Without developers’ affinity, Linux could lose its charm to *Solaris. Also see the recent remarks from Samba:

http://boycottnovell.com/2008/02/25/gplv3-should-be-stricter/

I think Mr. Tiemann’s comment is spot on, I don’t remember Mr. Torvalds having ever been one to be followed when it comes to issues of freedom in FOSS.

Note also the continuation of the article at http://opensource.org/node/257
I’m definitely with Mr. Tiemann here.

Michael Tiemann – Subject: Torvald’s is not the guy to follow here…

“In my opinion, anything that Microsoft does that falls short of the published open source minimums is…sub-minimal. Torvalds is happy because his standards are lower–he cares more about himself than his community. But other people have higher standards–we also care about the community at least as much as we care for ourselves.

http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2008-02-25-019-26-IN-KN-MS-0000

To go further with my course of thinking, the issue as I see it is that Microsoft will convince a mind or two that it truly changed its way and as long as there are recipient — however few — to this message, the illusion works.

Linus is important. He is more influential than merely anybody in this area because GNU/Linux/GNOME/whatever is simply labeled Linux, which gives him a God-like image.

While his opinion is respected, hopefully he does realise the role of software patents here. Microsoft tried to hide this. Linus worries about Software patents (we have it well documented, extracted from a recent interview).

Luckily enough, it seems like the EU bought none of Microsoft’s hypnosis. Tomorrow it shall announe a $2+ billion fine if the rumours are correct and bear in mind that Microsoft already approaches debt. It’s more feeble than you think. New item of interest (caught an hour ago):

The Shadow Tales of Microsoft

If you don’t believe me, take a look at what’s happening out there. Linux is cutting into Microsoft’s desktop dominance. It’s also wiping away any hope of it gaining server dominance. Firefox is quickly replacing its browser as the preferred method for surfing the internet. Outlook is being slowly knocked off its pedestal by open source alternatives, and other competitors are attacking them from all sides in their other fields as well. Open Source is on a roll and Microsoft is getting run over on all sides, and while it may not seem like they’re loosing the war, they are. Just because Open Source isn’t in the mainstream news doesn’t mean it’s not winning. And if this isn’t causing Microsoft and Steve Balmer to reach the point of being nearly panic stricken, then I’m a monkey’s uncle. I honestly believe right now that they’re terrified. Hence the battle for Yahoo is a battle for their very existence.

http://www.raiden.net/?cat=2&aid=382

Remember that you will never get the true picture from the press, which is disappointing. Don’t let them snatch victory and escape the jaws of defeat at this critical time.