about free software is its community. I think GNU/Linux highlights that more than pronouncing the name of a single project.

    • Captain Beyond@linkage.ds8.zone
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      2 years ago

      Insisting that GNU be put on a pedestal does a disservice to the rest of the ecosystem.

      Interestingly, this is the exact same argument I make against putting Linux on a pedestal.

    • m532@lemmy.ml
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      2 years ago

      Just GNU. GNU is the OS. They don’t call android Android/Linux either.

      • pingveno@lemmy.ml
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        2 years ago

        From the article:

        Hammering on about “GNU/Linux” nomenclature