[okfn-discuss] Aaron Swartz - should OKFN take a position?

Tue Jul 26 11:21:44 UTC 2011

Hi there,

I agree that OKF should issue a statement - it does not need to
support Mr. Schwartz, but OKF - if it is indeed an authority in open
data and knowledge - should certainly comment on this, be it to point
out the difficulties and conflicts that arise between open access and
copyright.

Whether it is a lobbying organisation or not seems to be a theoretical
discussion - one cannot deny that it is advocating and encouraging
open data.

Guo

On 26 July 2011 11:56, William Waites <ww at styx.org> wrote:
> * [2011-07-26 11:34:55 +0100] Jason Kitcat <jason.kitcat at okfn.org> écrit:
>
>> I'm not clear what you're saying here. Tim asked for there to be an
>> OKFN statement of support for Aaron Swartz - your message seems to
>> imply being both for and against that...?
>
> If I were to make a statement it would say, roughly,
>
>   (1) Aaron Schwartz and indeed any researcher should have free and
>   easy access to any scientific publications or other materials that
>   they need for their research.
>
>   (2) Abusing the infrastructire is not an acceptable way to secure
>   this access and we do not endorse these actions.
>
>> I'm sorry you feel that way. However it is the case that people
>> cannot use the OKF's name in statements without authorisation so
>> there is a decision to be made there by someone with authority. Due
>> to the specifics of the Swartz case, the OKF's general direction of
>> travel as set by the board (in terms of lobbying or not) and
>> requirements over "political activity" from some of our funders I
>> have decided that OKF should not make a statement in support of
>> Aaron Swartz.
>
> Sorry, Jason, what exactly is the basis on which you claim authority
> to unilaterally make this decision?
>
> -w
> --
> William Waites                <mailto:ww at styx.org>
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