Linux Format forums

[serene]

I saw the story here on Gentoo's founder and Chief engineer going to work for Microsoft.

*Will Microsoft have the ability now that these 2 are working for them, to impede or hinder further Gentoo developement or progress?

I am concerned because I have really latched on to Gentoo as a wonderful distro for my needs and now I'm feeling a little depressed upon hearing Microsoft's reach has seduced the top Gentoo folks to the dark side!

Thank you.
Serene

[nelz]

First of all the founder and chief engineer are one and the same person, Daniel Robbins. Secondly, he left Gentoo some months ago. Gentoo is run by a not-for-profit foundation, of which Daniel was never a part.
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Unix is user-friendly. It's just very selective about who it's friends are.

[Rhakios]

And in what way does the poster need help in this matter? Can this thread be moved to discussion where it belongs?
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Bye, Rhakios

[towy71]

[serene]

I will format my question into a more specific 'help or advise' topic.

Question:
Is there a possibility that Microsoft can influence the development or progress of Gentoo now that Mr. Daniel Robbins has left to work for Microsoft?

The answer to this question will help me to decide if I should pursue other distros or stick with Gentoo.

Thank you all.

[nelz]

Rephrasing the question doesn't make it any less of a discussion topic, so I've moved it.

Now think about what you are asking. could someone who is no longer associated in any way with Gentoo, and known to work for Microsoft, influence the development of Gentoo?

Of course he can't, the Gentoo foundation aren't a bunch of sheep who will follow any retired shepherd.

[serene]

Thank you Nelz.

I wanted an opinion from the experts here...

There was concern if there was any proprietary technologies that got sold to Microsoft that could later be denied from future Gentoo code.

Thank you for your comments.

[nelz]

There are no proprietary technologies in Gentoo, it is all open source. Even if there were, Danial Robbins would not be able to sell them as he would no longer own them.

The guy created a great distro and community, but in doing so ran up five figure debts. Now he needs a job and Microsoft offered him one. In a way, Microsoft are retroactively funding the creation and development of Gentoo, without gaining any advantage from it
_________________
Unix is user-friendly. It's just very selective about who it's friends are.