[Freegis-list] The Brazilian freeware GIS SPRING

[Adrian Custer]

Thanks for the note. 

On 12 Jan 2001 23:48:23 -0200, Felipe G. Nievinski wrote:
> I believe that
> writing a petition, explaining the very basics of Free software and showing
> that everyone will win with it (win-win), no one lawyer will say that it
> cannot be done, considering it is a product from a public institution.
> (Maybe I will need a help to write this petition/letter.)


This last argument might have a big effect if you can start working up
public opinion. The notion in the US that government efforts are
*already* owned by the public has completely changed our access to code
and data. I don't know how deeply entrenched in brazilian law is the
alternative vision (I'll ask around) but pressure from brailian citizens
could work wonders.

Also you might stress that if they Free the code, people might seriously
start contributing to their project. 

Write the letter, I'll sign it! 
:-)

--adrian