Troler
GPL doesn't make the program libre

I don't consider freedom binary, for me some things are inherently more free than others. Here I define freedom as the capacity to do a task unhindered. With such definition, it comes to be clear, what I mean by freedom not being binary and existing on an axis. For instance, repairing a standard PC is easier than the newest model of iPhone. This ease of repairability exists on a gradient, with the PC and iPhone being on different sides. The same applies to the actual binary, software world as well. It is easier to modify a program written in Python than the same one written in C. In Python there is no need to keep recompiling and seeing the changes, all alterations can be done on the fly.
Jan 30 at 5:44pmWeb
Show threadBlender DumbassJan 30


For instance, repairing a standard PC is easier than the newest model of iPhone. This ease of repairability exists on a gradient, with the PC and iPhone being on different sides.

This sound like you are describing the Freedom Ladder
The journey begins with a single step: climb the freedom ladder — Free Software Foundation — Working together for free software

Show threadTrolerJan 30



@blenderdumbass Freedom latter is advice on how the person should seek freedom. I argue that there exists a freedom latter within software.
Show threadBlender DumbassJan 30


I remember talking about similar thing with Richard Stallman. He pointed out that he sees a sort of hard line of Free vs Non-Free Software ( per his definition ). And, sure, there are gradients of freedom on both sides, but he only finds the useful gradient, be the one on the side of free software. He personally was always trying to design software that would easily configurable. That is perhaps why GNU-Hurd was such a complex thing to do.
Show threadTrolerJan 30



@blenderdumbass mods are like that for games. The game company known as Valve is best know for its mods of games: Counter Strike, Team Fortress, etc.

Minecraft is so famous in part due to mods. If you ever get bored of the vanilla taste, you can spice it up.
Show threadBlender DumbassJan 30


That's why I argue it's not enough to just have the source code be public with a GPL license. One cannot call the software truly free if the user is not able to take control of its development.

Hm... this makes me think there are different sets of lines on the Freedom Ladder that people consider enough.