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Free speech, free access (1)
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The Canadian Oxford defines 'free' as 'not restrained' and 'not restricted'. In the context of this discussion, I take it to mean unrestricted access to materials and software, and unrestrained use of these.
The context of the sign in the photograph is ambiguous: it says that one can express one's mind restrainedly and unrestrictedly in this place, but the permit to do this is given by some authority which presumably can also rescind that permission.
The sign also implies by its very nature that expression of views elsewhere, other than at that location, is restrained and restricted.
I think it needs to be said that freedom of speech can in practice be very hurtful, scandalous, or otherwise damaging: it does not necessarily mean the assertion of humanity, truth, and justice.
The question about protection from appropriation by publishers for their own profit of materials written in the Commons, is a risk contributors have to take. The corollary of that is publishers claiming materials written in the Commons being close enough to published materials to constitute copyright infringement. A determined Monsanto-like publisher possibly could bankrupt the foundations supporting the free licences.
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Hi John, Wayne,
When I look at this image it brings to mind an issue that arises time and again in asynchronous discussion forums that I moderate or contribute to. Freedom of speech often leads to inappropriate speech in postings that are emotive, destructive and/or libellious.
What happens then is a detrimental effect on the community members who may either:
retaliate, over react, over condemn, or shy away
Ultimately it leads to some decision making about how the admin team should handle such wayward posters. So one thing needs to be clear about what we deem to be appropriate speech not just free speech.
Carole
