4 ms·

this seems mostly like a well written argument for the politics and procedure as well as implementation of emacs, and its absolutely worth a read. I don't hope

this seems mostly like a well written argument for the politics and procedure as well as implementation of emacs, and its absolutely worth a read. I don't hope to see this comment beyond down vote oblivion. the author dances around a fire I want to throw myself into though. for the uninitiated, RMS as a potential sexist, and his unorthodox commentary on the age of consent in particular made him an unwanted figure. never meet your heroes, or so they say I suppose... my burning question is what is RMS now? repentant? reflective? changed? alloyed or convicted beyond his gnu?

MBCook 4y ago
Even if we ignore the horrible pile of allegations against him (and we shouldn’t), I always come back to the same fundamental question. He did some very important work at launching the idea of free software and starting important projects/groups. That’s very commendable. What has he done in the last 20 years to seriously benefit things? He had refused to budge on software being free, and that’s laudable. But what has he done tangibly? Because all I ever see reported is software-wise is him standing in the way of things or rejecting the idea of improvements. What has he done to improve things? I’m not aware of anything even semi-recent.
- wombatpm 4y ago
  MIT used to be place that coddled mavericks and misfits. Now they drive the Aaron Swartzes of the world to suicide if they stick to their principles too much. RMS’s time has passed. Problem is there is not a replacement.
- Volundr 4y ago
  If nothing else, there needs to be a clear concession plan ASAP. One refrain I kept reading when he came back to the FSF was that we needed him back because no one else could lead this movement. Really? No one? In 36 years since the FSF was founded it hasn't managed to attract a single individual with the sufficient combination of motivation, morals, and skill to replace Stallman? If that's not the definition of failure I don't know what is. The man is 70 years old. Decent odds they'll be doing without him sooner than later.
  - morelisp 4y ago
    Kuhn should, likely would, have taken over GNU/FSF. RMS is not interesting in stepping down until he dies. Hopefully after he’s gone SPI, SFC, et al. can fill the (already present but not worth fighting with) development management void.
    - MBCook 4y ago
      I kind of wonder if we’re going to get a mini-revolution/blooming when RMS dies and all the good work he’s been holding back flourishes. Whatever happens, we’ll learn for sure just how important he is now as opposed to important what he had previously done was.

MBCook 4y ago

Even if we ignore the horrible pile of allegations against him (and we shouldn’t), I always come back to the same fundamental question. He did some very important work at launching the idea of free software and starting important projects/groups. That’s very commendable. What has he done in the last 20 years to seriously benefit things? He had refused to budge on software being free, and that’s laudable. But what has he done tangibly? Because all I ever see reported is software-wise is him standing in the way of things or rejecting the idea of improvements. What has he done to improve things? I’m not aware of anything even semi-recent.

wombatpm 4y ago
MIT used to be place that coddled mavericks and misfits. Now they drive the Aaron Swartzes of the world to suicide if they stick to their principles too much. RMS’s time has passed. Problem is there is not a replacement.
Volundr 4y ago
If nothing else, there needs to be a clear concession plan ASAP. One refrain I kept reading when he came back to the FSF was that we needed him back because no one else could lead this movement. Really? No one? In 36 years since the FSF was founded it hasn't managed to attract a single individual with the sufficient combination of motivation, morals, and skill to replace Stallman? If that's not the definition of failure I don't know what is. The man is 70 years old. Decent odds they'll be doing without him sooner than later.
- morelisp 4y ago
  Kuhn should, likely would, have taken over GNU/FSF. RMS is not interesting in stepping down until he dies. Hopefully after he’s gone SPI, SFC, et al. can fill the (already present but not worth fighting with) development management void.
  - MBCook 4y ago
    I kind of wonder if we’re going to get a mini-revolution/blooming when RMS dies and all the good work he’s been holding back flourishes. Whatever happens, we’ll learn for sure just how important he is now as opposed to important what he had previously done was.