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[Bug 571524] Re: Open Source definition is inaccurate

 

These comments from doctormo are valuable; however, while some address
inaccuracies in the description, others simply expand the scope of the
description more broadly than a beginning user may need or even wish.
The initial draft of this section included information about free
software and explanations of its characteristics and benefits.
Nevertheless, the team decided to use the term "open source software"
when describing Ubuntu, because this is the designation Canonical
prefers.  Further distinction and description threatens to confuse the
novice reader.  For instance, Doctormo is certainly correct that free
software involves plenty of monetary and non-monetary costs that are
"hidden" from novice end-users (i.e., labor hours, infrastructural costs
for development, etc.) -- but descriptions of these costs might
sidetrack or confuse the uninitiated.  Having said that, I do believe we
should update the description to more appropriately address the
difference between open source "copyleft" licenses and more traditional
"copyright."  This information should be of particular interest to
readers who've turned to the chapter to, after all, "learn more."  We
should approach other edits -- such as the one that replaces the OSI's
definition with the FSF's -- with more deliberation.

-- 
Open Source definition is inaccurate
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/571524
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Status in Ubuntu Manual: Confirmed

Bug description:
I've made an annotation for the open source definition in the current version of the published manual:

http://www.co-ment.net/embed/2458/public_view/

I've noted all the glaring inaccuracies which will continue a lot of the misconceptions about what FOSS is and why it's important.





References