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Stallman Claims Linux Trademark Doesn't Matter

Posted by Zonk on from the just-don't-look dept.

Tontoman writes "ZDNet UK reports on an interview with Richard Stallman with the Sydney Morning Herald. From the article: '"Free software means you're free to run it, study it, change it, redistribute it, and distribute modified versions the way cooks do with recipes. What names you're allowed to call a program is a side issue." The Linux trademark became an issue last month after a lawyer acting on behalf of Linux creator Linus Torvalds wrote to 90 Australian companies asking that they sign a statutory declaration waiving exclusive rights to the trademark's use.'"

12 of 589 comments (clear)

  1. Then Stallman added... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Especially since those companies should be using the name GNU/Linux.

  2. yawn by hostyle · · Score: 5, Funny

    Richard Stallman? Pfh. What we all want to know is what Simon Cowell thinks!

    --
    Caesar si viveret, ad remum dareris.
  3. Same old RMS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    The end of the article has this classic quote from Stallman:

    "Most of the time, when people call something 'Linux', it's the GNU system with Linux as the kernel. Maybe this policy will encourage people to call it GNU,"

    Which he follows up with:

    "I prefer to say GNU/Linux' so as to give the kernel's developer a share of the credit."

    My, how generous!

    1. Re:Same old RMS by Seumas · · Score: 5, Funny

      So what you're saying is Stallman's package is too small . . . ?

    2. Re:Same old RMS by webrunner · · Score: 4, Funny

      Microsoft is "Do it our way."

      Open source tends to be "You can do it any way you want. But if you dont do it my way you're an idiot."

      --
      ADVENTURERS! - ANTIHERO FOR HIRE - CARDMASTER CONFLICT
  4. \'Linux\' by aussie_a · · Score: 3, Funny

    Sheeesh, is a little professionality* too much to ask for? I guess perhaps they should recode their webpage. Although of course they have the advertisements working perfectly.

    * Yes, I'm aware this isn't an actual word.

    1. Re:\'Linux\' by nomadic · · Score: 3, Funny

      Sheeesh, is a little professionality*

      The correct term is "professionalityness".

  5. The Squeezably soft OS. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    "What names you're allowed to call a program is a side issue."

    Linux is now "Fluffy Marshmellow Prophylactic" I'm certain that'll do wonders for Linux's continued growth.

    1. Re:The Squeezably soft OS. by Flyboy+Connor · · Score: 4, Funny
      Linux is now "Fluffy Marshmellow Prophylactic" I'm certain that'll do wonders for Linux's continued growth.

      If it is growth we're interested in, why not call it "Viagrux"?

  6. Re:Stallman is obsolete by Adelbert · · Score: 4, Funny

    Don't worry, Stallman 2.0 is being released in September.

  7. Cartoon by Richard+W.M.+Jones · · Score: 3, Funny

    Seems appropriate.

    --
    libguestfs - tools for accessing and modifying virtual machine disk images
  8. Should't this read by ifwm · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Linux claims Stallman doesn't matter"