First of all, I have changed the subject of this discussion and I hope the writer will not mind that. There has been a very long discussion in the Delhi LUG meetings and mails on the topic of what should be discussed (everything that is Linux based, or just the open-source software based). This lead to a voting and the result was overwhelming in the favour of "Everything that is Linux based". 26 Votes versus 5 votes. Having settled this, although people on the other side (free software only) did try to hijack the discussion and the group, but it seems that the group is settling down to the decision taken. I say this, because, finally, in the last meeting, there were two presentations on subjects that were commercial and proprietory. So, that aspect is settled.
To me, and obviously when we go by the voting results, to the overwhelming majority in the LUG, it is of interest that LINUX grows and that it grows to become the number one Operating System - not just for some consultants to earn money, but for atleast the majority of users, be they at home, office or enterprise -. Linux has that capability and the world deserves for this capability to be aptly exposed and available and used. We all know very well the benefits that Linux gives to users and so I am not repeating them here. For this to happen, LUGs have an important role to play and at times members here have wondered whether the Delhi LUG is a voluntary group belonging to all the members or just a small group that is trying to hijack Linux and make the group to be "free software group". As it came in the "heated discussions", both these aspects (everything Linux and Free software) can be together as part of the group. But, ofcourse, if those who want a "separate and pure free software group", they have the full liberty to form one. But, in that case, they have no right to hijack the Linux Users Group (the Delhi LUG) and they will have to form their own separate group, calling it whatever they like. But, this issue, has been well settled and I hope they will not try to manipulate things further. I say this setence, because, in the meeting of January 2003, this manipulation was attempted again. One also notices that since the meeting of August 2002 (when this issue of everything Linux or only Free software was started), the minutes of the meetings have not been posted to the group or to the website. This can be seen as another attempt to hide things that are not comfortable to some people (who got just 5 votes against the overwhelming majority of 26 votes). I for one, am for coexistance and reconciliation. I am clear that both these streams can coexist. But, on the other hand, I will put all my efforts to see that Linux is not hijacked. There were attempts at Kolkata also - during the seminar on Linux organised by COMPASS (organisers of the IT fair, on 24 Jan 2003), but more of that later. I hope, as time passes, we, as LUG will grow to become a more and more cohesive team, working together, as much as each one can contribute, towards the cause of Freedom that Linux so well carries ahead. It is important to realise that LUG is not owned by any individual and if someone tries to that, he/she will only be insulting others and hence will be bound to get back a strong kick from them all - because "people do react to insults" and specially when they are all putting their efforts as volunteers. On Thu, 2003-02-27 at 05:15, Achal Prabhakar wrote: > I think this list SHOULD and MUST promote any kind of software which uses > open-source software as its basis. One of the most significant reasons why > companies do not switch to linux is lack of commercial software. The more > such Kalkulate "like" software there are more are the chances of linux > penetrating the enterprise area. > > I have noticed this pointless debate on whether we should/should not allow > such posts on the list for quite some time. Including a very heated one. > In my opinion, people who initiate such discussions would do much good in > putting that much effort into more productive tasks. > > Moreover, how many companies are there in India who are using Linux to > produce commercial/non-commercial software, let alone software which is > BASED on linux. So please give a break to those who are atleast trying. > > -Achal -- Peace, Force & Joy! Sudhir Gandotra. ------------------------------------------------------------ Kalculate Eval-CD : http://kalculate.com/eval-register.html ------------------------------------------------------------ LG bundles Kalculate with MY-PC Available across India eSYS bundles Kalculate with ePC http://kalculate.com ------------------------------------------------------------ Transform lives: http://humanistmovement.org/ !!! Treat Others As You Would Have Them Treat You !!! ------------------------------------------------------------ IndServe InfoTech Pvt. Ltd. T-88-C,First Floor,Khirki,Malviya Nagar,N.Delhi110017,INDIA Phones : 91-11-2667 4681 to 4685 Cell : (0)98101-20918 ------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================ To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with unsubscribe in subject header. Check archives at http://www.mail-archive.com/ilugd%40wpaa.org
