02.05.07
The Reuters Mistake That Started Linux and Novell FUD
We previously clarified, on numerous occasions even [1, 2, 3], that Novell will not be banned from selling Linux. The mistake made by a single journalist is starting to make some big waves. Take the following for instance:
Novell: ‘No One Can Stop Us From Selling Linux’
It was reported that those changes would preclude the inclusion of Linux in third party distribution deals such as the one Novell recently signed with Microsoft and “ban” Novell from selling future versions of Linux.
Is Novell losing Linux? No, it’s just bad reporting
Blame Jim Finkle at Reuters, I suppose. His story is the one that started this large dung-ball of misinformation rolling around the Internet. You know the one, about Novell losing the right to distribute Linux.
The FSF Can’t Ban Novell’s Linux Distribution Rights
Reuters posted a story on Saturday morning, of all times, titled “FSF says Novell could be banned from selling Linux” that sent the blogosphere and several media outlines into a frenzy of activity. While some folks didn’t bite, many places on the web just repeated the story verbatim. It’s a fetching headline, but a bit misleading since the Free Software Foundation doesn’t really have that authority over Linux.
Our Web site was even mentioned in this context by Linux Electrons and ComputerWorld.
Draconishinobi said,
February 6, 2007 at 9:54 pm
They do this a lot … I sometimes wonder how accidental they really are …
Roy Schestowitz said,
February 7, 2007 at 12:57 am
@ Draconishinobi:
Have a look:
http://boycottnovell.com/2007/01/25/intellectual-property-litigation-and-behind-the-scene-funding-go-beyond-sco/
Draconishinobi said,
February 7, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Yeah, well … power corrupts and absolute power …. guess that’s what M$ has, since it is a monopoly, the largest monopoly on the planet AFAIK, with enough money to settle all national debts if not buy all of Eastern Europe … absolute power. And people actually think M$ can be stopped ?!?!
Well, actually, it can.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall – think of it, always.” ~ Gandhi
I hope he’s right.