press release critique

[Stefan Meretz]

Hilaire Fernandes wrote:
> On Sat, 05 May 2001 11:13:31 +0200
> Stefan Meretz <stefan.meretz at hbv.org> wrote:
> Stefan> > No, making money is a good motivation to do things. When we say making money with
> Stefan> > free software we then encourage people to make free software.
> Stefan>
> Stefan> Completely disagree. Please read http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/motivation.html
> Stefan> "Creativity and intrinsic interest diminish if task is done for gain"
> 
> I know this article. But instead I was thinking about the people that write code for a living.
> I remember someone post a message on that topic before, that if he had the choice, he
> will prefer writing free code for a living. So let's say to people that they can make money
> writing free software instead of proprietary ones.

Ok, I would do this too. But you can also drive taxi or do other
stuff. There are many choices to handle the "problem money". So
don't focus on the money-game when you want to bring freedom
forward.

> Stefan> I didn't talk about free software being "gratis". I talk about the first goals:
> Stefan> freedom or money.
> 
> I know you did'nt :-) This was intend for the people out there, knowing little about
> free software.

Then tell them about freedom not about money.
Pew, I got a feeling to be RMS himself preaching freedom in the
church of emacs;-)

> Stefan> No, they think, there is no difference to ESR, and they are right.
> 
> Oh! So they improve their knowledge a bit then :-)

Yes, they should. But be sure: they know much about money, they view
the world through "money glasses". Don't  be so submissive and tell
want they want to hear.

> However I have some doubt this is the case.

Me too.

Ciao,
Stefan

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