[linux-audio-user] Re: distorting Linuxsampler

[tim hall]

On Thursday 20 April 2006 14:45, Paul Davis was like:
> On Thu, 2006-04-20 at 03:28 +0100, tim hall wrote:
> > this case the LS developers are making it clear that they do not want to
> > be distributed by Debian. DFSG is very clear on this point. I think it is
> > a shame, but it is their software and they are entitled to license it
> > exactly how they choose. It does mean that LinuxSampler will never become
> > the flagship application that its name implies. Yeah, MO, sure.
>
> i heard an interesting comment from mike shaver of the firefox/mozilla
> project last year. he wondered openly why on earth they (mozilla.org)
> would actually want their software distributed by third parties. third
> parties who compile and package in ways beyond their control.
>
> this assumption that inclusion in a distro is the only way to get
> software to linux users needs careful examination.

That is an interesting and salient point. The way I see it, the point of a 
distro is to provide a stable base. It does not need to contain all the 
software under the sun. The fact that Debian or any other distro cannot 
distribute something really is not the end of the world.  I am very happy to 
use non-commercial software myself, however currently that means seeking it 
out and usually compiling it. No big deal. Many users are lazy, stupid and 
want everything handed to them on a plate[0], they will use what they are 
given and moan when it does not do as they expect. Firefox has probably done 
enough promotion to maintain their market share, let´s face it, it is not 
distributed with MSWindows is it?

I think LinuxSampler actually could use distro support at the moment and MO is 
that it will not achieve the flagship status that it may deserve otherwise. 
My experience of 3rd party distribution is that you have to allow people to 
take commercial advantage of your product to make distribution worthwhile. 
This brings up another whole load of issues that I do not want to go into 
right now. I do not see the need for all the apparent emotionality around the 
subject. Debian operates under a strict set of rules, which is what makes it 
different from other distros. I challenge the idea that Debian is somehow 
being mean by doing this.
-- 
cheers,

tim hall
http://glastonburymusic.org.uk/tim
[0] I am fully aware that this is an appalling generalisation. ;)