Alternative to Google code for python x,y?

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Matthew Brett

unread,
Jan 19, 2011, 8:18:09 PM1/19/11
to python(x,y)
Hi,

I'm writing, because I'm very grateful for Python X,Y, and we
recommend it with enthusiasm for our windows users:

http://nipy.org

I saw that you are using Google code, and I was wondering if you'd
consider hosting downloads somewhere else. The reason is that Google
code robustly blocks various countries subject to US embargoes -
including Cuba, where I often work [1],

Actually, Sourceforge was recently forced to do the same [2], but then
allowed people to opt out [3].

I often expound the goodness of Python to my Cuban colleagues but of
course it's not encouraging when they try and download free software
and are told they are from a 'forbidden country'. It also seems to me
contrary to the principles of open source [4].

Is there any chance you would consider a mirror or similar somewhere
less affected by the relevant restrictions?

Thanks a lot,

Matthew

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_open_source_software_hosting_facilities
[2] http://sourceforge.net/blog/clarifying-sourceforgenets-denial-of-site-access-for-certain-persons-in-accordance-with-us-law/
[3] http://sourceforge.net/blog/some-good-news-sourceforge-removes-blanket-blocking/
[4] http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd - "5. No Discrimination Against
Persons or Groups"

Pierre Raybaut

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Feb 17, 2011, 4:26:54 PM2/17/11
to python(x,y)
Hi,

Thanks for your message and for your interest in the project.

Did you know that Python(x,y) was available on this download mirror:
http://ftp.ntua.gr/pub/devel/pythonxy/

-Pierre

On 20 jan, 02:18, Matthew Brett <matthew.br...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm writing, because I'm very grateful for Python X,Y, and we
> recommend it with enthusiasm for our windows users:
>
> http://nipy.org
>
> I saw that you are using Google code, and I was wondering if you'd
> consider hosting downloads somewhere else.  The reason is that Google
> code robustly blocks various countries subject to US embargoes -
> including Cuba, where I often work [1],
>
> Actually, Sourceforge was recently forced to do the same [2], but then
> allowed people to opt out [3].
>
> I often expound the goodness of Python to my Cuban colleagues but of
> course it's not encouraging when they try and download free software
> and are told they are from a 'forbidden country'.  It also seems to me
> contrary to the principles of open source [4].
>
> Is there any chance you would consider a mirror or similar somewhere
> less affected by the relevant restrictions?
>
> Thanks a lot,
>
> Matthew
>
> [1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_open_source_software_hosti...
> [2]http://sourceforge.net/blog/clarifying-sourceforgenets-denial-of-site...
> [3]http://sourceforge.net/blog/some-good-news-sourceforge-removes-blanke...
> [4]http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd- "5. No Discrimination Against
> Persons or Groups"

Matthew Brett

unread,
Feb 17, 2011, 4:31:11 PM2/17/11
to pyth...@googlegroups.com, Pierre Raybaut
Hi,

> Thanks for your message and for your interest in the project.
>
> Did you know that Python(x,y) was available on this download mirror:
> http://ftp.ntua.gr/pub/devel/pythonxy/

I didn't - thanks. Is there any good way for my Cuban colleagues to
find this information? They are not allowed to access the google code
web pages.

Best,

Matthew

Pierre Raybaut

unread,
Feb 17, 2011, 4:36:03 PM2/17/11
to python(x,y)
Hi,

No, you're right, there is no easy way to find this information
without accessing the google code web pages.
The easy way (for me...) is for you to share the information with your
project users. Otherwise, it would be necessary to create another
website for Python(x,y) and it takes time...

-Pierre

Matthew Brett

unread,
Feb 17, 2011, 4:44:44 PM2/17/11
to pyth...@googlegroups.com, Pierre Raybaut
Hi,

> No, you're right, there is no easy way to find this information
> without accessing the google code web pages.
> The easy way (for me...) is for you to share the information with your
> project users. Otherwise, it would be necessary to create another
> website for Python(x,y) and it takes time...

I will share the information with the people I know, but of course I
only know very few Cubans, and no (resident) Iranians etc.

My hope of course is that people (regardless of where they live) will
find it easy and transparent to find and download open source
software, as one sign of the generosity with which the software was
made.

Best,

Matthew

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