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

Tue Jul 26 15:25:48 UTC 2011

On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 7:21 AM, Guo Xu <digitalepourpre at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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.

One could issue a statement that is pretty blanket, i.e. that "people
should not be prosecuted for opening up data, particularly with the
kinds of charges that show this is more a politically motivated
witch-hunt than a fair prosecution given the nature of the alleged
crimes". That would make sense.

   cheers,
       harry

>
> 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>
>> http://river.styx.org/ww/        <sip:ww at styx.org>
>> F4B3 39BF E775 CF42 0BAB  3DF0 BE40 A6DF B06F FD45
>>
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