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* Are there freedoms which are granted by one, but not the other?
* Are there freedoms which are granted by one, but not the other?
* Which name should be used? "Free Content and Open Knowledge Definition" has been suggested.
* Which name should be used? "Free Content and Open Knowledge Definition" has been suggested.
* What subject matter is aimed at by the definition.
* ...
* Do we have a general definition which is then 'derived' to produce a definition for a specific area
 
There seem to be 3 options:
# Merge the two efforts
# Keep the FCD and the OKD seperate but mutually referenced
# Leave them entirely seperate


== The name ==
== The name ==


It has been suggested that a name like "Free Content and Open Knowledge Definition" is used. There are arguments in favor and against such a name change:
It has been suggested that a name like "Free Content and Open Knowledge Definition" is used. There are arguments in favor and against such a name change.
 
(As written in an initial mail to Erik) 'Free' vs. 'Open'. This is an old chestnut that can lead to a lot of debate without any resolution. In my experience 'open' has been easier to use (hence the 'Open Knowledge Foundation') as there is no confusion between 'libre' and 'gratuit'. Also, at least outside software (and perhaps content), most talk is of 'open' e.g. open geodata, open access, open data etc. However I believe this a moot point and Erik's suggestion to go with something like 'Free Content and Open Knowledge Definition' might be an easy way to cover both bases. --RufusPollock


One argument against it is that we would have to drop the "Free Expression" bit, which is currently a way to reach out to artists who may not like the term "content".
One argument against it is that we would have to drop the "Free Expression" bit, which is currently a way to reach out to artists who may not like the term "content".


A common argument in favor of "open" is that it is less ambiguous. However, as the OKFN web site itself [http://www.okfn.org/three_meanings_of_open.html points out], there are different meanings of "open", just like there are different meanings of "free" (comment by RufusPollock: it might be better to have named that article the 'three aspects of openness' rather than 'the three meanings' since the clear intent was to point out that meaningful 'openness' must incorporate all three perspectives). It also seems to be true that the word "open" is easier to dilute than the word "free". While ambiguous when unexplained, once defined, "free" is fairly uncompromising in its meaning. Both the terms "open access" and "open content" have become highly diluted, while "free content" has pretty much held its current meaning even without an official definition, simply because of the strength of the existing connotations of freedom, and its association with the movement that believes strongly in these principles.
A common argument in favor of "open" is that it is less ambiguous. However, as the OKFN web site itself [http://www.okfn.org/three_meanings_of_open.html points out], there are different meanings of "open", just like there are different meanings of "free". It also seems to be true that the word "open" is easier to dilute than the word "free". While ambiguous when unexplained, once defined, "free" is fairly uncompromising in its meaning. Both the terms "open access" and "open content" have become highly diluted, while "free content" has pretty much held its current meaning even without an official definition, simply because of the strength of the existing connotations of freedom, and its association with the movement that believes strongly in these principles.


One could argue, of course, that the strength of the one depends on the weakness of the other. "Free software" might have been diluted by the same people who prefer to use "open source".
One could argue, of course, that the strength of the one depends on the weakness of the other. "Free software" might have been diluted by the same people who prefer to use "open source".
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