Re: My resignation from Emacs development

[Christopher Dimech <dimech@gmx.com>]

> Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 10:29 PM
> From: "Alan Mackenzie" <acm@muc.de>
> To: "Christopher Dimech" <dimech@gmx.com>
> Cc: emacs-devel@gnu.org
> Subject: Re: My resignation from Emacs development
>
> Hello, Christopher.
>
> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 17:23:20 +0100, Christopher Dimech wrote:
>
> > The claim that using free software or its associated names constitutes
> > aggression is fundamentally flawed. Aggression involves hostile actions
> > meant to cause harm, and using names in a way not intended by their
> > original authors is neither violent nor malicious.
>
> There are forms of aggression which don't use fists or guns.

It is not unusual for people to do so.  Nobody did any harm.  Some
frustration perhaps.

> > One of the key principles of free software is that software should be
> > modifiable, and free to use in any context.  Restricting how names are
> > used run counter to the ethos to empower users and developers, not to
> > limit or control their language or expressions.
>
> Fine.  I put it to you that if somebody were to take the name
> dimech@gmx.com and prevent it connecting up with your inbox, you would
> be somewhat unhappy.

Emacs is not my inbox.  There are many things I need to get accustomed to.
The final decision has always been with the emacs maintainers.  Perhaps
you could become an emacs maintainer than keeping it non-gnu.

> > Although the approach should be reconsidered, there should be some
> > thoughtful conversation among the community.  Avoiding tones of contempt
> > or disregard for the foundations laid by previous contributors.
>
> How very considerate and reasonable of you.  The time for "thoughtful
> conversation" around the current matter is long past.  You should
> perhaps address your comments to those who bypass and evade "thoughtful
> conversation" at the appropriate time.

Right.

> > For instance, I agree with you that ("\\.myc\\'" . c-mode) in auto-mode-alist
> > should mean C Mode.  Although C Mode would mean the emacs preferred mode.
> > Still, your mode name can be changed for those who want to apply an alternative
> > mode.  Changing the mode should be a straightforward thing.
>
> C Mode has been called that for a long time, possibly longer than you
> have been called Christopher Dimech.  As far as I'm concerned, it's
> going to keep its name.

Didn't you think something general as C Mode could produce conflicts with
an built-in emacs mode?  It is customary to include a package name with
other code.

> --
> Alan Mackenzie (Nuremberg, Germany).
>