[ILUG] S/W patent letter

[Glenn Strong]

On Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 11:46 +0000, Simon Whittaker wrote:
> Barry O'Donovan wrote:
> > Update: please use: 
> > 
> >   http://www.kde.ie/patents/
> > 
> > to e-mail your MEPs.
> > 
> > Thanks to all those that have already used this to e-mail their local 
> > MEPs. As Colm Buckley already stated - PLEASE PLEASE do this. I couldn't 
> > make it any easier for ye!
> <delurk>
> Hi there,
> 
> I know this is a very important issue but I would also advise that 
> people read the guidelines listed on: 
> http://www.writetothem.com/about-guidelines
> 
> Especially with reference to the 1st point, btw - i got a very positive 
> response from Jim Allister within 2 hours.

(also <delurk>),

Hello everyone 

I'd like to second Simon's comment about
http://www.writetothem.com/about-guidelines

Points 1 and 6 on that page are particularly important.

I have just received a phone call from someone in Proinnsias de
Rossa's office. He has been receiving dozens of form emails and has
also fielded a number of ill-tempered phone calls on this subject. He
makes the following points:

  * If you are going to contact your MEP the message will carry more
    weight if you are polite, and have taken the time to do your
    homework. If you are rude you will probably do more harm than
    good.
         This is a very important point - if they are on our side
    they do not deserve it, and if they are not then you won't
    convince them by demanding to know, immediately, what they are doing
    to halt the directive.

  * They will need time to examine the situation, particularly
    McCreevey's comments last night. 

  * When they receive very many identical messages by email it weakens
    the point. Please take the time to present your points in your own
    words. Barry's excellent page allows you to edit the body of the
    message. 
    
-- 
Glenn Strong
Itish Free Software Organisation         http://www.ifso.ie/