Richard Fontana
@richardfontana.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy
Lawyer at Red Hat with interests in free software/open source, open-ish AI/machine learning, and other nontrad IP. Reputed national treasure. Originally from […]
🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://mastodon.social/@richardfontana, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact
🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://mastodon.social/@richardfontana, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact
Reposted by Richard Fontana
CfP for the #fosdem #legal and #policy devroom is out. The DevRoom invites hackers, developers, contributors,
lawyers, and decision-makers alike to share their knowledge with the community. Deadline is 7 December:
https://lists.fosdem.org/pipermail/fosdem/2025q4/003703.html
(Transparency: I am […]
lawyers, and decision-makers alike to share their knowledge with the community. Deadline is 7 December:
https://lists.fosdem.org/pipermail/fosdem/2025q4/003703.html
(Transparency: I am […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
November 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM
CfP for the #fosdem #legal and #policy devroom is out. The DevRoom invites hackers, developers, contributors,
lawyers, and decision-makers alike to share their knowledge with the community. Deadline is 7 December:
https://lists.fosdem.org/pipermail/fosdem/2025q4/003703.html
(Transparency: I am […]
lawyers, and decision-makers alike to share their knowledge with the community. Deadline is 7 December:
https://lists.fosdem.org/pipermail/fosdem/2025q4/003703.html
(Transparency: I am […]
Reposted by Richard Fontana
Good morning! I am looking for contract work. If you have 10-15 hours a week of work on a well defined technical project (‘we need to move 6 websites by this date’, ‘we need to hire a team to do an infra migration’, ‘we need to complete an accessibility audit and figure out next steps’, ‘we need […]
Original post on hachyderm.io
hachyderm.io
October 21, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Good morning! I am looking for contract work. If you have 10-15 hours a week of work on a well defined technical project (‘we need to move 6 websites by this date’, ‘we need to hire a team to do an infra migration’, ‘we need to complete an accessibility audit and figure out next steps’, ‘we need […]
Speaking of the GPL and joke names, you might say that the GPL (GPLv1 and [I assume] predecessors) was innovative not just for copyleft but also for having jokes in it at all (however puerile, leaving aside the issue of offensiveness). There were antecedents like "Copyleft: All rights reversed" […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
October 31, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Speaking of the GPL and joke names, you might say that the GPL (GPLv1 and [I assume] predecessors) was innovative not just for copyleft but also for having jokes in it at all (however puerile, leaving aside the issue of offensiveness). There were antecedents like "Copyleft: All rights reversed" […]
Just noticed that the @[email protected] has replaced the long-criticized joke name "Ty Coon, President of Vice" in the GPLv2 "How to Apply" section with "Moe Ghoul, President of Vice". cc: @bkuhn
October 30, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Just noticed that the @[email protected] has replaced the long-criticized joke name "Ty Coon, President of Vice" in the GPLv2 "How to Apply" section with "Moe Ghoul, President of Vice". cc: @bkuhn
Reposted by Richard Fontana
Open source and AI-assisted development: navigating the legal issues.
https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/ai-assisted-development-and-open-source-navigating-legal-issues
#redhat #ai #opensource
https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/ai-assisted-development-and-open-source-navigating-legal-issues
#redhat #ai #opensource
AI-assisted development and open source: legal and cultural issues
Explore the legal and cultural issues surrounding AI-assisted development in open source communities. Learn about attribution, copyright, licensing, and the DCO in this comprehensive guide.
www.redhat.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Open source and AI-assisted development: navigating the legal issues.
https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/ai-assisted-development-and-open-source-navigating-legal-issues
#redhat #ai #opensource
https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/ai-assisted-development-and-open-source-navigating-legal-issues
#redhat #ai #opensource
Why do people use Discourse? I am trying to follow the discussion on the proposed Fedora AI policy https://discussion.fedoraproject.org/t/council-policy-proposal-policy-on-ai-assisted-contributions and to me it is essentially impossible, or at least so frustrating as to make me not want to bother.
Council Policy Proposal: Policy on AI-Assisted Contributions
Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology, and as a leader in open source, the Fedora Project needs a thoughtful position to guide innovation and protect our community’s values. For the past year, we have been on a journey with the community to define what that position should be. This process began in the summer of 2024, when we asked for the community’s thoughts in an AI survey. The results, which we discussed openly at Flock and in Council meetings, gave us a clear message: we s...
discussion.fedoraproject.org
October 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Why do people use Discourse? I am trying to follow the discussion on the proposed Fedora AI policy https://discussion.fedoraproject.org/t/council-policy-proposal-policy-on-ai-assisted-contributions and to me it is essentially impossible, or at least so frustrating as to make me not want to bother.
Reposted by Richard Fontana
@richardfontana Now also on Hacker News: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45602676
Liquibase continues to advertise itself as "open source" despite license switch | Hacker News
news.ycombinator.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:07 PM
@richardfontana Now also on Hacker News: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45602676
Reposted by Richard Fontana
I'm surprised that there wasn't more noise around the license change of #liquibase from Apache License 2.0 to Functional Source License (FSL) in Liquibase 5.0.0.
https://github.com/liquibase/liquibase/releases/tag/v5.0.0
Is just nobody using it anymore? 😅
#java #oss #licensing
https://github.com/liquibase/liquibase/releases/tag/v5.0.0
Is just nobody using it anymore? 😅
#java #oss #licensing
October 5, 2025 at 8:58 PM
I'm surprised that there wasn't more noise around the license change of #liquibase from Apache License 2.0 to Functional Source License (FSL) in Liquibase 5.0.0.
https://github.com/liquibase/liquibase/releases/tag/v5.0.0
Is just nobody using it anymore? 😅
#java #oss #licensing
https://github.com/liquibase/liquibase/releases/tag/v5.0.0
Is just nobody using it anymore? 😅
#java #oss #licensing
Reposted by Richard Fontana
I'm back again. Yes, I'm looking for more book recommendations.
Can you name ONE (one only please) SF/F book, written between 1976-2000 (inclusive), that has absolutely blown your mind? Not just something you liked, or that was good, I'm looking for the absolute best books written in the last […]
Can you name ONE (one only please) SF/F book, written between 1976-2000 (inclusive), that has absolutely blown your mind? Not just something you liked, or that was good, I'm looking for the absolute best books written in the last […]
Original post on aus.social
aus.social
September 6, 2025 at 5:13 AM
I'm back again. Yes, I'm looking for more book recommendations.
Can you name ONE (one only please) SF/F book, written between 1976-2000 (inclusive), that has absolutely blown your mind? Not just something you liked, or that was good, I'm looking for the absolute best books written in the last […]
Can you name ONE (one only please) SF/F book, written between 1976-2000 (inclusive), that has absolutely blown your mind? Not just something you liked, or that was good, I'm looking for the absolute best books written in the last […]
Reposted by Richard Fontana
[History of Ableism in the US]
Many ordinances, laws, "initiatives" or um "military occupations" since we have those too in the mix that target "homeless people" in big cities are, just by the nature of who is homeless, targeting disabled people.
And this whole "right to not see" undercurrent […]
Many ordinances, laws, "initiatives" or um "military occupations" since we have those too in the mix that target "homeless people" in big cities are, just by the nature of who is homeless, targeting disabled people.
And this whole "right to not see" undercurrent […]
Original post on sauropods.win
sauropods.win
September 4, 2025 at 11:00 PM
[History of Ableism in the US]
Many ordinances, laws, "initiatives" or um "military occupations" since we have those too in the mix that target "homeless people" in big cities are, just by the nature of who is homeless, targeting disabled people.
And this whole "right to not see" undercurrent […]
Many ordinances, laws, "initiatives" or um "military occupations" since we have those too in the mix that target "homeless people" in big cities are, just by the nature of who is homeless, targeting disabled people.
And this whole "right to not see" undercurrent […]
gnu.org appears to be down?
September 3, 2025 at 5:29 PM
gnu.org appears to be down?
Fun fact: In my idiolect, "adder" (snake) and "adder" (one that adds) are pronounced differently (the initial vowels are different, something like [a] vs. [æə]. When I first learned about adders (digital circuits) I initially assumed they were named after snakes (I think I thought the schematic […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
August 26, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Fun fact: In my idiolect, "adder" (snake) and "adder" (one that adds) are pronounced differently (the initial vowels are different, something like [a] vs. [æə]. When I first learned about adders (digital circuits) I initially assumed they were named after snakes (I think I thought the schematic […]
Reposted by Richard Fontana
NYPL is hiring an associate director of cybersecurity
https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/postings/a63d29dc-80a1-4619-9d3a-11dbcc77f955
#nypl #libraries #publiclibraries #infosec #security #jobs #getfedihired
https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/postings/a63d29dc-80a1-4619-9d3a-11dbcc77f955
#nypl #libraries #publiclibraries #infosec #security #jobs #getfedihired
Associate Director, Cybersecurity
Job Opening: Associate Director, Cybersecurity at The New York Public Library in Crystal Building 40 W20th St.
nypl.pinpointhq.com
August 23, 2025 at 2:06 AM
NYPL is hiring an associate director of cybersecurity
https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/postings/a63d29dc-80a1-4619-9d3a-11dbcc77f955
#nypl #libraries #publiclibraries #infosec #security #jobs #getfedihired
https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/postings/a63d29dc-80a1-4619-9d3a-11dbcc77f955
#nypl #libraries #publiclibraries #infosec #security #jobs #getfedihired
Reposted by Richard Fontana
The Subway is egalitarian.
August 23, 2025 at 8:34 PM
The Subway is egalitarian.
Just remembered: the first time I consciously encountered the word "Desi" it was on a flyer announcing a "Desi party" and displaying an image of a couple in semi-formal attire, and I assumed it was some odd subculture of people obsessed with (as we might now say) cosplaying _I Love Lucy_ characters
August 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Just remembered: the first time I consciously encountered the word "Desi" it was on a flyer announcing a "Desi party" and displaying an image of a couple in semi-formal attire, and I assumed it was some odd subculture of people obsessed with (as we might now say) cosplaying _I Love Lucy_ characters
Reposted by Richard Fontana
It's never too early to start thinking about #fosdem! @bkuhn @karen @lexelas @richardfontana @tmarble and would like to submit a proposal for the "#legal and #policy Devroom" to @fosdem as soon as they open the CfP. Like last year we would like get feedback […]
[Original post on mastodon.social]
[Original post on mastodon.social]
July 23, 2025 at 4:34 AM
It's never too early to start thinking about #fosdem! @bkuhn @karen @lexelas @richardfontana @tmarble and would like to submit a proposal for the "#legal and #policy Devroom" to @fosdem as soon as they open the CfP. Like last year we would like get feedback […]
[Original post on mastodon.social]
[Original post on mastodon.social]
#copyleft-next should continue *not* to count sections from 0, in contrast with the GPL tradition. https://github.com/copyleft-next/copyleft-next/issues/64#issuecomment-3039516709 (note that the canonical repo for copyleft-next is now at https://git.copyleft.org/copyleft-next/copyleft-next ) @next
copyleft-next
A new, post-post-modern, non-weak copyleft license inspired by, though different from, the GNU GPL. Contributions of patches, ideas, and criticism are welcome (see the file CONTRIBUTING.md for more information). In particular, the Copyleft-Next Project actively seeks the participation of open ...
git.copyleft.org
July 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
#copyleft-next should continue *not* to count sections from 0, in contrast with the GPL tradition. https://github.com/copyleft-next/copyleft-next/issues/64#issuecomment-3039516709 (note that the canonical repo for copyleft-next is now at https://git.copyleft.org/copyleft-next/copyleft-next ) @next
Reposted by Richard Fontana
Would you like to end the constant drumbeat of ill-informed legislative proposals that threaten to destroy end-to-end #encryption in #OpenSource #software? Are you from #europe? Can you demonstrate your expertise? Then why not apply to join the European Commission's Expert Group for a Technology […]
Original post on meshed.cloud
meshed.cloud
July 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Would you like to end the constant drumbeat of ill-informed legislative proposals that threaten to destroy end-to-end #encryption in #OpenSource #software? Are you from #europe? Can you demonstrate your expertise? Then why not apply to join the European Commission's Expert Group for a Technology […]
Reposted by Richard Fontana
As far as I can tell, there is effectively no such thing as an activist lawyer in Finland. This is a bit of a shock and a real disappointment, but then again, I guess pretty unsurprising given the state of politics and protest in the country. Happy to be proven wrong, of course.
July 3, 2025 at 12:25 PM
As far as I can tell, there is effectively no such thing as an activist lawyer in Finland. This is a bit of a shock and a real disappointment, but then again, I guess pretty unsurprising given the state of politics and protest in the country. Happy to be proven wrong, of course.
Reposted by Richard Fontana
June 30, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Reposted by Richard Fontana
Howdy all, I'm looking for work. While I'm not yet laid off, I know it is imminent. So if you have any leads for community/developer relations, let me know!! :) #lookingforwork #unemployed
June 26, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Howdy all, I'm looking for work. While I'm not yet laid off, I know it is imminent. So if you have any leads for community/developer relations, let me know!! :) #lookingforwork #unemployed
Reposted by Richard Fontana
I've signed this petition, " Apply for the UK to rejoin the EU fully - do not just 'reset' the relationship ".
Will the Government see it and go, "Oh, OK, we'll do that, then"?
No.
But it's all part of shifting the Overton Window. We need to gently but firmly keep pressure on to say "We made […]
Will the Government see it and go, "Oh, OK, we'll do that, then"?
No.
But it's all part of shifting the Overton Window. We need to gently but firmly keep pressure on to say "We made […]
Original post on sauropods.win
sauropods.win
May 20, 2025 at 11:52 AM
I've signed this petition, " Apply for the UK to rejoin the EU fully - do not just 'reset' the relationship ".
Will the Government see it and go, "Oh, OK, we'll do that, then"?
No.
But it's all part of shifting the Overton Window. We need to gently but firmly keep pressure on to say "We made […]
Will the Government see it and go, "Oh, OK, we'll do that, then"?
No.
But it's all part of shifting the Overton Window. We need to gently but firmly keep pressure on to say "We made […]
It only took 11 years, but the Open Infrastructure Foundation (formerly known as the OpenStack Foundation, and now in the process of joining the Linux Foundation) appears to be finally eliminating the requirement that contributors sign CLAs in favor of the DCO […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
May 20, 2025 at 1:19 PM
It only took 11 years, but the Open Infrastructure Foundation (formerly known as the OpenStack Foundation, and now in the process of joining the Linux Foundation) appears to be finally eliminating the requirement that contributors sign CLAs in favor of the DCO […]
Reposted by Richard Fontana
OTD 1992: #sunmicrosystems announces the SPARCstation 10, the first Sun desktop multiprocessor.
Brochure: https://www.1000bit.it/js/web/viewer.html?file=%2Fad%2Fbro%2Fsun%2Fsparcstation10%2Epdf
Brochure: https://www.1000bit.it/js/web/viewer.html?file=%2Fad%2Fbro%2Fsun%2Fsparcstation10%2Epdf
May 19, 2025 at 4:19 PM
OTD 1992: #sunmicrosystems announces the SPARCstation 10, the first Sun desktop multiprocessor.
Brochure: https://www.1000bit.it/js/web/viewer.html?file=%2Fad%2Fbro%2Fsun%2Fsparcstation10%2Epdf
Brochure: https://www.1000bit.it/js/web/viewer.html?file=%2Fad%2Fbro%2Fsun%2Fsparcstation10%2Epdf
Reposted by Richard Fontana
Apparently 86% of websites have “Low Contrast Text”, making it the most common #accessbility issue (even more than missing alt text). I’m quite surprised by this, as I thought most websites still have white background with black type. Maybe it’s a font size thing in many cases…Anybody have more […]
Original post on mastodon.social
mastodon.social
May 15, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Apparently 86% of websites have “Low Contrast Text”, making it the most common #accessbility issue (even more than missing alt text). I’m quite surprised by this, as I thought most websites still have white background with black type. Maybe it’s a font size thing in many cases…Anybody have more […]