Shit proposal, IMO. I’m fine with them having an alternative installer ISO that includes proprietary firmware and explicitly informs the user about this, but to do it by default in their normal installer (which is the intent, if I’ve understood it correctly) is absolute bullshit. One of the reasons why I still use Debian is that they keep non-free software out of their default repositories, and that this has to be explicitly enabled. Depending on how the new installer ends up presenting this, at least there are forks like Devuan, but it’s a damn shame
I understand the issues people bring up on initial download/install user-friendliness. Debian has needed a site upgrade for ages now, and that doesn’t mean JS-ridden or anything. Just an easy-to-read and more up-to-date with what makes a clean, simple site. There’s a lot more to find on the Debian site so it’s wouldn’t be 1:1, but the site for Void Linux is clear on distro info and how/what to download.
That’s all Debian needed, a good site that points unfamiliar users (something like if you’ve never installed Linux) to the non-free firmware installer. For everyone else, the default ISO will work or they’ll know to get the non-free. Bundling in the proprietary by default just flies in the face of everything Debian’s stood for since its inception.
I have to agree. A webiste is all they needed, that a normy can use. The separate installers are just fine as they are.
