[Draft] Open Letter to CNRI: Request for clarification

[Gareth McCaughan]

Peter Schneider-Kamp wrote:

> --- begin open letter -------------------------------------------------------
> To: Dr. Robert E. Kahn <rkahn at cnri.reston.va.us>,
>     (president of The Corporation for National Research Initiatives)
> 
> Dear Mr. Kahn,
> 
> as a member of the Python Community which gathers around the newsgroup
> comp.lang.python I would like to express my concern about the latest
> license issues that have arisen around the new 1.6/2.0 releases.

I think it would be better not to capitalise "community".
That would suggest some *organisation*, and there isn't
one; just a bunch of people who are concerned about all
the to-ings and fro-ings.

> As of now I have not had the chance to witness any official statement
> from your institution. So I sincerely request a clarification of CNRI's
> position on this matter.

I suggest avoiding "witness". You witness crimes, and road
accidents, and legal documents. "As of now, there has been
no official statement from your institution, and so no one
really knows what is going on. I would be very grateful for
some clarification of CNRI's position.", perhaps?

> I have attached a list of signatures of members of the Python Community
> who are also concerned about the recent developments and through their
> signature support this request for clarification.

Again, "community" is probably better than "Community". Maybe
replace "concerned about" with "concerned about, and puzzled
by"?

(Feel free to add my name to the list.)

> P.S.:
> I find it rather startling that you see a need to change the license of
> a software whose development already has moved away from your institution.

I concur with those who have said that this would be better
omitted. No point in stirring up grievances if they're there.

-- 
Gareth McCaughan  Gareth.McCaughan at pobox.com
sig under construction