Software activist Richard M. Stallman has caused a storm after a post on his personal blog spoke ill of Steve Jobs post-death.
The post, made late last week, stated that while "nobody deserves to have to die... we all deserve the end of Jobs' malign influence on people's computing".
"Unfortunately, that influence continues despite his absence," Stallman wrote.
"We can only hope his successors, as they attempt to carry on his legacy, will be less effective."
Stallman is best known for launching the GNU project and founding the Free Software Foundation.
His comments on Jobs led ReadWriteWeb to call for a "new voice" to represent the free software movement.
The blog said Stallman's personal comments undermined his professional credibility.
However, not all commentators rebuked Stallman. The LA Times wrote that Stallman's critique of Jobs' business model "had some merit" and that his point "deserves to be heeded".
.png&h=140&w=231&c=1&s=0)
.png&h=140&w=231&c=1&s=0)
_page-0001.jpg&w=100&c=1&s=0)
.png&w=120&c=1&s=0)
Tech in Gov 2025
Forrester's Technology & Innovation Summit APAC 2025
Local Government Focus Day Western Australia
Digital Leadership Day Western Australia
Government Cyber Security Showcase Western Australia
.jpg&h=140&w=231&c=1&s=0)
.jpg&h=140&w=231&c=1&s=0)
