Re: [gentoo-amd64] Re: How To Play WMV?

[Boyd Stephen Smith Jr.]

On Thursday 28 September 2006 10:37, Daniel Iliev <danny@××××××××.com> 
wrote about 'Re: [gentoo-amd64]  Re: How To Play WMV?':
> Duncan wrote:
> > However, I
> > don't do slaveryware, and most freedomware
> > has already been ported to amd64, so I compile it 64-bit.
> >
> > I'll likely be
> > switching back to Intel for the first time since the mid-90s, since
> > they have good free video drivers.  I'd definitely be buying Intel if
> > I were in the market today, for that reason.

I agree, I would buy Intel today if I were in the market for a video card.

> > I didn't switch to Linux
> > after a decade on slaveryware just to be enslaved by a different
> > master, and enslaved it is, when the lack of ATI and NVidia drivers is
> > the only reason xorg-7.1 is not yet stable on x86 or amd64, and it's
> > the same thing with other distributions -- their actions are holding a
> > large segment of the would-be free software world hostage.  Call it
> > what you like, I call choosing to be a hostage to the whims of a
> > software overlord choosing to be enslaved, and I both refuse to do it,
> > and refuse to have my money go toward funding the slave-masters!

I'm still using the NVidia proprietary drivers, because I have hardware 
that requires them for 3D acceleration (and a number of games that refuse 
to work un-accelerated).  So, there's just not a tenable free alternative.

With multimedia formats, there is a wealth free formats available, so I 
just don't use non-free formats.

I will also remember NVidia when it comes time to purchase a new system, 
and buy something that has fully-functional and free drivers.  e.g. freed 
ATI, Intel or perhaps the card from the open graphics project.

> Come on, guys! Those are very strong words: "hostages", "slavery",
> "freedom".

Yes, we know.  That's *why* he uses them.  Strong words for strong 
convictions.

> As far as I have free access to the necessary information to make my
> choice and the possibility to live by that choice I consider myself
> free.

And and anytime non-free software is one of the choices you LACK the 
information needed to make the choice.  You can't profile the code for 
performance bottlenecks or audit it for security considerations. Also, 
using non-free software take choices away from you later.

> Now let me put here a funny example about freedom and convenience.
> Suppose you have a very dear friend from the childhood. Life separated
> you as each one took a different path. After many years accidentally you
> find your buddy in The Internet.
> and he sends you a
> wmv compressed clip...
>
> Now what? You gonna tell your friend "Sorry, man, but I'm not gonna see
> your family 'cause I like my freedom!"
> Come ooon! ;-)))))))))))))

Yes, the same way I told my brother I couldn't watch his wedding because it 
was webcast in a non-free format.  I same way I told my employer I 
couldn't provide my resume in MS Word format.  The same way I tell my 
roommate I can't watch YouTube.

I'd also take the opportunity to tell him how to put his video in an 
accessible format and possibly let him know about free alternatives.

I guess to you, (software) freedom is not worth much.  It is to me.

> The last thing I want is to start some useless discussion titled "what
> should I sacrifice for freedom".

I think you are already there. :P

-- 
"If there's one thing we've established over the years,
it's that the vast majority of our users don't have the slightest
clue what's best for them in terms of package stability."
-- Gentoo Developer Ciaran McCreesh