Richard Stallman at GGG

Wednesday 13 August 2008
2:30pm - 5:00pm

SORRY - FULL HOUSE!

Richard Stallman

Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks

"Copyright developed in the age of the printing press, and was designed to fit with the system of centralized copying imposed by the printing press. But the copyright system does not fit well with computer networks, and only draconian punishments can enforce it. "
"The global corporations that profit from copyright are lobbying for draconian punishments, and to increase their copyright powers, while suppressing public access to technology. But if we seriously hope to serve the only legitimate purpose of copyright--to promote progress, for the benefit of the public--then we must make changes in the other direction."

Richard Stallman, of GNU.org and the Free Software Foundation is at GGG on 13th August and will be speaking on Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks - join UP for a lively discussion on copyright from 3-5pm in the Level 2 Council Chambers, Wellington Town Hall, 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, New Zealand. Doors open at 2.30pm.

Whether you are creating content, uploading it to share, or making policy, come join us to discuss the issues, and think some different thoughts.

A GNU head Stallman launched the development of the GNU operating system (see www.gnu.org) in 1984. GNU is free software: everyone has the freedom to copy it and redistribute it, as well as to make changes either large or small. The GNU/Linux system, basically the GNU operating system with Linux added, is used on tens of millions of computers today. Stallman has received the ACM Grace Hopper Award, a MacArthur Foundation fellowship, the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Pioneer award, and the the Takeda Award for Social/Economic Betterment, as well as several honorary doctorates.

*To ensure a space at the Stallman seminar, and refreshments, please fill in your details on the RSVP form above, and note your RSVP number. There is no charge for attendees, but space is strictly limited. If you are also attending Gadgets, Games and Geeks 2008 directly afterwards, you must RSVP separately on the GGG event page. Registration for the two events is separate, and a badge for both is required if you want to view GGG from 5:00 pm.

Online NZ RMS News and Links

NZ scheduled events
FSF event listing
Geekzone: Foobar blog entry.
Geekzone: Wellington event hosts free software advocate Richard Stallman
Green Party giving a plug.
NZOSS on Richard Stallman Tour
Computerworld > Free Software leader slams NZ copyright
TALO: Discussion and international interest in stream
RMS mentions us in Stockholm.
RMS in Dunedin 2006 [Video]
PCWorld Blog announcement.
Thanks to Simon Bridge for compiling the list

There will be a Free Software Foundation stand at the Gadgets, Games and Geeks event (after the seminar). Copies of Richard Stallmans' book 'Free Software, Free Society' will be available to purchase (cash only) and further information and contact cards for FSF will be available.

If you intend to stay for GGG, please ensure you have RSVPd for a badge at the GGG event page. All people without a badge for GGG are asked to finish networking and leave the venue by 5:30 pm - as we are very restricted on numbers permitted in the venue.

A/V recordings

The event may be recorded by Unlimited Potential - both audio and video, depending on event sponsorship. Participants are welcome to photograph or record the event as long as they make the media available without restrictions. Let UP know via pix at UP.org.nz if you have anything you can share. Recordings or streams will be linked from this page. Open formats such as OGG for audio and video are requested.

Question time

Richard will be answering questions and audience participation will be encouraged at the event. Please submit your specific questions below - and we will submit them for discussion. Questions must be submitted prior to the event, and may be merged or edited for length, as we will be limited for time.