Well, when I was Lecture Series Manager for Techfest 2003, I had this opportunity to write to Dr. Richard M. Stallman, Founder of the Free Software Foundation and President of GNU Movement. We arranged a video conference with him from Boston to be telecasted live in IIT Bombay during Techfest.
RMS, as he is popularly known, is a busy person and receives loads and loads of email everyday. Yet, I think he is the most singularly organised person I have ever come across. I was amazed at his organised and prompt replies! He not only made time for the lecture in his schedule (he had to stay up all night to speak during daytime in India) but also booked and organised the video-conferencing facilities on his side. Truly, it was an honour to have organised his lecture.
But just to give you an idea of the effort it took, below are the mails exchanged between me and him. If you have the time and inclination, read them.
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 19:26:53 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard M. Stallman
Subject: Techfest 2003
To,
Mr. Richard M. Stallman
Subject: Invitation to speak at TECHFEST 2003, IIT Bombay.
Sir,
I am a junior undergraduate at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay,
India. TECHFEST is the annual science and technology festival organised by
the students of IIT Bombay. With participation from students as well as
academia and industry, the fest is Asia's biggest of it's kind. TECHFEST
2003 is scheduled from Jan 31 to Feb 2, 2003.
Though envisioned as a forum for the confluence of students, academia and
industry, TECHFEST is also envisaged as a platform to enable students
interact with their role models. It has had the distinction of featuring
eminent personalities including Sir Roger Penrose, Mr. Sam Pitroda, Mr.
Narayanamurthy, Prof. Mohanbir Sawhney (Kellogs GSM), media guru Alyque
Padamsee and Dr. Jayant Narlikar among others.
The events at TECHFEST include National-level competitions, Lectures from
renowned personalities, Workshops etc. Of all the events, the Lecture
series has been perhaps the most popular event attracting huge audiences.
TECHFEST 2002, held during February 1-3 2002 was a huge success with the
likes of Mr. Rajat Gupta, McKinsey CEO, Dr. Ehud Shapiro (of DNA Computing
fame) and Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, now President of India speaking at the
fest.
Sir, On behalf of the TECHFEST team, I would like to invite you to speak
at TECHFEST 2003. It would be an honour for IIT Bombay and an everlasting
experience for the participants to listen to you. This would also provide
the students of the sub-continent an opportunity to listen to your ideas.
The team has also thought of a panel discussion on "Palladium" keeping in
mind that the panel will consist of best of all worlds. We are trying to
contact Mr. Linus Torvalds and the people at Microsoft.
We look forward to associate with you and would be glad if you help in the
cause of this student activity. With all good hopes, keenly awaiting a
positive reply.
Regards,
Zishaan M. Hayath
Manager (Lecture Series)
TECHFEST 2003, IIT Bombay
Email: zishaan@techfest.org
Fax : 91 22 5723480
URL : http://www.techfest.org
Date: Sun, 03 Nov 2002 19:32:38 +0530
From: Richard M. Stallman - Autoreply Message
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
[This message was generated by an automated system.]
I am not on vacation, but I am at the end of a long time delay. I am
located somewhere on Earth, but as far as responding to email is concerned,
I appear to be well outside the solar system.
After your message arrives at gnu.org, I will collect it in my next batch of
incoming mail, some time within the following 24 hours. I will spend much
of the following day reading that batch of mail and will come across your
message at some point. If I can write a response for it immediately, the
response will go out in the next outgoing batch--typically around 24 hours
after I collected your message, but occasionally sooner or later than that.
As a result, you should expect a minimum delay of between 24 and 48 hours in
seeing any response to your mail to me.
If you are having a conversation with me, please keep in mind that each
message you receive from me is probably a response to the mail you sent 24
to 48 hours earlier, and any subsequent mail you sent has not yet been seen
by me.
If you are in a hurry to speak with me, try sending mail to
rms-assist@gnu.org saying what you would like to talk with me about,
and giving your telephone number.
Another option to reach me urgently is to call the Free Software Foundation
office at 617-542-5942 and ask them to contact me on your behalf.
If you aren't in an immediate hurry, there is no need to contact
rms-assist@gnu.org or the Free Software Foundation office. I will get
back to you as soon as I possibly can.
If you do not wish to receive this message ever again, please send a message
to rms-autoreply-control@gnu.org with the subject "OFF".
Otherwise, you might receive a reply like this one up to once a month.
Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2002 23:35:52 +0530
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
I am sorry, I cannot come to India at that time. However, perhaps you
could invite one of the people of stature in the free software world
in India. Perhaps Nagarjuna from TIFR.
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 22:08:06 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Dear Mr. Stallman,
Thank you for your email message. We are sorry to hear that you are busy
on the dates of Techfest 2003 (ie. Jan 31- Feb 2 2003) and cannot come to
India. However, we would be glad if we could have your lecture through a
VIDEO CONFERENCE.
Looking forward to your participation in this student endeavour. Thanking
you in anticipation.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 09:40:33 +0530
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Thank you for your email message. We are sorry to hear that you are busy
on the dates of Techfest 2003 (ie. Jan 31- Feb 2 2003) and cannot come to
India. However, we would be glad if we could have your lecture through a
VIDEO CONFERENCE.
A videoconference by satellite works well, but it is expensive.
I can do it if you set it up.
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 23:21:25 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Thu, 14 Nov 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> A videoconference by satellite works well, but it is expensive.
> I can do it if you set it up.
Thank you for agreeing to do a Video Conf for Techfest 2003. We would
definitely set it up. I will get back to you soon with ccmplete details
very soon.
The dates for Techfest are Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2003. It might also interest
you to know that (the already finalised) other speakers at the fest are
* Dr. Bernhard Schoelkopf
Director Max Planck Institute of Biological Cybernetics
on "Machine Learning"
* Dr. R. Chidambaram
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt. of India.
(Mr. Stallman, if its not too much intrusion into your privacy, I would
be thankful if you could give me your phone number.)
Thank you once again. Will get back to you asap.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 07:04:16 +0530
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
It is not feasible to phone me now. I am travelling too much.
(I am writing this in a car on the way to see Mt Merapi in Java.)
We need to figure out the precise time and date of the speech.
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 20:55:23 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Sat, 16 Nov 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> It is not feasible to phone me now. I am travelling too much.
> (I am writing this in a car on the way to see Mt Merapi in Java.)
> We need to figure out the precise time and date of the speech.
Dear Mr. Stallman,
Hello.
The dates of Techfest are Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2003. We would like to have your
lecture on 1st or 2nd Feb. ie. Saturday or Sunday. The preferable time
would be 1100 hrs or 1400 hrs IST.
Please let me know the following:
1. Which date and time is more convenient to you
2. Duration of your speech (roughly)
3. Topic (if you have decided it yet)
I will get back to you with more details soon. Until then I hope you will
be kind enough to reserve the date for your speech at Techfest. Do mail
back. Thank you.
Best regards,
Zishaan
PS : Sorry about the gap in response. Was busy with end-semester exams.
Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2002 20:33:10 +0530
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
The dates of Techfest are Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2003. We would like to have your
lecture on 1st or 2nd Feb. ie. Saturday or Sunday. The preferable time
would be 1100 hrs or 1400 hrs IST.
Those times are impossible. I would have to give the speech
in the middle of the night.
In fact, now that I think about it, it looks like the only time you
could hold the speech is either very late in the evening or very early
in the morning. I could do it at 9am-10am your time, which would be
1030pm-1130pm my time. Or I could do it 9pm-10pm your time, which
would be 1030am-1130am my time.
Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2002 21:42:03 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Fri, 29 Nov 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> In fact, now that I think about it, it looks like the only time you
> could hold the speech is either very late in the evening or very early
> in the morning. I could do it at 9am-10am your time, which would be
> 1030pm-1130pm my time. Or I could do it 9pm-10pm your time, which
> would be 1030am-1130am my time.
Dear Mr. Stallman,
Hello
Could we please have your lecture from 10am-11am our time, which would be
1130pm-1230am your time? The only concern here is that 9am will be a
little early and a lot of audience will regret missing your lecture.
Therefore, I request you consider this time slot.
Otherwise we will have to go ahead with the 9am-10am slot as suggested by
you. Thank you.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Mon, December 2, 2002 9:16 pm
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Could we please have your lecture from 10am-11am our time, which
would be 1130pm-1230am your time?
It will be hard for me to stay up so late. I will have recently
returned from Europe.
I don't know if the companies that handle this are open that late. In
fact, I don't know if they are open until 1130pm either.
Would you like to invite another speaker from the Free Software
Movement?
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:34:24 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard M. Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
> It will be hard for me to stay up so late. I will have recently
> returned from Europe.
>
> I don't know if the companies that handle this are open that late. In
> fact, I don't know if they are open until 1130pm either.
>
> Would you like to invite another speaker from the Free Software
> Movement?
Dear Mr. Stallman,
We will go ahead with the lecture at 9.00 am Indian Standard Time.
And sir, about inviting another speaker from the Free Softtware Movement:
When I had announced to the Techfest team that we would be having your
lecture, their joy knew no bounds. No, I am not trying to be appeasing,
but the kind of following and respect guys have for you in IIT is
different. We were all greatly looking forward to hear you at Techfest.
And we want to deliver the same to all the outsiders who would be
attending the fest.
Hoping to hear from you in positive.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 14:23:05 -0500
From: Richard M. Stallman - Autoreply Message
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
[This message was generated by an automated system.]
I am not on vacation, but I am at the end of a long time delay. I am
located somewhere on Earth, but as far as responding to email is concerned,
I appear to be well outside the solar system.
After your message arrives at gnu.org, I will collect it in my next batch of
incoming mail, some time within the following 24 hours. I will spend much
of the following day reading that batch of mail and will come across your
message at some point. If I can write a response for it immediately, the
response will go out in the next outgoing batch--typically around 24 hours
after I collected your message, but occasionally sooner or later than that.
As a result, you should expect a minimum delay of between 24 and 48 hours in
seeing any response to your mail to me.
If you are having a conversation with me, please keep in mind that each
message you receive from me is probably a response to the mail you sent 24
to 48 hours earlier, and any subsequent mail you sent has not yet been seen
by me.
If you are in a hurry to speak with me, try sending mail to
rms-assist@gnu.org saying what you would like to talk with me about,
and giving your telephone number.
Another option to reach me urgently is to call the Free Software Foundation
office at 617-542-5942 and ask them to contact me on your behalf.
If you aren't in an immediate hurry, there is no need to contact
rms-assist@gnu.org or the Free Software Foundation office. I will get
back to you as soon as I possibly can.
If you do not wish to receive this message ever again, please send a message
to rms-autoreply-control@gnu.org with the subject "OFF".
Otherwise, you might receive a reply like this one up to once a month.
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 21:10:31 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
We will go ahead with the lecture at 9.00 am Indian Standard Time.
You need to find a company that does this sort of video transmission
so that you can determine what arrangements you need to make.
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 17:47:01 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Mon, 9 Dec 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> You need to find a company that does this sort of video transmission
> so that you can determine what arrangements you need to make.
Dear Mr. Stallman,
For the Video Conference we would be requiring the following:
1. ISDN Line
2. Computer (a Pentium III atleast) with a graphic card
3. Camera / WebCam
4. Codec and a related software
At IIT Bombay, the above arrangements will be made by MTNL (the telephone
service provider of Bombay). MTNL has been doing the same for Techfest for
the last 3-4 years. At the time of VC, we would be calling you from here
ie. Bombay, India.
I hope you will be able to arrange the above requirements at your side.
Please do tell me if anything needs to be done.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 12:08:15 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
For the Video Conference we would be requiring the following:
It looks like you are thinking of doing it over the net. I tried that
and found that the quality was no good. I decided not to do it that
way any more.
I think you should invite someone else.
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 21:44:08 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Thu, 12 Dec 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> It looks like you are thinking of doing it over the net. I tried that
> and found that the quality was no good. I decided not to do it that
> way any more.
Dear Mr. Stallman,
We are not doing a web-based Video Conference that would be using IP
lines. We would be using ISDN lines (128 kbps, 2 numbers) and the quality
of such a VC is good. (We have done two such conferences last year. One
with Mr. Rajat Gupta, MD, McKinsey from Chicago, USA and the other with
Dr. Ehud Shapiro, Weizmann Institute from Israel.)
All you need to do is reach a centre that does this kind of conferencing
or arrange the same at your home/ office. We will be dialing you from
Bombay, India so that the cost of the VC is on us.
If you be kind enough to give me the contact (email/ phone) of your
assistant/ secretary, I will work out the arrangements with her/him and
let you know.
Thanks in anticipation.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 18:40:13 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
We are not doing a web-based Video Conference that would be using IP
lines. We would be using ISDN lines (128 kbps, 2 numbers) and the quality
of such a VC is good. (We have done two such conferences last year. One
with Mr. Rajat Gupta, MD, McKinsey from Chicago, USA and the other with
Dr. Ehud Shapiro, Weizmann Institute from Israel.)
All you need to do is reach a centre that does this kind of conferencing
or arrange the same at your home/ office. We will be dialing you from
Bombay, India so that the cost of the VC is on us.
Ok, I will give this method a try.
So how about Feb 2 at 0900 your time?
What topic should it be?
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 09:19:35 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Sun, 15 Dec 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> Ok, I will give this method a try.
> So how about Feb 2 at 0900 your time?
>
> What topic should it be?
Thank you, sir. 0900 IST on Feb 2 (Sunday) will be fine. About the topic,
I am discussing with a few professors and the team. I will mail you the
same in a day. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Meanwhile, could you suggest something that you have in mind. Thanks
again.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 02:27:41 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Sun, 15 Dec 2002, Richard Stallman wrote:
> Ok, I will give this method a try.
> So how about Feb 2 at 0900 your time?
>
> What topic should it be?
Dear Dr. Stallman,
We think the topic:
"Copyright vs. Community in the Age of Computer Networks"
is quite broad, interesting and relevant to IIT.
Apart from that we also had a jumble of thoughts; not very coherent
though.
Indian organizations, esp. academia, are big users of open software.
However, it is embarrassing that (despite the reputation of Indian
software prowess) Indians rarely contribute back to open software. What do
you think are the factors? What can IIT and similar colleges do to start a
trend? What are high-impact areas to contribute to open software?
What is going to be the likely outcome of the ruling "against" Microsoft?
Where do you see the non-Linux Unices (Solaris, HPUX, etc.) going? Will we
ever see Microsoft Office running on Linux?
Please do let me know what topic you would be speaking on. Thank you.
Regards,
Zishaan.
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 12:12:07 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
I am discussing with a few professors and the team. I will mail you the
same in a day. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Meanwhile, could you suggest something that you have in mind. Thanks
again.
Here's the info packet about my speeches.
My usual speech about the Free Software Movement and GNU takes between
2 and 2.5 hours. That typically includes over one and a half hours of
my speaking, plus plenty of time for questions, because people usually
want to ask a lot of questions.
I can manage to squeeze a speech into an hour, but some topics will be
omitted and there will be no time for questions. Once we are going to
the trouble and expense of having me come and speak, we may as well do
a thorough job of it.
A typical title would be this:
The Free Software Movement and the GNU/Linux Operating System
There are other topics I speak about, such as
Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks
and
The Danger of Software Patents
These topics take just an hour.
I can also possibly speak about some other topic if you suggest one.
Abstract:
For a speech about the Free Software Movement and GNU/Linux, you
can use this abstract:
Richard Stallman will speak about the purpose, goals, philosophy,
methods, status, and future prospects of the GNU operating system,
which in combination with the kernel Linux is now used by an
estimated 17 to 20 million users world wide.
For Copyright vs Community, you can use this abstract:
Copyright developed in the age of the printing press, and was designed
to fit with the system of centralized copying imposed by the printing
press. But the copyright system does not fit well with computer
networks, and only draconian punishments can enforce it.
The global corporations that profit from copyright are lobbying
for draconian punishments, and to increase their copyright powers,
while suppressing public access to technology. But if we
seriously hope to serve the only legitimate purpose of
copyright--to promote progress, for the benefit of the
public--then we must make changes in the other direction.
For Against Software Patents, you can use this abstract:
Richard Stallman will explain how software patents obstruct
software development. Software patents are patents that cover
software ideas. They restrict the development of software, so
that every design decision brings a risk of getting sued. Patents
in other fields restrict factories, but software patents restrict
every computer user. Economic research shows that they even
retard progress.
Asking for the text:
I don't write my speeches in advance--it would take too much time.
However, transcripts of my past speeches are available.
Participation in a larger event:
I am selective about what sorts of events I am willing to participate
in. If you are inviting me to speak at a larger event, please make
sure I am informed of the overall nature of the event, so I can make a
decision about whether I really want to participate.
I usually decline to participate in "open source" or "Linux" events.
Erecting a larger event:
If you are thinking of erecting a larger event around my speech,
please talk with me about the plans for such a larger event before
proceeding with them. I want to make sure the event entirely supports
what I am trying to achieve.
Facilities:
A microphone is desirable if the room is large, but I have a very loud
voice, so I don't need one for a small or medium room. A supply of
tea with milk and sugar would be nice; otherwise, non-diet pepsi will
do (I dislike the taste of coke, and of all diet soda). If it is good
tea, I like it without milk and sugar. No other facilities are
needed.
Languages:
I can speak in English or French. I can give a speech in Spanish
if I have several days to practice the language before speaking.
If the audience won't be comfortable with a language I can speak, it
is important to have a translator.
For the full speech on Free Software and the GNU/Linux System, the
only feasible kind of translation is simultaneous translation. The
speech (with questions) normally lasts over two hours; to use
consecutive translation would double that to four hours. That is too
long.
Restricting admission:
If you plan to restrict admission to my speech, or charge a fee for
admission, please discuss this with me in advance and get my approval
for the plan. I'm not categorically against limiting admission or
fees, but excluding people means the speech does less good, so I want
to make sure that the limitations are as small as necessary. For
instance, you can allow students and low-paid people and political
activists to get in free, even if professionals have to pay. We will
discuss what to do.
Sponsors:
If corporations sponsor my talk, I am willing to include a small
tasteful note of thanks in announcements and brochures, but no more
than that. There should be no descriptions of their products or
services, and no banners with their names. If a would-be sponsor
insists on more than that, we have to do without that sponsor.
If my speech is part of a pre-existing larger event that I have agreed
to participate in, I can't impose such conditions for the whole event.
However, if banners will be on display next to me while I am speaking,
that is rather obnoxious; if they advertise organizations that I
disapprove of on ethical grounds (which is not unlikely) I would want
to take them down, cover them up, or turn them off during my speech.
Publicity:
The GNU Project constantly struggles against two widespread mistakes
that undermine the effectiveness of our work: calling our work "open
source", and calling the GNU operating system "Linux". Another very
bad mistake is using the term "intellectual property".
The Free Software Movement and the Open Source Movement are like two
political parties in our community. I founded the Free Software
Movement in 1984 along with the GNU Project; we call our work "free
software" because it is software that respects the users freedom. The
Open Source Movement was founded, in 1998, specifically to reject our
idealistic philosophy--they studiously avoid talking about freedom.
See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html for
more explanation of the difference between the two movements.
So please make sure that all the publicity about the event (web site,
email announcements, conference programs, direct mail, signs, etc),
uses the term "free software", not "open source", when you refer to my
work. This includes to the title and descriptions of my speech, of
the session it is in, of the track it is part of, and of the event
itself.
Of course, some of these names and descriptions may not refer to this
work at all; for example, if a track or the whole event covers a much
broader topic in which free software is just a small part, its name
may not refer to free software. That is normal and appropriate. The
point is not to ask you to refer to my work more often than you
normally would, but that you should describe it accurately whenever
you do refer to it.
If other speakers in the same session, track, or event want their work
to be categorized as "open source", that is a legitimate request for
them to make. In that case, please give "free software" equal mention
with "open source".
If you think it is useful to tell people how free software relates to
open source, you can say that "since 1998, another group has used the
term `open source' to describe a related activity." That will tell
people that my work has a relationship with "open source", which they
may have heard of, without implying it is right to describe my work as
"open source."
The other widespread confusion is the idea of a "Linux operating
system". The system in question, the system that Debian and Red Hat
distribute, the system that 20 million people use, is basically the
GNU operating system, with Linux added as the kernel. When people
call the whole system "Linux", they deny us the credit for our work,
and this is not right. (See http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html
for more explanation.)
So please call this combined operating system "GNU/Linux" in all
the publicity, in the titles and description of the session, track,
event, etc., if and when you have reason to refer to it.
For similar reasons, please don't use a penguin as a symbol for my
work, or on the posters or notices for my speech. The penguin stands
for "Linux"; the symbol of GNU is a gnu. So if you want to use a
graphical image to symbolize GNU or my work, please use a gnu.
If you have handled these issues well, nobody who looks at your
material will get the impression that I work on "open source", or that
I support "open source", or that my work is "part of Linux", or that I
participated in the "development of Linux", or that GNU is the name of
"a collection of tools".
As for the term "intellectual property", that spreads confusion and
hostile bias. See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html
for explanation. I hope you will decide to reject that expression, as
I do; but in any case, don't use it in connection with my speech.
At the speech:
Please arrange for someone to hand out and collect our "contact cards".
FSF would like to keep in touch with those who support us, to give
you updates on what we are doing and how you can help. If you are
willing, Dr. Stallman asks that you fill out these contact cards,
which he can take back with him so you can receive updates about
FSF. The FSF will not release this information unless forced to.
In some cases I can bring preprinted contact cards or the FSF can ship
them to you. Otherwise we can send you a file and you can print them.
A week before the talk, please ask me which one it will be.
Changes of plans:
Don't assume that I can still come if you change the date. My
schedule is tight. If you change the date by even one day, I may be
unable to come. However, I will certainly be flexible if there is no
obstacle. Please consult with me before making any change, and I will
see what I can do.
Scheduling other meetings:
I have agreed to give a speech for you, and if the press wants to talk
with me, I will do that for the sake of the cause. However, if you
would like me to give additional speeches or go to additional
meetings, please ask me first. Please ask me about *each* activity
you would like me to perform.
Many people assume that because I am travelling, I am having a
vacation--that I have no other work to do, so I can spend the whole
day speaking or meeting with people. Some hosts even feel that they
ought to try to fill up my time as a matter of good hospitality.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is, I have no vacations. I have to spend 6 to 8 hours *every
day* doing my usual work, which is responding to email about the GNU
Project and the Free Software Movement. Work comes in every day for
me, and if I skip it one day, I have to work double another day.
During the week I usually fall behind; on weekends I try to catch up.
Travelling takes up time, so I will be extra busy during my visit. So
please ask me *in advance* about *each* additional speech, meeting, or
other activity that would take time. I don't mind being asked, and I
may say yes, but I also may say no.
Remember that an additional speech, even if it is just a one-hour
speech, probably takes up two hours or more when you count the travel
time.
Interviews:
I am glad to give interviews to the press about the GNU Project, but
before I do, I want to be sure they will not repeat the two common
mistakes (calling the whole system "Linux" and associating GNU or me
with "open source"). Please explain this, and ask the journalist if
he will agree to call the system "GNU/Linux" in the article, and to
make it clear that our work is "free software" not "open source".
Recommend reading http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html and
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html for
explanations of these issues. If the journalist agrees, then I agree
to an interview. Please have this discussion by email, and save the
messages in both directions.
Sometimes a journalist gives a vaguely affirmative-sounding or
sympathetic response which does not really answer "yes". Examples are
"I will do this as much as I can" and "I understand the distinction."
Such an answer is actually just "maybe", so when you receive one,
please ask for clarification. If he says that the editor has the
final decision, please respond with "Would you please consult the
editor now, and tell us a firm decision?"
Also please ask journalists to *see my speech* before the interview.
My speeches are not technical; they focus on precisely the sort of
philosophical questions that a journalist would probably want to
cover. If the journalist does not attend my speech, he will probably
start by asking me to answer the same questions that I answer in the
speech. That is inefficient.
It is also a good idea for the journalist to read
http://www.gnu.org/gnu/the-gnu-project.html and some of the articles
in http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/ before the interview. Those
articles provide important background. This is especially important
for anyone who cannot come to my speech first.
I am willing to meet with any number of journalists, but if there are
many, I can't meet all of them individually (it would take too much
time). So what I will do is give private interviews to 2 or 3 of
them, whichever ones you think are most important, and see the rest of
them as a group (i.e. in a press conference).
You and the local people you know are better equipped than I am to
judge which journalists and which publications I should focus on.
Please try to judge both the importance of the publication and the
merits (intelligence, attention to accuracy, openness of mind, and
absence of bias) of the journalist, if you can.
If you schedule a press conference or group interview, please *plan
the time of my speech to allow the inteview after it*. It may be a
good idea to find out from journalists what times are good for them,
then schedule the conference, then schedule the speech before it.
This way, they will all be able to get the full picture.
Recording my speech:
Please do record the speech if you can. We are always looking
for good recordings of my speeches, both audio and video, to put
on line.
If you are making a recording, please *make sure* to tell me when the
tape needs to be changed. I will pause. I want to make sure the
recording is complete.
Putting my speech on the net:
If you would like to put my speech on the Internet, or distribute it
in digital form, that is ok provided you make sure that a user can
play the recording on a GNU/Linux system using only free software.
For instance, this means RealPlayer format is unacceptable.
OGG format is good for audio, and OpenDIVX is good for video.
This requirement is very important, because if it is not followed, my
own speech will entice people to do the exact opposite of what I urge
them to do. That would undercut the whole point of the speech; the
medium would contradict the message.
Because this is so important, please make sure everyone who might be
involved in broadcasting the event, or who might be directly or
indirectly involved in planning such a broadcast, knows this
requirement in advance of the event.
Warning about giveways:
You may find companies offering you CD-ROMs, books, fliers or
publicity materials to give away or sell at my speech. Please check
them before you accept them, to make sure that they don't promote the
very thing that we are working to replace.
For instance, the CDs may contain non-free software. Most commercial
CDs of GNU/Linux contain non-free software in addition to the free
software. If it isn't the official Debian GNU/Linux system, it almost
surely contains non-free software, so please don't hand it out or
offer it at my speech. Even if it contains the official Debian
GNU/Linux system, the publisher may have added some non-free software
to that, so it is necessary to check.
Books about use of the GNU/Linux system and about GNU programs are
fine if they themselves are also free. But many of them are non-free
(see http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-doc.html). To see if a book
is free, check the license on the back of the title page. If it uses
the GNU Free Documentation License, or the Open Publication License
version 1 without options A and B, then it is free. If it isn't one
of those, please show me the license and I will tell you if it is a
free license.
If companies send you publicity materials, please check with me before
giving them out at my speech.
Flights:
I am travelling most of the time, and most of my trips include several
stops. Chances are your city is neither the first nor the last stop
in the trip. So please don't make assumptions about the itinerary;
instead, please ask me for whatever information you need.
Many organizations ask to buy the tickets and send them to me. That
is ok with me, but it typically assumes the trip goes to just one
city. That approach usually won't work for a multi-destination trip,
unless you want to pay for the whole trip. So normally I buy the
tickets myself and get reimbursed by the various places I am visiting.
For a multi-destination trip, we will need to agree on what parts of
the travel expenses you should cover.
Some organizations feel that hospitality calls for providing me with a
business class ticket. That is indeed more comfortable, but an
economy class seat is good enough even on an overnight flight if it is
a window seat. Meanwhile, speaking is my main source of income, and
the extra price of a business class ticket would be a lot more useful
for me if I can spend it on something else. So if you were thinking
of spending extra for business class, how about if you pay the
extra to me as a speaker's fee instead?
We should plan for me to arrive at least 24 hours before the speech;
that way, even if the flight is cancelled, there is a good chance I
can still arrive in time for the speech.
Accommodations:
I am willing to stay in a hotel if that is the way you want to do it.
But if there is anyone who wants to offer a spare couch, or even some
spare floor, I would much rather stay there than in a hotel (provided
I have a door I can close to in order to have some privacy). Staying
with someone is more fun for me than a hotel, and it would also save
you money. Floor space is sufficient because I bring an air mattress
with me.
Note, however, that in a hot and/or humid place I need air
conditioning or I will be unable to sleep. Above 72 fahrenheit (22
centigrade) it becomes quite difficult except when the air is dry.
I sometimes like cats, but they are not good for me; I am somewhat
allergic to them. So I need the bed and the room I will usually be
staying in to be clean of cat hair. However, it is no problem if
there is a cat elsewhere in the house--I might even like them. Dogs
that occasionally jump up on people frighten me unless they are tiny.
But if they only do that when we come in, I can cope as long as you
hold the dog away from me at that time.
If you put me in a hotel, please cover the costs of the telephone
calls I will need to transfer my email. Some hotels charge a lot of
money for this.
Many countries have a law that hotels must report all guests to the
police. In most cases, this intrusive policy applies not just to
foreigners like me, but even to citizens. The citizens should be
outraged by this, but often they are not.
If your country has this policy, please join me in striking a blow
against Big Brother, by finding a place other than a hotel for me to
stay in. I will be happier in my visit if I can stay in a place that
doesn't demand to see my passport. If the police want to talk with me
about free software, they are welcome to come to my speech.
If you have found a person for me to stay with, please forward this
section and the two following sections to that person.
Beds:
Many people like hard beds, but they cause me muscle aches that keep
me awake. In general there is no way you can determine for me whether
a bed is too hard; hardness is relative and we do not know how your
standards compare with mine. But one data point is that futons are
always too hard for me. I have tried many futons, and every one of
them was painful. So if it isn't distinctly softer than every futon
you have ever seen, it is too hard.
If you don't know for a fact that I can sleep on the bed you have in
mind, please arrange to have on hand either a vacuum cleaner or a hair
dryer with a "cool" setting, so I can to inflate my air mattress if I
need it.
Hotel beds are often very hard; I cannot necessarily sleep on the bed
in the hotel. But at least we can count on a hotel to have a vacuum
cleaner.
In case you are wondering, I cannot feel a pea under a mattress, but I
might feel a peanut under a thin mattress.
Email:
It is very important for me to be able to transfer email between my
laptop and the net, so I can do my ordinary work. While travelling, I
often need to do the work and the transfer late at night, or in the
morning before a departure. So please set up a way I can connect to
the net from the place I am staying. If there is a computer on the
net which has a floppy drive, I can transfer the data via that
computer.
A modem connection is fine if it works, so please verify in advance
that the telephone line you expect me to use has a modular jack and
that it works to call the ISP from that line. Hotels in Europe and
Asia often have peculiar phone systems; the staff may tell you it is
possible to call an ISP from the hotel *but they may be wrong*. The
only way to tell for certain is to go to the hotel, try phoning with a
computer from a guest room, and see if it actually works. Until you
have tested it, don't believe it!
I already have ISPs to call in the US and in some other places;
elsewhere, please find me a local ISP to call. (It would be nice if
the account will continue working afterward, so that I can use it
again if I come back or from other places in the region.) Hotel phone
fees may be significant, and I expect you to cover them. However, I
normally connect to the net only for around ten minutes at a time,
twice a day, so it won't be too much.
Paying me a reimbursement or a fee:
Please pay my reimbursement or fee to me personally; do not send it to
the FSF. The FSF and I have completely separate finances, and the FSF
never pays for my travel. The FSF welcomes donations, but please make
sure that money intended to me is not sent to them, because moving it
afterward would mean accounting headaches as well as extra work.
My assistant is not involved with my finances, so he cannot help you
with that issue. Please send questions about payments to me directly.
If you pay me by check, and you're not in the US, make sure to get a
check that lists a corresponding US bank--otherwise it will cost me a
fee to deposit the check. Please mail the check to:
Richard Stallman
545 Tech Sq rm 425
Cambridge, MA 02139
USA
Do not mail it to the FSF!
A wire transfer is also a good method of payment. I will send you the
coordinates; ask if you need them. But note that a fee is always
charged for making the transfer--please don't take that out of what
you've agreed to pay me.
Cash is also fine.
If you are outside the US, please convert your currency to dollars in
your bank, then use one of the above methods to pay me the dollars.
My bank gives very bad exchange rates; yours is surely better.
If you want an invoice, I will be glad to give you one. Let's work
out what it should say by email before I arrive. Please also check
before the visit whether you need any other forms, such as tax forms.
I would like to be able to take care of any necessary forms while I am
there, rather than wait till afterward.
Food:
I enjoy delicious food, and I like most kinds of cooking if they are
done well (the exception being that I cannot eat anything very spicy).
So I like to go to restaurants that are good at whatever kind of food
they do. I don't arrive with specific preferences for what kind of
food--rather, I want to have whatever is good: maybe the local
cuisine, or the food of an immigrant ethnic group which is present in
large numbers, or something unusual and original.
Some foods I dislike include:
avocado
dessert that contains fruit or liqueur
fruits that are sour (grapefruit, most oranges)
hot pepper
liver (even in trace quantities)
stomach and intestine; other organ meats
I often dislike foods that taste strongly of egg yolk,
and some strong cheeses.
It would be nice for you to ask around among your acquaintances to
find people who like good food and are familiar with the area's
restaurants. They will be able to give good recommendations.
Sightseeing:
If I am visiting an interesting city or region, I will probably want
to do a few hours of sightseeing in between the work. But don't try
to plan sightseeing for me without asking me first--I can only spare a
limited time for it, so I am selective about where to go. Please
don't assume I want to see something just because it is customary to
take visitors there. That place may be of no interest with me.
Instead, please tell me about possible places to visit--then I can say
what I would like.
I enjoy natural beauty such as mountains and rocky coasts, ancient
buildings, impressive and unusual modern buildings, and trains. I
like caves, and if there is a chance to go caving I would enjoy that.
(I am just a novice as a caver.) I often find museums interesting.
If there is a chance to watch folk dancing, I would probably enjoy
that. I tend to like music that has a feeling of dance in it, but I
sometimes like other kinds too. However, I generally dislike the
various genres that are popular in the US, such as rock, country, rap,
reggae, techno, and composed American "folk". Please tell me what
unusual music and dance forms are present; I can tell you if I am
interested.
If there is something else interesting and unique, please tell me
about it. Maybe I will be interested.
More arrangements:
Once we have a precise date for the speech, my assistant will contact
you with questions about the arrangements for the trip. Please
respond as soon as possible with the information he asks for.
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 18:30:51 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Indian organizations, esp. academia, are big users of open software.
However, it is embarrassing that (despite the reputation of Indian
software prowess) Indians rarely contribute back to open software.
When you write "open software" did you mean "open source"? That is
not what I do. I work on Free Software, and I would like Indians to
contribute to Free Software.
The term "open source" was made up specifically to reject the idealism
of the free software movement. It is the slogan of a different set of
values. Please don't use that term to describe our work. We are
struggling to prevent the free software movement from being hidden by
"open source". The easiest way to help us is simply to say "free
software" yourself, not "open source".
See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html
for more explanation.
In connection with my speech I insist that you use the term
"free software", not "open source". I do not want the term
"open source" to be mentioned in connection with my speech.
It would be like saying Nehru supported the BJP.
Please promise me you will do this.
What is going to be the likely outcome of the ruling "against" Microsoft?
Where do you see the non-Linux Unices (Solaris, HPUX, etc.) going? Will we
ever see Microsoft Office running on Linux?
Do you really mean "Linux", the kernel, or do you mean the GNU/Linux
operating system? If you mean the whole system, please do not call
it "Linux". To do that is to give someone else the credit for
our work.
In connection with my speech, I insist that you must not refer to this
operating system as "Linux". Not once, not ever! See
http://www.gnu.org/gnu/gnu-linux-faq.html for more explanation.
Please reread the info packet about my speeches; it discusses this
issue. If you're going to organize a speech of mine, you need
to understand this. See below.
Solaris and HPUX are non-free software, just like Windows; if they do
not become free, I hope that they disappear. Microsoft Office is
non-free software, so if it does not become free, I hope it
disappears. Non-free software is antisocial and people should not use
it.
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 15:51:06 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Here are details about your speech at Techfest 2003, IIT Bombay
Date: 2nd Feb, 2003, Sunday
Time: 0900-1000 hrs IST
Topic: Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks
(Maybe, you could also add about how India and IITs can contribute to Free
software in your speech. Its upto you to decide.)
We would be using the following abstract:
Copyright developed in the age of the printing press, and was designed to
fit with the system of centralized copying imposed by the printing press.
But the copyright system does not fit well with computer networks, and
only draconian punishments can enforce it.
The global corporations that profit from copyright are lobbying for
draconian punishments, and to increase their copyright powers, while
suppressing public access to technology. But if we seriously hope to
serve the only legitimate purpose of copyright--to promote progress, for
the benefit of the public--then we must make changes in the other
direction.
May I use the bio below (obtained from www.stallman.org) for Techfest
website and other purposes? Also, may I use the photograph attached in the
mail (again obtained from www.stallman.org) for website, brochures etc?
Your Bio:
Richard Stallman is the founder of the Gnu Project, launched in 1984 to
develop the free operating system GNU (an acronym for ``GNU's Not Unix''),
and thereby give computer users the freedom that most of them have lost.
GNU is free software: everyone is free to copy it and redistribute it, as
well as to make changes either large or small.
Today, Linux-based variants of the GNU system, based on the kernel Linux
developed by Linus Torvalds, are in widespread use. There are estimated to
be some 20 million users of GNU/Linux systems today.
Richard Stallman is the principal author of the GNU Compiler Collection, a
portable optimizing compiler which was designed to support diverse
architectures and multiple languages. The compiler now supports over 30
different architectures and 7 programming languages.
Stallman also wrote the GNU symbolic debugger (gdb), GNU Emacs, and
various other GNU programs.
Stallman graduated from Harvard in 1974 with a BA in physics. During his
college years, he also worked as a staff hacker at the MIT Artificial
Intelligence Lab, learning operating system development by doing it. He
wrote the first extensible Emacs text editor there in 1975. In January
1984 he resigned from MIT to start the GNU project.
Stallman received the Grace Hopper award for 1991 from the Association for
Computing Machinery, for his development of the first Emacs editor. In
1990 he was awarded a Macarthur foundation fellowship, and in 1996 an
honorary doctorate from the royal institute of Technology in Sweden. In
1998 he received the Electronic Frontier Foundation's pioneer award along
with Linus Torvalds. in 1999 he received the Yuri Rubinski award. in 2001
he received a second honorary doctorate, from the University of Glasgow,
and shared the Takeda award for social/economic betterment with Torvalds
and Ken Sakamura. in 2002 he was elected to the National Academy of
Engineering.
I will make it a point to use the terms "Free Software" and GNU/Linux
appopriately in future. Best wishes for the new year and regards.
Zishaan
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 15:54:03 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Tue, 31 Dec 2002, Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010) wrote:
> Also, may I use the photograph attached in the mail (again obtained
> from www.stallman.org) for website, brochures etc?
Sorry for missing the attachment. Here is the photograph. I hope it is OK.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Thu, 02 Jan 2003 13:38:00 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Topic: Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks
(Maybe, you could also add about how India and IITs can contribute to Free
software in your speech. Its upto you to decide.)
It would be hard to fit that in the hour. If you give me a little extra
time, then I will do it.
May I use the bio below (obtained from www.stallman.org) for Techfest
website and other purposes? Also, may I use the photograph attached in the
mail (again obtained from www.stallman.org) for website, brochures etc?
Ok.
Date: Thu, 02 Jan 2003 13:38:02 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
The photo is ok.
Date: Thu, 02 Jan 2003 13:39:34 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Videoconference
I found a company that does videoconferencing (Kinko's Copying); they
do it through Sprint. Sprint will only work with companies that are
certified by Sprint. I don't even know what company you are working
with, so I could not answer them.
Can you please ask them "are you certified by Sprint"? Then please
send me all the relevant information about the company and about the
terminal you will be using.
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 02:16:08 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
On Thu, 2 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> It would be hard to fit that in the hour. If you give me a little extra
> time, then I will do it.
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Time is not a problem for us. We would be more than glad to hear you for
longer than just an hour. One hour was decided as it would be late night
at your place. But if you are willing, then we can definitely increase the
duration of your speech.
There is another thing that I would like add. If your schedule permits a
trip to Mumbai, India on any of the dates (ie. 31st Jan - 2nd Feb, 2003),
we would be very glad to have you as our guest. We would also like to pay
for your air tickets and arrange the accommodation. Do let me know your
response on this.
Otherwise, we will go ahead with the Video Conference, as decided.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 02:25:24 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Videoconference
On Thu, 2 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> I found a company that does videoconferencing (Kinko's Copying); they
> do it through Sprint. Sprint will only work with companies that are
> certified by Sprint. I don't even know what company you are working
> with, so I could not answer them.
>
> Can you please ask them "are you certified by Sprint"? Then please
> send me all the relevant information about the company and about the
> terminal you will be using.
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Video conferencing here would be done by MTNL (www.mtnl.com) and VSNL
(www.vsnl.com). The companies are Sprint certified. I will mail you all
the relevant information in about 2 days.
Meanwhile, if you give me the Kinko's address and details, we will arrange
for the all the relevant information required.
Sorry for the rather late and yet incomplete response.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Tue, 07 Jan 2003 08:39:40 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Techfest 2003
Did you find out whether your videoconf company is certified for Sprint?
What is its name? What are the other coordinates I need to know
in order to set this up?
Unless I get this information soon, the video conference will not happen.
Date: Tue, 07 Jan 2003 13:43:57 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Videoconference
I will be using a "public room" at the Kinko's on 187 Dartmouth Street
in Copley Square, Boston, USA. This Kinko's is open 24 hours for the
whole week.
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 10:30:28 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Videoconference
On Tue, 7 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> I will be using a "public room" at the Kinko's on 187 Dartmouth Street
> in Copley Square, Boston, USA. This Kinko's is open 24 hours for the
> whole week.
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Heres the information about the Video Conference. Video Conferencing
facilities will be set up at the following place:
Lecture Theatre
IIT Bombay
Powai, Mumbai,
India.
ISDN Lines:
----------
ISDN Lines will be provided by 'MTNL'. 3 ISDN lines of 128 kbps will be
present (2 for use and 1 for backup). You also need to have 3 such lines.
These are also referred to as 'ISDN BRI Lines'. These ISDN lines would be
having numbers... you need to give me your numbers so that we can call you
up. I will also be giving our numbers as soon as the lines are set up in
IIT, which will be about 2 days before the fest starts.
Equipment:
---------
As of now, we would be hiring the VC equipment from 'SEC Communications
Private Limited'. SEC uses equiment made by TANDBERG, a world class
company in making VC equipment. (I would also request you to ask Kinkos to
provide you with 'Group' VC equipment and not PC based.)
Today, I also found contact of Kinkos in India and would be contacting
them tomorrow. I will, in all probability, try to work out the deal with
Kinkos for the VC. I will mail you as soon as I work out the details.
Please mail me if you need any other specific information.
Other than this, I had a few queries. Would you be willing to speak for
more than hour? If yes, please mail me the duration which you would like
to speak. (Presently, it is 0900-1000 hrs IST, 2nd Feb 2003.)
Also, would it be possible for you to pay a visit to Mumbai, India? We
would be willing to provide you with Air tickets and the finest
accommodation. And as a token of our gratitude for your services and the
trouble you would take in paying the visit, we would be willing to pay you
a token amount of US$ 1,000.00 (One thousand US dollars only). Please let
us know your response on this. Thank you.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 00:09:39 -0500
From: Richard M. Stallman - Autoreply Message
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Video Conference
[This message was generated by an automated system.]
I am not on vacation, but I am at the end of a long time delay. I am
located somewhere on Earth, but as far as responding to email is concerned,
I appear to be well outside the solar system.
After your message arrives at gnu.org, I will collect it in my next batch of
incoming mail, some time within the following 24 hours. I will spend much
of the following day reading that batch of mail and will come across your
message at some point. If I can write a response for it immediately, the
response will go out in the next outgoing batch--typically around 24 hours
after I collected your message, but occasionally sooner or later than that.
As a result, you should expect a minimum delay of between 24 and 48 hours in
seeing any response to your mail to me.
If you are having a conversation with me, please keep in mind that each
message you receive from me is probably a response to the mail you sent 24
to 48 hours earlier, and any subsequent mail you sent has not yet been seen
by me.
If you are in a hurry to speak with me, try sending mail to
rms-assist@gnu.org saying what you would like to talk with me about,
and giving your telephone number.
Another option to reach me urgently is to call the Free Software Foundation
office at 617-542-5942 and ask them to contact me on your behalf.
If you aren't in an immediate hurry, there is no need to contact
rms-assist@gnu.org or the Free Software Foundation office. I will get
back to you as soon as I possibly can.
If you do not wish to receive this message ever again, please send a message
to rms-autoreply-control@gnu.org with the subject "OFF".
Otherwise, you might receive a reply like this one up to once a month.
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 19:21:48 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Video Conference
ISDN Lines will be provided by 'MTNL'. 3 ISDN lines of 128 kbps will be
present (2 for use and 1 for backup). You also need to have 3 such lines.
Perhaps this is the info Sprint wants--I am not sure.
I asked mhw@netris.org to call them and see if it is enough.
Also, would it be possible for you to pay a visit to Mumbai, India? We
would be willing to provide you with Air tickets and the finest
accommodation.
I presume you would like me to do someting specific in Mumbai, not
just pay a visit. What would you like me to do? Give a speech?
I am thinking of going to Mumbai on Feb 14, giving a speech, and then
leave for Pune on Feb 15. Maybe I could give the speech for you?
What organization would it be?
Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2003 05:59:08 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Video Conference
On Fri, 10 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> I presume you would like me to do someting specific in Mumbai, not
> just pay a visit. What would you like me to do? Give a speech?
>
> I am thinking of going to Mumbai on Feb 14, giving a speech, and then
> leave for Pune on Feb 15. Maybe I could give the speech for you?
> What organization would it be?
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Sorry for the miscommunication on my part in the previous mail. I was
asking if it would be possible for you to visit Mumbai during Techfest
(31st Jan - 2nd Feb) and give a speech in person (instead of the planned
Video Conf).
Sir, Feb 14 would not be possible because Techfest 2003 is scheduled from
31st Jan - 2nd Feb. As I told you in my first mail to you, Techfest would
be attended by students of different science and engineering colleges from
all over India.
Please let me know if this would be possible? We would be greatly obliged
if would be.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 05:42:27 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Video Conference
Sorry for the miscommunication on my part in the previous mail. I was
asking if it would be possible for you to visit Mumbai during Techfest
(31st Jan - 2nd Feb) and give a speech in person (instead of the planned
Video Conf).
I can't do it. I won't be in India then.
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 10:44:35 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Video Conference
On Fri, 10 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> ISDN Lines will be provided by 'MTNL'. 3 ISDN lines of 128 kbps will be
> present (2 for use and 1 for backup). You also need to have 3 such lines.
>
> Perhaps this is the info Sprint wants--I am not sure.
> I asked mhw@netris.org to call them and see if it is enough.
Dear Dr. Stallman,
This is regarding your speech through Video Conference at Techfest 2003
(on 2nd Feb, 2003 at 0900 IST). As mailed earlier,
- The ISDN lines would be provided by VSNL.
- The equipment (manufactured by 'TANDBERG') would be provided by SEC Pvt.
Ltd. They provide video conferencing facilities that abide by
International Standards.
- I also called up Kinkos India. They are not providing VC facilities in
India.
For organising your speech I would be needing the following:
- The ISDN numbers of the booth that we you would be using.
The VC equipment will be set up in IIT about 2-3 days before Techfest. We
would be having a demo run a day before your actual lecture. (For the demo
run, you need not be present at the booth. We just need to check this with
any person at the Kinkos studio).
- Telephone number of Kinkos
So that we can call them up and make the arrangements. Also, I would like
to clarify with them regarding any other technical requirements and the
'Sprint' certification
- It would also be a great help if you can give me your/ your
assiatants telephone number so that I can call you in case anything needs
ro be done/ arranged a at very short notice.
Looking forward to a great session at Techfest 2003.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 23:32:17 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Video Conference
Dear Dr. Stallman,
In connection with your speech (through Video Conf.) at Techfest 2003
(0900 hrs, Sunday 2nd Feb 2003), I need the following in
- ISDN Numbers of the booth that you would be using Kinkos Studio.
- Telephone mumbers of Kinkos studio.
- Telephone number of your assistant / yourself.
I would be grateful to you if you can provide me with the above as soon as
possible. Thank you.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 23:37:34 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: rms-assist@gnu.org
Subject: Re: Video Conference
On Fri, 10 Jan 2003, Richard M. Stallman - Autoreply Message wrote:
> If you are in a hurry to speak with me, try sending mail to
> rms-assist@gnu.org saying what you would like to talk with me about,
> and giving your telephone number.
This is with regard to Dr. Stallman's speech (through Video Conference)
at Techfest 2003, IIT Bombay (0900 hrs IST, Sunday 2 Feb 2003).
I require the ISDN numbers of Kinkos Studio that he would be using for the
Video Conf. I also need the telephone numbers of Kinkos studio for working
out the technical details.
I request you to ask Dr. Stallman to call me at : +91 98202 52997
Or if he can give me his phone number, I would be more than willing to
call him up and arrange whatever is required. Thanks.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 03:16:57 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: rms-assist@gnu.org
Subject: Re: Video Conference
Correction in phone number. Please call me at +91 98202 52977
I am extremely sorry for the error in the previous mail.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 18:01:50 -0500
From: Brett Smith
To: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
Subject: Re: Video Conference
On Wed, Jan 22, 2003 at 11:37:34PM +0530, Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010) wrote:
> I require the ISDN numbers of Kinkos Studio that he would be using for the
> Video Conf. I also need the telephone numbers of Kinkos studio for working
> out the technical details.
Dear Zishaan,
I have checked my records, and I have no information about this video
conference. I'm afraid I myself cannot provide you with any details. I
have contacted Richard Stallman about the situation; hopefully he will be
able to get in touch with you soon.
Best regards,
-- Brett Smith
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 06:38:00 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
Subject: Re: Video Conference
- Telephone number of your assistant / yourself.
My office phone number is +1-617-253-8830, but I don't
think it can do you much good if I am at Kinkos.
I will try to get the other info.
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 02:15:31 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: rms-assist@gnu.org
Subject: Re: Videoconference (fwd)
Dear Mr Smith,
Thank you for your email message.
Can you please enquire the telephone numbers of the Kinkos Company and
send me the same? (Please see Dr. Stallman's message below). I will then
try to find out from them the technical arrangements that we need to do
for the video conference.
I received a mail from Dr. Stallman on 23rd Jan, 2003. He gave me his
office phone number (+1-617-253-8830). He would be providing the other
info soon.
Regards,
Zishaan
Date: Tue, 07 Jan 2003 13:43:57 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Subject: Re: Videoconference
I will be using a "public room" at the Kinko's on 187 Dartmouth Street
in Copley Square, Boston, USA. This Kinko's is open 24 hours for the
whole week.
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 02:35:33 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Re: Video Conference
On Thu, 23 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> My office phone number is +1-617-253-8830, but I don't
> think it can do you much good if I am at Kinkos.
>
> I will try to get the other info.
Thank you. I will be eagerly awaiting for the other information.
Regards,
Zishaan
PS: I had contacted your assistant Mr. Brett Smith, who informed me that
you are travelling.
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 10:37:34 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: d0zmh@civil.iitb.ac.in
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
Kinkos cannot do this job. The only place we can find
costs $375 an hour. Do you want to pay that much?
The company is called
theoffice@kendallsquare.com
One Broadway, Ste 600,
Cambridge, MA 02142
Tel. 617-5771200
contact is Lynnne
Equipment is compatible and free testing is available by
dialing into their ISDN number - on request they will arrange for the
equipment to be left on over night with a test card running. Can be
canceled up to 48 hours prior to the conference time with no charge.
The ISDN number they call in on is 617-374-9448.
If you want to do this, please make arrangements to pay them.
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 02:57:15 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
On Sun, 26 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> Kinkos cannot do this job. The only place we can find
> costs $375 an hour. Do you want to pay that much?
Yes, we are willing to pay. Your speech has been announced and publicity
for it done.
I request you to make a booking for 1.5 hours (0900 - 1030 hrs, Indian
time) on 2nd Feb, 2003. Is that Ok? Please confirm.
> If you want to do this, please make arrangements to pay them.
How should the mode of payment be? Should I pay you the amount or make the
payment directly to the company. It would be convenient for me to make
the payment to you. Please advise.
> Equipment is compatible and free testing is available by
> dialing into their ISDN number - on request they will arrange for the
> equipment to be left on over night with a test card running. Can be
> canceled up to 48 hours prior to the conference time with no charge.
> The ISDN number they call in on is 617-374-9448.
In the meantime, I will call theoffice@kendallsquare.com and find out the
technical details. I will also work out the details for a demo run on
Saturday night IST.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 12:41:21 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
How should the mode of payment be? Should I pay you the amount or make the
payment directly to the company. It would be convenient for me to make
the payment to you. Please advise.
That is ok with me. How would you pay me?
Actually, could you reimburse the FSF for it?
Since the FSF already made arrangements to pay them,
that would be less trouble to change.
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 00:45:02 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
On Mon, 27 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> That is ok with me. How would you pay me?
>
> Actually, could you reimburse the FSF for it?
> Since the FSF already made arrangements to pay them,
> that would be less trouble to change.
Dear Dr. Stallman,
Yes, I will reimburse the FSF for it.
Please confirm on the duration of the lecture. Should it be 0900 - 1000
(Indian Time) or 0900 - 1030 (Indian Time). Both are OK; the latter would
be better. That way you will have time to include 'Role of IIT in
contributing to the Free Software' and may be a short question answer
session.
Also, I will have to make payments accordingly. Please send me the
details. Thank you.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 03:24:12 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: lconnor@kendallsq.com
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
Hi Lynne,
This is regarding the Video Conference by Dr. Richard Stallman.
We will have the test run on Friday night (Indian time). That would be
Friday day in Boston. I will mail you the exact time by tomorrow. Is that
OK?
Also, could you mail me about any arrangements/ requirements that I need
to make or look into. We would be having video conferencing equipment and
3 ISDN lines of 128 kbps.
Will mail you in a day. Do reply back.
Regards,
Zishaan
On Sun, 26 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> Kinkos cannot do this job. The only place we can find
> costs $375 an hour. Do you want to pay that much?
> The company is called
>
> theoffice@kendallsquare.com
> One Broadway, Ste 600,
> Cambridge, MA 02142
> Tel. 617-5771200
> contact is Lynnne
>
> Equipment is compatible and free testing is available by
> dialing into their ISDN number - on request they will arrange for the
> equipment to be left on over night with a test card running. Can be
> canceled up to 48 hours prior to the conference time with no charge.
> The ISDN number they call in on is 617-374-9448.
>
> If you want to do this, please make arrangements to pay them.
>
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 01:36:56 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
Yes, I will reimburse the FSF for it.
Please confirm on the duration of the lecture. Should it be 0900 - 1000
(Indian Time) or 0900 - 1030 (Indian Time). Both are OK; the latter would
be better.
I believe we booked the room for 2230-2330 on Feb 1, which would be
0900-1000 Feb 2 IST. However, we can extend it for half an hour if you
like.
Also, I will have to make payments accordingly. Please send me the
details. Thank you.
Peter, please take care of that.
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 15:20:39 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
On Wed, 29 Jan 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> I believe we booked the room for 2230-2330 on Feb 1, which would be
> 0900-1000 Feb 2 IST. However, we can extend it for half an hour if you
> like.
0900-1030 Feb 2 IST.
Thank you.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 01:45:40 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Cc: peterb@gnu.org
Subject: Re: [peterb@fsf.org: Re: Upcoming RMS video conference]
Dear Dr. Stallman
The test run was great. Everything seems to be fine.
Hope to see you through the video comference at 0900 hrs IST on 2nd Feb.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 11:50:11 +0530 (IST)
From: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
To: Richard Stallman
Subject: Thank you - Techfest
Dear Dr. Stallman,
On behalf of Techfest team, I thank you for your speech at Techfest 2003.
Organising your speech was an experience and listening to it was even
more.
We look forward to your continued association with Techfest and IIT
Bombay. Thanks once again.
Regards
Zishaan
Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 04:19:07 -0500
From: Richard Stallman
To: "Zishaan M. Hayath (00D04010)"
Subject: Re: Thank you - Techfest
Happy hacking.
