tensixtyone

In the North-West, we have many local mailing lists the “geek” type seem to revolve around, one of the biggest is Geekup, and others like Free Software Manchester, ManLUG, LivLUG exist for the local FOSS enthusiasts to discuss their interests.

Each list have their own ethos, and the regular group of users set the tone, in terms of Geekup, the list is full of entrepreneurs or “Web 2.0″ gurus. Most of the Geekup discussions revolves around Web Development or business issues. Manchester Free Software, on the other hand, discusses free software, its usage, and hot topics in the world.

Sometimes, these two lists collide.

I make reference to a mention of a Geekup School, A area or plan to educate people in the Geekup area and a chance of the entrepreneurs on the list to possibly use it to further their business. Recently this was cross posted onto the Manchester Free Software list in which Dave Page replied explaining about the existing Zion Centre and its current project to allow access to pool computers.

This response was interpreted as Dave wanting to “further free software”.

… and this is my point.

At Liverpool LUG, we had a member of Geekup turn up who was obviously trying to network for his business, most of his discussions started with the line of “Well, in my business…”. I can understand that Geekup fosters commercial interest, but with LUGs and Free Software groups, I think we just don’t care.

If we had the similar standpoint, then the separate lists wouldn’t exist in the first place. Taking a assumption that everyone will agree with your standpoint if you cross to another list is wrong, and again, if you assume everyone on a Free Software list is a Stallman wannabe, then your also very wrong.