Re: A GNU Distribution

[Michael J. Flickinger]

On 4/7/12 6:20 PM, Richard Stallman wrote:
>      First of all, there's the question of why to create a new distribution.
>      I think the concerns about providing a binary-based, easy-to-install
>      distro are unfounded. We already have, for example, Trisquel that covers
>      that niche. Parabola offers another option, with the ability to both
>      install binary packages via pacman and install from source via abs (the
>      Arch Build System).
>
> If we're going to release a system called GNU, it shouldn't be
> aimed only at hackers.  It should be for everyone, so we can
> say to everyone, "Please use the GNU system".

I agree, having a system for "hackers only" creates an implicit 
disconnect.  Businesses, educational institutions, and most the world 
wouldn't consider using it, since it would be quirky.

There's a very large potential gain from having a "GNU distribution", 
even if it's running the Linux kernel, since it would help raise 
visibility of the GNU project.  Having a distribution would also help 
(hypothetically) with building the infrastructure needed for a possible 
GNU System distribution with the HURD; not that I think that's going to 
happen any time soon (ever?).

Another point is that distributions are far more visible to the world 
than other projects.  For example, a lot of Americans have heard of 
Linux, and lots of people heard of Ubuntu, but few have heard of GNU, 
aside from computer-monks.  If we interfaced directly with the end-user, 
by providing a distribution, this certainly would raise visibility of 
the project and perhaps bring new life and energy to it.

Additionally, interfacing directly with the end-user, by the means of a 
distribution, gives us a unique opportunity for free software 
evangelism.  gnu.org, for example, is filled with information on free 
software, why it's important, why we should value freedom, etc.