Community feedback is needed on whether Libreboot should re-join GNU
Context:
https://libreboot.org/news/unity.html
https://libreboot.org/news/proposal-rejoin-gnu.html
Main discussion thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/libreboot/comments/66tdds/proposal_for_libreboo
t_rejoin_gnu_community/
Thoughts are welcomed. If the community agrees, I will begin the
application process for Libreboot to be considered for re-entry into
the GNU project.
Discussion is welcome here aswell, since Trisquel forms a large part of the core FSF community, and very much reflects Libreboot's userbase.
I know this case only from the outside: What I have read on this an other forums and on sites like libreboot.org, fsf.org etc. I have never met any implied parties and have no insider knowledge about persons, situations, relations or what not.
I have purchased a libreboot installation service from Minifree and in relation to that I have communicated with Leah. About the order and about some related technical issues in the very same way I am now communicating with Tiberiu from Tehnoetic about a similar installation service.
I have grown to become a very firm believer in free and open software. Yet I have no deep knowledge about underlying and implied technical issues or matters of principle.
Hence, I consider my self a member of the libreboot community as well as of the free software community but still as sort of an outsider.
In my view, based on the above, I have two comments:
Firstly, in my opinion there is no doubt, that libreboot, GNU and fsf basically are working towards the same goals. And hence it makes little sense that they are not joined. My vote is a yes, re-join.
Secondly, I wish to second opinions expressed at least on this site, that apologies of the magnitude we have seen in this case goes far beyond what most of us would be capable to express. Let the clean one throw the first stone, and let the rest of us live and live on with errors and mistakes - especially those repented and made up for.
I feel like the issues that would make this decision questionable have been more than adequately taken care of (decentralized authority, thorough and humble apology, reorientation on project goals, etc.). Also, I see Libreboot as a very useful (and at this point critical) piece of free software that would do well to be a part of GNU. You have an emphatic request to rejoin from me! :-)
Yes, please try to re-join GNU!
It was of great benefit to us all and to freedom, if you would join again with GNU project. And we all make mistakes, don't be too hard on yourself... You have done the apologize thing and so the case is closed, let's move on! Re-join please, we need you so much!
I am a member!
I too believe it's best if libreboot is part of the GNU project, just like Linux-libre, another important piece of GNU, is part of the project.
UPDATE:
The community here and in various other places where Libreboot users are prevalent, has decidedly voted in favour of a reunion with the GNU project.
See update on the Reddit thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/libreboot/comments/66tdds/proposal_for_libreboot_rejoin_gnu_community/
Alyssa Rosenzweig, Libreboot's designated spokesperson, is handling the re-join in addition to all communication with the GNU project.
I have stepped down as leader of the Libreboot project, while still contributing to it.
Libreboot will soon apply to re-join the GNU project. It is not yet certain whether the GNU project would indeed accept Libreboot as a renewed member.
RMS of GNU and John Sullivan of the FSF have both accepted my apologies, via private emails. With that, plus consent from Libreboot core maintainers and acceptance by the community, an attempt at re-joining the GNU project is now in progress.
You can keep up to date with further news, on the Libreboot News section on the website:
https://libreboot.org/news/
Good going. Keep it up.
This is a rare and special event. It gives me great hope for the future. It makes me question some of the hardline positions I have taken my own past activism, and the bridges I may have unnecessarily burned in the process. I trust we have all learned some important lessons about how to handle and resolve conflict. I wish the Libreboot community all the best, and I hope the reunion with the GNU Project is as smooth and mutually beneficial as possible.