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Well, they sell credit cards based on Linux and BSD mascots, and an overpriced $750 FPGA graphics card called OGD-1.

Well, they sell credit cards based on Linux and BSD mascots, and an overpriced $750 FPGA graphics card called OGD-1.

... find a way to contribute some small portion of their profits to The Apache Software Foundation?

Or any number of PHP- and Linux-related organizations?

Or Drupal?

That just seems to be the right thing to do, is all.

I'm not smart enough to make any direct contributions, but I do have a linuxfund.org credit card, so every time I use my credit card for my consulting business, instead of getting points or money back a contribution is made to open source development. I get lots of comments about the Tux picture on the card whenever I use it. Check it out a http://www.linuxfund.org./

Getting there, getting there. Just wait until you can run gEDA/PCB on open hardware designed with gEDA/PCB.

I disagree. I'm a college freshman, and I just picked up one of the Linux Fund credit cards. I'm not in any sort of debt -- in fact, I pay off the card in full every month, if not more often (if I've made a large purchase) to keep the balance down. If you pay for all your purchases at the end of every month, a credit card is an awesome tool to simplify your life rather than a potential source of monstrous debt. Just don't spend what you don't have, and you'll be fine.

You could nominate

The LinuxFund was never strictly about Linux, but Free an Open Source Software projects. I'm not sure I'd call Wikipedia a software project, but it is open source and does maintain the Mediawiki software.

So it's like Linux Fund except that the users get to donate money directly to projects?

It's actually kind of neat how various funding options have begun appearing. Writing OSS software is a thankless job that takes hundreds (sometimes thousands) of man-hours. I'm curious if there's a possibility in the future of software developers being employed full time on user funded projects.

The FSF (al least rms) adamantly resists using the term Linux to refer to anything other than the kernel. Thus the LinuxFund is clearly for funding the Linux kernel, and not any other Free Software. Since the FSF does not own the Linux kernel, they clearly should not get any of the money.

Clearly the EFF is not "Linux" either. I'm all for what they do. I'm just pointing out that the EFF does not reflect the same goals that I read on http://linuxfund.org/.

I'd suggest that someone set up a site to first poll for projects, and then allow folks to vote for them. If the polling and voting could be constrained to card holders, then all the better. Unfortunately I expect that would cost more to do than it is worth.

If it's going to go to one place, I'd recommend Debian, but then I'm a Debian developer. ;-)

PS: Perhaps a better name would have been FOSSFund.org ;-) /me likes that and registers it. I'll donate it if someone else (tm) maintains the fund.

PPS: I've been a card holder since '01 according to my card. I recall they had to re-open my account once and I think I got my first LinuxFund card back in '99.

So, how exactly does one apply for this card? I pulled up a list of all the cards MBNA does off of their website, and I don't see it listed. I went to the linuxfund page, and there's a link that says "click here to apply today", yet when I click there, I get sent to http://www.linuxfund.org/products, which is the same page I was already at.. Has it been discontinued? Meh. My credit is so bad I'm sure they wouldn't let me have it anyway. There's a number to call, but hey, I'm a geek, I'm not going to pick up a phone if there's a way to do it online.

• Developers are expected to become staff members.
  
• The funds distribution seems to be more focused more on "hiring" rather than individual project proposals.
  
• I can't access it at the moment, but it seems that the decision on a developer/project is made by an online chat rather than a small panel. (Nothing wrong with the idea of public review, though.)
  
• They don't seem to *pay* fair market value for developers and administrators. I'm sorry, but if you're only drawing a salary of $28k, you're probably going to have to find something else to support yourself. A salary closer to $50k would have made a better baseline, with consideration given to circumstances.

You make a lot of good points.

One thing I thought of recently: I wonder what would happen if instead of shelling out $200+ for a new copy of Windows, people donated that money to the Linux Fund.

I think a part of the problem with OpenSource is that people are really quick to code the fun parts of the programs, but some of the not so fun parts (that add up to a really polished feel) get left behind. If there was more paid development (ie. "This is your job monkey boy. Do it and you get a banana.") Maybe some of the things you're looking for wouldn't take so long to implement.

I myself am an OpenSource developer, and I know from experience how easy it is to start over, because no one's paying you... you get to do it your way, and that's why it's so fun.

On the other hand, if someone was paying me to fix/imlement some of the things that I'm not so inclined to do, I might actually do them.

Just thing what Linux could be if it had another billion or so dollars a year backing its development.

I know it's not possible... people don't really spend money on Windows anymore, it just comes on their computer and they absorb the cost other ways (most of the time). But it's still a nice thought.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I accused you of being a green-backed n00b, or some such similar thing. I can totally get where you're coming from. I can see how for some people recompiling their video player to gain support for the latest codec isn't exactly a vision of a picnic in the woods with naked wood sprites.

Then again... for some of us, that's exactly what it is :o).

Or use a credit card that allows you to create temporary account numbers with low spending limits. That's what I did when the fricking cable company delayed installation in my new house for 3 weeks last month. The temporary "card" has a $10 limit and expires before the 2-month AOL trial ends. A lot of credit card companies offer this now -- I used my MBNA Linux Fund card (funny because I now only use FreeBSD and OS X now). MBNA calls it "ShopSafe", other companies have other names. Great for ordering crap from less than, uhh, reputable businesses. :)

I'm not sure if I'll even bother to cancel the AOL account.

MBNA works fine in Mozilla. For a couple of months, they redid thier online bill pay and it would reject Moz but Netscape 6/7 would work fine. This is actually kinda ironic as I have The Linux Fund bank card. This past month Mozilla started working again.

That's why I write "ASK FOR ID!" on the first part of the signature strip and sign my card on the other half. I thank folks that ask me and I chide those that do not with comments like, "With clerks like you verifying signatures, I can't believe someone would try to use a stolen credit card." Some don't even get my sarcasm, some then double-check the card and/or ask for ID right away. The point is that at least they're being called on not checking the signature - which would then force them to ask for ID as I've written on all my cards.

Of course, gas stations and the newer credit card readers that allow the customer swipe the card themself and the clerk never see it (or the self-shop checkout at Home Depot or WalMart) bug me a bit.

But at least with credit cards you're much more protected. I've never heard what the situation is with an ATM card... I'm sure it varies bank by bank, but you might just be SOL if someone clears out your account and they aren't caught.

Further, I think CC companies should be required to put a photo on cards. Yeah, it'd be a hassle as you'd have to go in and get a photo taken, but I'd feel much better. I'd even like to have two sets of cards, one that can be used over the phone or with automated things without photo, and the photo one which could only be used at places with a live human checking.

*shrug* I really like MBNA's Shopsafe feature that allows you to generate a new card number for each online purchase, set an expiration date, and a limit amount. My Wife and I each have one of these cards and use the Shopsafe feature for all our online purchases. Best of all, you can get a Linuxfund pengiun logo'd one that supports Open Source.

LinuxFund.org: From teh FAQ: Issuing development grants for projects which may not be suitable for commercial or volunteer efforts but which will enhance the long-term vitality of the Open Source. All projects we fund will become Open Source. To be more clear, the projects that we aim to fund are the development and the
documentation of Open Source.

Pubsoft.org: They seem to do something similar.

Of course, I'm sure the FSF would be delighted to broker a donation to a specific project or developer.

The way this would work is we would all pool together a lot of donations, perhaps through Linux Fund.

The contest judging itself should be a physical meeting. I suggest we get one of the many empty large empty Dell or other facilities around Austin, and get it donated for a couple of days. All contestents show up, spectators buy a ticket and can play every game and fill out out a ballot. The ticket should cost about $2, enough to cover non-donated costs.

Any submitted code should go up on the web under the GPL, but of course the authors otherwise retain all rights, so that they can develope it into commercial products or sell the rights.

We can offer artists a section of wall space to display their work and contact info, as surely some of the game industry people will be circulating about.

I suggest that their be no set platform; so windows games would be welcome, but the code itself be available as part of the entry.

I think it would be fun, and it might lead to a bit of economic activity. I'd donate money to it. However, these types of projects generally need a fanatical organizer who is the person who makes it happen, who generally puts in a huge amount of time and gets burned out. I can't be that person. Any volunteers ?

Errm... http://www.linuxfund.org/.

Maybe the same way copyright inspired copyleft, the DMCA is a form for companies to protect their products, and stop other people from profiting on those products (god forbid!), but since this really throws onto the pile, and adds hardware materials in to the copyright bin, maybe it will inspire some hardware enthousiasts to create copylefted hardware?

There's already a couple projects with exactly that in mind:

• OpenBIOS
• MyLinux PLW (Pocket Linux Workstation) (i.e., open Palm-like hardware for running Linux on, which they plan to sell for $20 above cost)
• LinuxBIOS
• The Open Hardware Certification Program
• OpenCores (for open-sourced processor designs)
• and finally a page dedicated to Writings on Open Source Hardware.

It's interesting to note that the OpenBIOS project was a recipient of funding from LinuxFund .

As an added bonus, I've got a LinuxFund card, which has the cute penguin on it, and seems to impress lots of sales clerks. :)

You can find a partial list of banks/cc companies and their Mozilla support here

I only care because I've been following the capitalone.com bug for months with no help whatsoever from them.. Oh well. The MBNA site for my Linux Fund card works fine. I'll be cancelling my capitalone card soon.

Have 'em apply to the linuxfund. Sure it may not be *all* their funding but it could help...

--Z

They just announced Ryan at HavenCo has changed the password to the codecon.org server and conference organizers can no longer log in. They have setup a New Server for CodeCon which has updated info on the conference.

The source to the Freedom Network servers linked from this new server is now at Linux Fund. Yeah!

http://www.linuxfund.org

This is a great organization that contributes funds to open source development. Best of all, you can get a cobranded credit card that gives proceeds to them, and it has a swanky penguin logo that gets lots of nice comments when you use it. :-)

This project looks interesting, and it reminded me of something I found looking through the LinuxFund project proprosals. The ganesha's project people are working on developing a school LAN using relatively old PCs and various free software. You can vote for the project to receive funding from the cool LinuxFund people at this link.

I can't help but wonder if some technical books might be even harder to get (and correspondingly useful as donations) than x486 class hardware components.

-emile

This project looks interesting, and it reminded me of something I found looking through the LinuxFund project proprosals. The ganesha's project people are working on developing a school LAN using relatively old PCs and various free software. You can vote for the project to receive funding from the cool LinuxFund people at this link.

I can't help but wonder if some technical books might be even harder to get (and correspondingly useful as donations) than x486 class hardware components.

-emile

Here are some good places to donate.

Free Linux CD.org

LinuxFund

http://www.linuxfund.org/ Not much more to say. Link

Donations to the cross-platform Simple Direct Media Layer project are also being accepted at the libSDL.org site. (SDL, BTW, recieved a $1,000 grant from the Linux Fund, so you might want to look there too.)

Keep in mind that while most of these projects are developed for Linux, ports to Windows and sometimes Mac OS are usually included. So, even if you don't run Linux -- or any *nix -- you can still benifit.

Projects that you can support include...

1. New Breed Software creates software for both the Agenda handheld (Atari 800 emulator, Agendaroids, Aliens, ...) and X (Circus Linux, X-Bomber, ...).

   www.linux-games.com (note the "-") also has a couple Agenda programs as well as Penguin Command, Castle-combat, Timewarp...

   glTron? Nuf' said.

   Chromium BSU is another action-diversion.

   FreeCiv, PipeNightDreams...well, go see the entire list yourself.

The LinuxFund/MBNA one-use card numbers work with Netscape/Linux as well. It launches a Java applet which works quite spiffily. I authorized a friend of mine for a $2 number on my card the other day. (Don't ask.)

Most people I know who find *any* motive to give do so to better the world, not just to unload cash and a guilty conscience. Most, in fact, take pride in skillfully making the difference they do to the betterment of the environment around them.

On a small scale, we bathe, we place trash in the proper recepticals, we make our world a bit less intollerable, one action at a time. But a person with a Missionary Mindset has a larger vision of effectively improving some corner of the world.

I for one like the 'geekaid' idea... On the surface, it may not sound like it will help close a rift between the haves and have-nots. But deeper, it profoundly impacts the earth if hardworking freeware engineers are adequately funded to empower the moneyless with technology... far more impact than handing a twenty to some hobo who would blow it all on booze and cancersticks.

I'm a non-believer doing IT work for The Salvation Army. It's good to know that the purpose I serve has one of the world's lowest overheads in operating expenses, doing tons of underpublicized community work and Emergency Disaster Relief. Yet I think getting a credit card for LinuxFund is just as effective a contribution, because it helps people (not unlike myself) who pour their life's blood and sweat into helping those who have less.

"Back off, Romulan! I'm on a Mission From Kahless" --KwISt, the twistai guy }};-)

While this won't get you a tax break, it is a pretty good idea... and it is in the same spirit. Linuxfund.org has a page where you can apply for a credit card. When you make a purchase, a percentage of the total is donated to Linuxfund.org which in turn will donate it to a Free Software project.

While this won't get you a tax break, it is a pretty good idea... and it is in the same spirit. Linuxfund.org has a page where you can apply for a credit card. When you make a purchase, a percentage of the total is donated to Linuxfund.org which in turn will donate it to a Free Software project.

• Free Software Foundation
• OpenBSD
• Apache
• NetBSD
• PostgreSQL
• SAMBA
• FreeBSD
• LinuxFund.org
• KPFK radio

You know, this might actually work. Whenever girls have looked at one of my Linux mascot dolls or the picture of the Linux Logo on my credit card, the reaction is almost universally that the penguin is very cute. I can definitely see young pretty women wanting to wear a Linux penguin pin.

Speaking of which, where can one get Tux pins?

- Sam

Does the world outside of the linux community really think that we would want MS applications on Linux?

It is my opion that (the GNU) Linux "Movement" is about open standards for applications. Tricks like changing file formats ever-so slightly to force people to upgrade is not the GNU way. With this in mind it has become the dream of thousands (if not millions) of Windows users to ween them selfs off of microsoft software. After quitting my corp job. I was able to kiss all MS software goodby and let me tell you kids It really does feel great. And my computers get used alot more now. ( insert quick Prayer for DVD here ).

Like most Linux users I would rather use a flaky browser then Use IE and promote MS IIS server extensions. Or more to the point I would rather download wav's on a 300baud modem then use MS Media player.

Now to the part I know some of you guys will hate. If you wanted to insure that windows media player did not become the only choice for the next generation of streaming video or audio you should break out your Linux Credit Card And go purchase RealPlayer.

The way I see it, if there is not a quality GPL type project in this area. Then we almost have to support the private projects that fill the need. If realaudio were to lose the desktops they will loose the Streaming Server customers. Which would mean that Linux users would have to use Microsofts Stream Media player for video. And how could we be sure that would be a Quality product. Would we be able to even trust running it? If its our only choice then THAT WOULD SUCK!

Think about how you can help to provid choices. No matter what your OS.

Well, there's already a Linux credit card. A percentage of each purchase gets to open source projects that need funding. Here's the link: Linuxfund Credit Card

I guess now is as a good time to remind people that, instead of forking your hard earned money into some rock star's bank, why not charge it on a Linux credit card? Will Bowie give the proceeds to Linux developers and education? Slim chance. Linuxfund will.

--

Linuxfund.org is throwing a party Wednesday November 17 at COMDEX (Zone C-8) for all interested. Drop by the linuxfund booth (624E, just around the corner from Andover) for details.

Much to my surprise, I actually like this idea. I would much rather give my public key than my SSN to get a Linux Fund credit card, or anything else for that matter. (Do you know how hard it is to convince companies that they do not need, and have no right to your SSN?)