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Free Software Foundation Awards Tonight 80

Posted by Roblimo from the honoring-the-worthy dept.
Leslie Proctor writes "The Second Free Software Foundation Awards will be held in New York at theBazaar Tuesday, December 14th at 7pm. Finalists for the award, honoring advancement of free software, are: John Gilmore, Miguel de Icaza and Donald Knuth." We ought to have a short report on the ceremony (and who won) up shortly after the event; CmdrTaco, Hemos, and I are all here in NYC, laptops in hand.
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Free Software Foundation Awards Tonight More

Free Software Foundation Awards Tonight

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  • Re:Go, Miguel, Go (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward
    I agree fully; Miguel "the mouth" isn't even in the same CLASS as Knuth. Knuth is a legend and the entire FIELD of computer science owes a LOT to this guy. GNOME is a decent project; Miguel is a complete asshole. Does Knuth run around spreading FUD and bullshit about other authors? Hell no. If Miguel wins over Knuth then it will show what a sham this whole 'awards' ceremony really is.

    Miguel shouldn't even be on the list.

    (yeah and I know what a fanatical following Mouthboy has on Slashdot; I'm sure to be moderated into the negatives for daring to question Miguel).
  • Let's see, Miguel de Icaza is the head of Gnome. Gnome is part of the GNU Project. GNU is the FSF. Thus, the Free Software Foundation has awarded itself the prize for the Free Software Foundation Award!

    Next on Geraldo, Linus Torvalds awards Alan Cox, Bob Young awards Matt Ewing, and Larry Augustin awards Eric Raymond. Bitter at not winning Larry's prestigious plaque, Rasterman creates his own award and presents it to Mandrake.
  • As much as I despise Sendmail's arcane design in a world of T3's and 2GB of ram (and I really do hate its design), It's tough to deny the effect Eric Allman has made on open software. Sendmail has long been the example of the quintisential piece of open software, it does all things for all people, while delivering one of the backbone services of the Internet and still remaining the standard in it's field. I dont know if it's technically "Free" software (I've not read the license in years) but even before apache sendmail was THE reason to run the free unix systems like Linux and 386bsd.

    -Rich
  • hehe.. you are right.
    But who cares, if KDE is superior it will at the end of the day no matter how mych FUD MDI spreads around.

  • How much does it cost??? The website makes no mention of money! The Java conference last week at the same place was like $1200. Somehow I doubt the sponsorship has paid the entirety of the centre rental, and to get all the speakers there, etc. Does anybody know? Did anyone here go? I am finally working in a city (New York) when something that sounds interesting is actually going on, rather than bieng half the way around the world in the middle of nowhere wishing I was there...and here I am and I probably can't even begin to afford to go :-(
  • Don't forget also his strong and vocal opposition to software parents.
    As Michael Caine would say, not a lot of people know that.

  • I would assume that Knuth is being nominated for TeX. How influential has TeX been? I never see it used in the "real" world. I would assume it used mostly in academic circles, but it clearly has not made any penetration otherwise. Now, software doesn't have to be used widely to be influential (see B and BCPL). Does anyone know what TeX has influenced in the publishing industry?

  • > I wouldn't flaunt my ignorance if I were you!

    Funny, you have no compunctions about flaunting your arrogance...

    Flaunting one's ignorance would be something along the lines of "I don't know who John Gilmore is, and I don't care!" The poster didn't have some information and took an appropriate measure to get it. Last I checked, that's how it's supposed to be done...

  • http://www.cygnus.com/about/corp-qa.html#5

    That is John Gilmore.

    /mill
  • TeX is very well documented, especially its line breaking algorithms. I'd almost bet money there are some commercial systems which use TeX's excellent algorithm. (However, I can assure you that MS Word doesn't.)

    I use TeX for everything I write, and I used it throughout college. I find it far easier to use than programs like FrameMaker.

    But I'd rather acknowledge Knuth's rigorous study of algorithms over his (still amazing) TeX.

  • Is the catering open source? (Score:3)

    by Master of Kode Fu ( 63421 ) on Tuesday December 14, 1999 @05:15AM (#1466886) Homepage
    In keeping with the spirit of the FSF, I certainly hope that they stick to their principles and make sure that everything at this event -- even the catering -- is open source.

    Think about it. Suppose the canapes are lacking that certain je ne sais quoi. If the recipe were freely available, the combined effort of chefs worldwide could make it tastier, less bloating and more attractively presented. When chefs can read, redistribute, and modify the recipe for an appetizer (hereafter referred to as an "app"), it evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, people add fresh-ground pepper using one of those increasingly long and phallic peppermills. And this can happen at a speed that, if one is used to the slow pace of conventional canape development, seems astonishing. I want to know what went into the shrimp cocktail, dammit!

    You need only read Martha Stewart's ground-breaking essay, The Burger Chain and the Bistro [slashdot.org] and her follow-up paper, Homesteading the Noodle Soup [slashdot.org] to convince you of the virtues of open source catering. Then just as you support the open source software developed by fat men (computing is a sedentary profession, and many of its bright lights could benefit by visiting the gym), let's also support the open source cooking of the Two Fat Ladies!

    You can also do your part by not eating closed source food. Kentucky Fried Chicken (the Colonel's secret recipe, remember?) is particularly bad, but the worst is McDonald's, who refuse to divulge the recipe of the Big Mac's "secret sauce," and threaten samller developers with FUD (Fries, Uncertaintly and Doubt).

  • I'd be really up for this (living in NYC), but I don't see a post on Slashdot until the registration is closed.

    Haw badly does that suck?

  • Not to mention the fact that his name sounds quite like GNUth... :)

    Ben
  • We give everything to slashdot and they give nothing.

    Really? Then why are you hear, if you're getting nothing out of this? Personally, I find /. to be one of the best sources of entertainment on the 'net. You should read some of the shit people post here. It's a real hoot...

    Put up or shut up. /. is not an OpenSource/Free Software advocate for any other reason except profit and (false) recognition.

    And the problem with this is?

    But seriously, you're an idiot. Neuroscience has yet to perfect the ability to read people's minds that precisely. There's no way you can know if that is or is not the only reason. Maybe it's one reason, perhaps even a big one, but if you think we should have a problem with that, you seriously misunderstand what the free software movement is all about. I'll give you a hint: it has nothing to do with money.

    But heck, even if it is, who cares? Just like a TV station, they get money for providing me with entertainment (and I'm not the one paying them, at least not directly). I don't think TV stations should be ashamed for making money. Why on Earth would I think /. should?

    Watch in amazement as all critical posts are moderated into oblivion

    Ahh, another paranoid idiot heard from...

    --

  • This story is now obsolete. Here's the latest news. [slashdot.org]

    --

  • What do the winners of this contest get? I didnt know about this contest until now, but do software companies look at this type of thing, or is this just something to put on a resume?(which isnt a bad thing)

    Also, is there any TV coverage of this, maybe on ZDTV?
  • If Miguel wins I'll consider start using Gnome...
  • who's going to give the first hour long acceptance speech...

    I'd like to thank my parents, dog, cat, gerbil, great aunt dorothy... yada yada... boohoo sniffle sniffle... you get the idea ;)
  • I get out of school @ 3PM EST and I'm near Philadelphia, is there an admission fee to this thing, can only importatnt people get in. Can I get to New York in time?
  • Since some of the award nominees have used commercial software, I find it would fundamentally compromise my principles to attend the awards. If your writeup is funny, I might see it and smile, thus myself deriving indirect benefit from the commercial sale of software, so please stick to the facts :)
  • At this overview page, [thebazaar.org] one can see how far Open Source software has come now. The choice of topics is very wide, and although centered on web related applications (document management included), some tutorials are about GNOME, KDE or Open Source in general.
    For the people who have the privilege to go, the choice of which tutorials to attend is not easy...
  • > Also is there any TV coverage of this, maybe on ZDTV? You mean the same ZDTV that was recently purchased by Microsoft? -Steve

  • Re:Anybody know why Knuth is nominated? (Score:4)

    by voop ( 33465 ) on Tuesday December 14, 1999 @03:22AM (#1466902)

    Just curious, I didn't think his books were actually open source, that you could get them for free or anything like that....

    Well, Knuth is the father of TeX (well-known and usefull typesetting system) which is "free" in the best sense of the word. And as for his book, publication of algorithms (in books, academic papers etc) is not only part of forming a foundation for those who write free software - but it also prevents companies like "those we all know and dislike" from doing their patent-stunts and preventing free software authors from writing their software.

    So I guess that Knuth indeed does deserve to be nominated - he's doing a lot of good for free software.


    Go Knuth :)

  • Information on the FSF-award... (Score:3)

    by voop ( 33465 ) on Tuesday December 14, 1999 @03:17AM (#1466903)
    can be found here [gnu.org].

    To quote from the page: "We want to give this award to a person who has made a great contribution to the progress and development of free software (free as in freedom; see our definition of free software), through activities that accord with the spirit of free software."

    I guess I'd vote for Knuth. Not just for TeX....but also for his other, widely *published* work on algorithms. While not necessarily being free "software", algorithms (and knowledge about) are important for free software....

    Go Knuth (not that the other nominated aren't worthy...they definitely are...)
  • They should be okay, unless they try to patent their unique, 'One Step Admission' process :)

    Dana
  • I'm more than a little skeptical about internal award systems, and I'll refer again to the article on GNU's own website, dealing with the subject of returns and rewards.

    On the other hand, it helps raise the profile of "Free Software" and that's no bad thing. If it also -encourages- people to be more involved, rather than more prize-hungry, that would be great for the entire "Free Software" community, and possibly offer a wake-up call to other award ceremonies.

    In short, something like this should be treated like any other bug-fix. If the code(ers) gains, keep it in, otherwise back it out. The glitz is irrelevent.

  • Just curious, I didn't think his books were actually open source, that you could get them for free or anything like that....
  • hmm... ever heard of "the art of computer programmimg"? Thats quite a good reason:)
  • his books:
    • TeX: The Program (Computers and Typesetting, Vol B)
    • METAFONT: The Program (Computers and Typesetting, Vol D)
    set the standard for open source.
  • I've just published a book about mathematical logic and set theory. As far as I know, almost every mathematical publishing house wants its authors to submit their manuscripts in TeX and doesn't accept other formats.

    I don't know about other sciences, though.
  • ...to ensure that the proceedings fit with the principles of the FSF:

    • The award recipients should be encouraged to drone on as long as they can.
    • Cash bar

    After all, Free Software means "Free as in Free Speech, not Free Beer".

  • The "geeks" are off to NYC to promote open source, free software, and celebrate those who participate? Shame Shame.

    You've made it clear that we are a "low priority". Why aren't people screaming? Without us /. is nothing. We give everything to slashdot and they give nothing.

    Put up or shut up. /. is not an OpenSource/Free Software advocate for any other reason except profit and (false) recognition.

    Watch in amazement as all critical posts are moderated into oblivion

  • Unfortunately, it's been proven that open food development does not work in practice. While it's true that too many cooks spoil the broth (or make it into something akin to vegamite), the whole forking argument takes on new meaning when real forks are used. I remember the great Bartholemew Samuel Davis (BSD) forking in which he was forked to death and quartered. Granted, several very tasty dishes came from it, but the atmosphere of the tasting was akin to something out of Soilent Green.
  • Knuth did not only 'develop TeX'. That was a small part of a larger project in which he
    • Developed METAFONT, a language for designing fonts
    • Invented the Web programming language and so-called 'literate programming' (TeX and METAFONT are both written in Web)
    • Documented all of the above in a series of books
    Claiming that he doesn't deserve recognition because his books are not Open Source is ludicrous, but incidentally, I do remember getting the TeX source for the Metafont book with the TeX distribution (of course, the source for all of his software is open)

  • John Gilmore (Score:3)

    by JoeBuck ( 7947 ) on Tuesday December 14, 1999 @06:01AM (#1466915) Homepage

    John Gilmore isn't as well-known as he should be. Of the candidates mentioned, he's most deserving of the award.

    Things he's either started or made major contributions to include Cygnus, EFF, the alt groups, GNU tar, GNU gdb, Kerberos, BIND, and the Cypherpunks. He's perhaps the most important activist for overturning the US anti-cryptography laws.

    Check out his biography [toad.com].

  • Slashdot Party (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward
    Interesting...a Slashdot-sponsored party but no word about it here on /....
    Looky here... [thebazaar.org]
    Wednesday, December 15, 1999
    "Drinks for Nerds. Stuff that REALLY matters" Party!
    6:30 - 8:30pm, Javits Center
    Join us on the exhibit floor following Mr. Ralph Nader's presentation for a party sponsored by Andover.net and the Slashdot crew! As usual, substance is key so your preference in refreshments will rule. Pasta stations, an assortment of yummy appetizers, and large amounts of Freshmeat served along with an array of internationally chugged beer and wine. The perfect beginning to your evening, which ends at the FAO Schwarz Champagne and Dessert Spectacular.
    How curious... is Andover/Slashdot supportive of Ralph Nader?
    Will the pasta be penguin-shaped?
    Wow, and how about that *nifty* FAO Schwarz Champagne Spectacular?...

    Gee, what purity!
    What Corporate Disdain!
    What Nobility!
    What a Load of Horse Sh*t...
  • Does anyone know what the license on TeX is? I tried looking for source (not very hard) without any result. TeX is amazing (good and fast) and I'd love to take a look at how he did it. I'd vote for Knuth, BTW since he was one of the first people to write a major piece of free software. As for those who object to TAOCP not being open source, that doesn't matter, the material described in them is free to be used by all.
  • Comment removed based on user account deletion
  • Funny enough, I test Xerox print drivers... one change we have requested is disabling the "Duplex" option when "Labels" or "Transparencies" is selected in the print setup. Alas, until we have two-way toner (eg. surveillance mirrors) all my duplex Xpars are useless!

  • As a native New Yorker I was deeply concerned over the posibility of a transit strike happening. (If no reconsiliation is met the strike is set to start at midnight Wednesday morning).

    Suddenly its all clear!

    1) The FSF is holding its awards in NYC on wednesday.
    2) Microsoft is a large supplier of software to government.
    3) Obviously, in an effort to insure poor coverage and a poor turnout at the FSF awards, Microsoft has gotten the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority who run our busses and subways) to make a 'strike' happen. If the MTA didn't do this then Microsoft would withhold some crucial patches to Microsoft's "Big Government '00" (y2k edition) software.

    Of course an alternative view is that in an effort to promote the view that reliance on one vendor is a bad thing, RMS is actually instigating this so people see that relying on one Transit Authority for all your commuting needs is a bad thing.

    (removing toungue from cheek)

    On the other hand it could just be bad management/union negotiations :)


    - Reunite Gondwana-land
  • You know what? Nobody is making you read Slashdot.

    Or post.

    Without you it'd be, erm, about the same.

    So piss off.
    --
  • Who wrote it shouldn't be *that* much of an influence on whether or not you use it. I certainly don't pick my window manager based on how many awards the authors have won.

    We're in this business because we seek quality and open source code, aren't we?
  • Someone moderate the previous post up...

    -Steve
  • Claiming that he doesn't deserve recognition because his books are not Open Source is ludicrous

    Hey, I'm just ventilating RMS's ideas ;-)

  • You can use the algorithms in anything you like. You probably won't be using the source directly, but if you are (making a derivative of the tex program), you can make changes via change files.

    Take a look at ctan for more details (http://www.ctan.org).
  • Who is John Gilmore? The other two I know, but this name is not familiar. I am also quite disappointed that nether Kirk McKusick, William Joy, nor Jordan K. Hubbard were finalists.
  • In some sense, I kinda hope he *doesn't*.

    I know Knuth did TeX...something which is invaluable to the scientific and engineering communities(I say this not knowing how to use it...I base it on all the materials I've seen written using it). Its impact has been far longer lasting than Gnome. Maybe Miguel does deserve the award, but imho, not yet.

    BEGIN PARANOIA

    I think Miguel's addition to this list is mostly for show...and if he wins, that this entire thing will be something to give a big "pffffttt" to the KDE team from the "hardcore" GPL people. Gnome, imho, isn't worthy of praise yet, at least in comparison to the progress made by the KDE team.

    END PARANOIA

    I'm not sure who John Guilmore is (please don't hurt me!), but if someone can explain his contribution, I would be more than willing to reexamine my evaluation.
    --------------------------

  • Thanks, I couldn't find the information on them in the Bazaar's set of pages. It's a ... dense list (as in information filled, not stupid).

    My personal vote would go to the Apache Software people, Knuth, or O'Reilly. All three seem to have done a lot for the Free Software movement.

    • Where I work has been using Apache for the back end of our webserver since the mid-90's (when I recall seeing instructions on .htaccess files).
    • Knuth and Tex/LaTex have been around since the engineers were using Mac's, even if their secretaries were cursing at the program.
    • O'Reilly's company might not be "Free Software" per se, but at least they put out good books on the subject.

    Stupid sig under construction

  • I wouldn't flaunt my ignorance if I were you!
    John gilamore has been active in:

    Cygnus
    EFF (electronic frontier foundation)
    forming the "alt" newsgroups in usenet (!)
    Sun
    FSF
    Cryptography

    He's the most deserving one of them! (well, Knuth is one of the best scientist we have, but he hasn't been a vocal free software advocate like Gilmore)


  • Damn yes, I forgot about TeX (which I have never used).

    his books set the standard for open source

    But apparently you forgot that there are few open source sources that are well-written (or do you care to name an open-source program that is neatly written).

    (I can't wait to be moderated down through the ground)

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