Re: [Fsfe-uk] [Proposal] Mailing lists

[Nick Hill]

Andrew Savory wrote:
> Hi Nick,
>
> On Thu, 23 Oct 2003, Nick Hill wrote:
> > For example, I am not officially an AFFS member, but I consider myself a
> > DeFacto member. I support the bigger aims of AFFS and vice versa.
>
>
> Interesting. As someone who would appear to be an ideal candidate for
> membership, it would help us a lot if you could explain to us the reasons
> you haven't become a member. If we have a better understanding, we can
> maybe identify ways of increasing membership ...

I have not become an official member because it is simply not necessary 
(for the sake of free software) for me to do so. In fact, it would be 
counterproductive. Those officially part of the organisation and those 
not officially part of the organisation should be (and are, in the case 
of the AFFS) able to co-operate regardless.

I accept that there is a benefit in having an organisation in the UK 
dedicated to promoting the needs of free software. I am happy to hand 
out leaflets and promote membership of organisations (eg AFFS) where 
such membership increases awareness and where membership fees help free 
software. I hope that in the medium-longer term I can raise money 
directly for the AFFS. I shall do this if I consider the money will 
ultimately be efficiently spent in helping free software. I do the same 
for the FSF. I am not an official member of the FSF but I am a DeFacto 
member.

My being a DeFacto member helps an organisation not to be too 
self-promoting but instead promotes wider goals which we have in common. 
I would rather not involve myself in party politics. Being a DeFacto 
member therefore suits my purposes exactly.

My position is not hypocritical as I devote a substantial amount of my 
resources to help free software (Which may or may not be through AFFS). 
Many people may not have the time or resources to devote. In which case, 
a £10 subscription and following an email list will help.