“All that being said, his belief system guides the FSF. I’m concerned that the FSF will degrade with him being gone.”
It may also improve. Often things just keep going once the person thought to be indispensable leaves. It’s a good test for the organization if they have people who can step up. I wonder how Linux will do once Linus retires.
Nobody else at the FSF has been anywhere close to as visible and vocal an advocate of software freedom as Stallman. It really shouldn't be hard to be more charismatic than Stallman... but where/who is such a person?
That's an earnest question. I would sleep better tonight knowing the FSF will be in safe and effective hands.
> It really shouldn't be hard to be more charismatic than Stallman... but where/who is such a person?
I don't think anyone will be able to top rms in charisma, in the sense of having that feeling that Free Software is their calling in life, above anything and everything else.
That said, I think a movement only needs a charismatic founder to keep going for centuries with more regular leaders. I think there are a few worthy candidates, like Eben Moglen, Karen Sandler and Mishi Choudhary, and I'm sure a few more can be found in the FSF ranks themselves, now that obfuscating spotlight is gone.
I'm sure Linux will be fine. Greg Kroah-Hartman seems quite capable of stepping up and is quite public as a figure in the Linux community. I can't think of anyone like that in the FSF. Hopefully they get someone good to represent the FSF with Stallman stepping down.
It may also improve. Often things just keep going once the person thought to be indispensable leaves. It’s a good test for the organization if they have people who can step up. I wonder how Linux will do once Linus retires.