Re: [Fsuk-manchester] Join the FSF

[Michael Dorrington]

MJ Ray wrote:
> Michael Dorrington wrote:
>> MJ Ray wrote:
>>> Michael Dorrington wrote:
>>>> So I've finally got around to joining the FSF (member #9429) and I even
>>>> get to appear on ThankGNUs 2011¹. So now I can recommend that *you* join
>>>> the FSF as I won't be a hypocrite. :)
>>> Unless something has changed, you're only an associate, not a member
>>> in the usual sense with a say in the running of the organisation.
>> Its described as "associate membership".
> 
> Yes, and I suggest that having "membership" in there is misleading.

Associate membership isn't a term they've made up, its the public used
term for that type of membership.

>>> It's a fine thing to join, but don't be under any illusion it's
>>> anything more than a supporter programme.
>> Isn't supporting free software good?
> 
> Yes, as I wrote, "it's a fine thing to join".

And you wrote "anything more than a supporter programme.", seems a bit
dismissive. Isn't a supporter programme really important?

>> And you do have the influence of not renewing your membership. [...]
> 
> Has anyone doing that ever changed the FSF's policies?
>
> http://fellowship.fsfe.org/ gives the influence of proposing actions,
> voting and standing for election to the assembly.  Seems more direct.

I think people do have influence. I will certainly be trying to
influence their policies, telling them if I don't like something and
using my influence of membership renewal (or not!).

What about the other stuff that you didn't respond to:

The FSF is aimed at us, it is a worldwide group. It has given, and does
give, support to MFS. It "is the principal organizational sponsor of the
GNU Operating System"¹. The associate membership doesn't get you a
ballot paper but that doesn't mean you don't get influence as you can
vote with your feet.

Join at:
https://my.fsf.org/associate/support_freedom/join_fsf
If you want to put me as the referrer then use:
https://my.fsf.org/associate/support_freedom/join_fsf?referrer=9429

Regards,
Mike.
MFS Chair.

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