Linux-kernel mailing list archive 2000-15,: Re: FW: press release - new network driver architecture

# Re: FW: press release - new network driver architecture

bert hubert (ahu@ds9a.nl)
Sun, 9 Apr 2000 17:16:41 +0200

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On Fri, Apr 07, 2000 at 08:55:43PM -0500, Scott A. Yoder wrote:

> They are never really satisfied with their work, know that it could be done
> better/faster/smaller, and are almost scared to show their work to anyone for
> fear of being laughed at no matter how good the code may be.
>
> And now that I finally have software that I feel confident in what happens?
>
> I get slapped in the face by God himself.

This list, or the open source community in general, can be very harsh.
Please realise that Linux 0.01 was very ugly as well. People here will admit
to that freely. It's not a personal insult.

> I understand your gut reaction to the press release, especially with the number
> of companies who are trying to "make a buck" off of the Linux bandwagon
>
> I get as pissed off as any other member of the community when I see companies take
> advantage of Linux.

One problem is that lots of companies suddenly foist code upon the Linux
community, without prior consultation. If you want to help the Linux kernel,
first seek guidance on how the kernel people would want it done. It's like
giving somebody a present without knowing what they want, and not knowing
them well enough to make an educated guess. I'm not sure if this applies to
you.

> But SDL is not the only hardware vendor with licensing issues. There will be
> others who run into the same problems as we face. We're just a Linux company.
> Always have been. We don't make the hardware. We are a team of networking
> specialists who can write software and install and support networks.

One thing you should know is that the Linux kernel would rather not support
vendors who don't allow open source drives to be written. It's against the
whole Linux idea.

> It's not easy when your company lives week to week and is always on the verge of
> going out of business. We've worked our butts off for many years now, and
> we finally have something of worth to give back to the community.

And I thank you for it. Linux can be a harsh mistress however.

Regards,

bert hubert.

    --
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