Forwarding to the other relevant lists..

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: David A. Mellis dam@mellis.org Date: Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 2:20 PM Subject: [GOSH] open-source hardware definition. To: gosh@piksel.no Cc: mako@atdot.cc, ayahbdeir@gmail.com

Hey guys,

At the opening hardware workshop at Eyebeam we went over many of the same issues that were discussed at GOSH, so I wanted to try to tie the two conversations together.  In New York, we decided to start by defining open-source hardware in a way that those of us that practice it can agree to.  We hope that this will help us to establish norms of behavior for those using the term, similar to the way in which the phrase "open-source" has a fairly clear meaning for software despite the fact that it is not trademarked or otherwise legally protected.  I see this as complementary to the organization and trademark approach of OHANDA, and hope that both can help to define and promote open-source hardware.

In particular, I wanted to get your opinions on the draft definition at http://freedomdefined.org/OSHW.  This is a work-in-progress that attempts to explain what we mean when we say open-source hardware, in as straightforward a manner as possible.  Comments?  Suggestions?

I know that OHANDA is using a modified version of the FSF's four freedoms, but I think there's room for multiple definitions, with varying perspectives or approaches, as in open-source software (e.g. four freedoms and the DFSG).  Do you think this definition is something you'd be interested in supporting, as individuals, particular OSHW projects, or through OHANDA?

David

P.S. If you're interested in continued discussion and development of the definition, Ayah (in CC) should be able to add you to the opening hardware mailing list that we've been using.

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