I want to make several points on this topic:
1. The Free in FOSS stands for Freedom or Sudhandhiram; not Free as in Gratis
or Ilavasam. As long as any of the 3000 members of this list post their
thoughts, and those postings are related to Freedom providing software; I or
nobody should have any objection. I argued this point with the late Kenneth
Gonsalvez; and he suggested to put a "Commercial" tag; which in my opinion is
redundant and nonsensical.
2. The Linux kernel is jointly developed by entities such as RedHat, IBM etc.
all of which are commercial public companies, that exist to provide gains to
shareholders. The employees from the companies routinely post on the Linux
Kernel mailing list. They do not add [Commercial] tag to each and every post. I
don't see why our Linux User Group mailing list should be any different.
3. The fact that Baskar is a long-time member of this list is not relevant to
this discussion; the fact that he is talking about Freedom providing software
is the only relevant point.
4 All postings in this list should serve a purpose to be relevant; sending
reports of workshops 10 times a month, serves no useful purpose in my opinion.
Rather, it can be posted that a workshop was conducted on so and so topic; and
so and so were the agenda and activities therein. If somebody can conduct
workshop on some relevant topics; they can post their capability even if they
do or do not conduct workshops. Provided that this is done on occasion; this
need not be construed as advertising. Evangelism is also advertising, and
advertising skills on Freedom Software; even at a price; should be acceptable
and encouraged on this list. The thread on a Facebook page for this list is
also to advertise the existence of this list and its members; so advertising
FOSS capabilities on this list is not evil.
5. If required, we can insist on "Ad" tag for such threads; and have a policy
restricting the number of Ad posts to say 5 or 10 per month. In my opinion the
Ad tag is not required; but if some people strongly feel; it can be insisted.
There is no shame on posting Ads; in fact; only because of the postings I came
to know of some people and their skills.
...KRS