Whether or not its “invalid” isn’t the point. Those are the accepted terms by most people, especially those in the industry. The point of language is to communicate ideas.
When most people say “free software”, they’re talking about software that’s free as in freedom. Using it otherwise just causes unnecessary confusion.
When most people say “free software”, they’re talking about software that’s free as in freedom. Using it otherwise just causes unnecessary confusion.
If by “most people” you mean the general population, you are absolutely wrong. Hell, even software devs (at least in the US) would fight with you unless they themselves are interested in FOSS.
When the average Joe pays nothing for an item that they want, regardless of whether that item can be modified, they will say that the item is free. To your average Joe, software is yet another item.
Whether or not its “invalid” isn’t the point. Those are the accepted terms by most people, especially those in the industry. The point of language is to communicate ideas.
When most people say “free software”, they’re talking about software that’s free as in freedom. Using it otherwise just causes unnecessary confusion.
It’s an accepted use.
There’s a reason they disambiguate every time, and it’s because “free beer” is exactly as correct.
Correcting someone who isn’t wrong always make you the asshole.
If by “most people” you mean the general population, you are absolutely wrong. Hell, even software devs (at least in the US) would fight with you unless they themselves are interested in FOSS.
When the average Joe pays nothing for an item that they want, regardless of whether that item can be modified, they will say that the item is free. To your average Joe, software is yet another item.