> I think we [Maxima] fit in pretty well at present -- basically Maxima has a
> tendency to absorb other stuff that seems useful & is licensed
> appropriately. Naturally I hope that other projects are doing
> likewise with Maxima.
>
> > To conclude the original post and responses point to an observed - whether
> > it really exists is not at issue - vagueness of purpose for Maxima. This
> > could be remedied by a short discussion by the developers and an ad hoc
> > statement created which upon criticism could easily be ameliorated.
>
> Well, I guess I'm hesitant to attempt any such statement.
> It seems like the main result would be a discussion which
> goes in endless circles. We seem to be making pretty good
> headway without any formal statement of goals;
> let's not spoil a good thing.
>
Yes I understand. Open source software will develop on its own terms
and in ways proprietary software usually doesn't. This includes M. My
only interest is too make sure people who spend great time trying to get
eigenvalues, or statistical analysis from M realize there may be better
suited tools available to them. The reason for this is that it is my
feeling that GNU/GPL'ed software and other forms of free software offer
the potential user opportunities they may not be aware of if they have
been on an XP box with Mathematica, and Matlab installed or some other
commercially licensed software suit(s) and I want to see more people and
organizations adopt open source software.
It is beyond my interest to spend any more time with this agenda - I
have to actually attempt to get some work done. I really appreciate
your and mr. Fateman's help in trying to approach my own past
programming challenges with Maxima.
> All the best,
> Robert Dodier
dito