3 ms·

Why did you quote free software but not opensource? I am curious to know what the difference in your writing intended to convey.

• TuringTest 11y ago
  That may be because "free software" is still an ambiguous term, while open source is relatively unambiguous. I prefer to use Free Software as my disambiguator of choice, but I understand the GP using the other form, and occasionally use it myself.
  • jordigh 11y ago
    In my experience, people frequently think that "open source" means a bunch of different things, such as "visible source code" (and nothing more) or "opposite of commercial" (i.e. no money allowed) or "inviting public participation" (as in "open source governance").
  • dmm 11y ago
    > while open source is relatively unambiguous In my experience both terms are ambiguous. Many people seem to believe that "open source" simply means the source is available for examination. For example: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3205771 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3205771
  • bachmeier 11y ago
    Both are ambiguous, as explained here: https://opensource.org/faq#free-software https://opensource.org/faq#free-software If you want to make an unambiguous statement, use "OSI approved license".
• brudgers 11y ago
  I think a charitable reading would be that it was intended to convey something other than offense.
  • jordigh 11y ago
    Of course. I don't think anyone is offended. But what was the intended meaning? Can you figure it out?
    • brudgers 11y ago
      I take it as trying, apparently without success, to avoid stepping on a land mine.