Re: [Fsfe-uk] Why FS is a Good Thing: Draft 3

[ralph]

Hi Telsa,

> > >   Free Software such as that distributed under the GPL ensures
> > >   four freedoms: (i) the freedom to run the program, for any
> > >   purpose, (ii) the freedom to study how the program works, and
> > >   adapt it to your needs, (iii) the freedom to redistribute
> > >   copies so you can help others and (iv) the freedom to improve
> > >   the program, and release your improvements to the public, so
> > >   that the whole community benefits.
> > 
> > Too many commas?
> 
> Why is everyone afraid of semi-colons? Perfect place to put 'em.

OK, being more specific I thought the commas emphasized made it a
harder read.

    Free Software such as that distributed under the GPL ensures four
    freedoms: (i) the freedom to run the program*,* for any purpose,
    (ii) the freedom to study how the program works*,* and adapt it to
    your needs, (iii) the freedom to redistribute copies so you can
    help others[add comma] and (iv) the freedom to improve the
    program*,* and release your improvements to the public*,* so that
    the whole community benefits.

Those commas wouldn't look good being semi-colons :-)

> I think the format of the list at the bottom is wrong. Since you are
> introducing it to people who know nothing about it, you don't want to
> say "programname -- does this" for each. You want the function of the
> program or package first, and an example second.  So "Web browsers,
> such as Mozilla,..." or "Word processors, such as..."

Good point.


Ralph.