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

Tue Jul 26 16:57:40 UTC 2011

Hi,

On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 11:56 AM, 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.

If there is reasonable evidence that the charges are severe compared
to the crime, then the OKF might reasonably state their concern, with
the evidence.

It would be reasonable to say that heavy prosecution for making
information more open is likely to have a negative impact on data
sharing, and therefore innovation and discovery.

>> 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?

I don't know what the governance structure of the OKF is.  How are
decisions like this made?

Best,

Matthew