[GNU-linux-libre] Origin of the FLOSS terminology

[Jean Louis]

According to Wikipedia Article: Free and open-source software on:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software

the word "FLOSS" originates from Mr. Rishab Ghosh and his Survey and
Study, that may be found here:

http://flossproject.merit.unu.edu/

Where he himself, is making it clear on what is free software and what
is open source:

http://flossproject.merit.unu.edu/report/Final4.htm#_Toc13908261

where he says, (quote

Members of the open source software community define "Open Source
Software" as software that allows everybody to have a look at its
source code and stress the practical benefits of such software, while
aspects of freedom are rather neglected in the definition. "Open
Source Software" contains a broader variety of software than it is
allowed by the term "Free Software", it comprises free software as
well as semi-free software and even certain proprietary programs.
This may be the reason why the term "Open Source Software" is also
ambiguous. While members of the respective community stress the
closeness of their concept to the concept of "Free Software", it is
often merely understood as a strategy to improve the opportunities to
"sell" ( http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html
) the software more effectively to users, especially to business
companies. )

A study by anyone, who is encompassing both "open source" and free
software, shall not be basis for a Free System Distribution.

That is why each Free System Distribution shall have an intention to
teach others about the free software, and to point out why free
software is not open source software. Details are of the importance
for future.

There are words to avoid, and one of those words is FLOSS. Open Source
is not about freedom in terms of 4 freedoms as defined at GNU
website. It shall not be mixed.

An operating system distribution that promises to include FLOSS
software into the distribution, automatically allows semi-free and
even proprietary software, by the definition. And it attracts and
invites development of "open source" which implies further limitations
of the "open source" movement.

Jean Louis