- From: <mesmith@panix.com>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:54:06 -0400 (EDT)
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
World Wide Web. This means something shared by and accessible to the people of the world. With open standards, implemented by software protected by a copyleft license, maximum growth is attained. All contributions can be freely incorporated; all contributors have a stake in the benefits of their work; work can be built upon work without limit. Work can be built upon patented work only within the limits of explicit permission. We in the free software movement oppose software patents categorically. The incorporation of patented material would irreversibly break the trust held by the W3C. In my opinion, it would be better for the W3C to disband than to split into two groups: one with a physical continuity of name and organization that is false to the purpose that name represents, and one outside, consisting of those who maintain what that organization stood for. Michael E. Smith, MESmith@panix.com General Manager, LXNY - New York's Free Software Organization http://www.lxny.org
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 00:54:07 UTC