TDF shooting itself in its foot with LibreOffice Online, politics or something

[athought1]

Hi, I noticed that the Wikipedia article for LibreOffice discusses LibreOffice Online without linking to a LibreOffice web page discussing it, if it did link it would probably link here: LibreOffice Online | LibreOffice - Free and private office suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft.

I can see why the Wikipedia editor chose not to link it:

• The LibreOffice web page says it is limited to 20 users, this is not beneficial to anyone in the LibreOffice ecosystem, why publish this when it is a negative feature that was introduced and very quickly removed?
• Why not provide a link to Collabora Online who use and contribute to LibreOffice Technology?

I know this is due to politics, but politics is inhibiting LibreOffice’s growth, LibreOffice Technology could be marketed that it supports Online and more devices types with offline use than even Microsoft Office.

[fpy]

@athought1

why

and why not editing the wikipedia page rather than “discussing” it here ?

@athought1

I know

do you really ?

https://community.documentfoundation.org/t/questions-on-nlnet-fundings-with-the-libreoffice-name/13065

[athought1]

“and why not editing the wikipedia page rather than “discussing” it here”

Please will you re-read my question, perhaps not well-worded, … it is the LibreOffice page that talks about LibreOffice Online that is terrible, I cannot edit the page or report website issues. I provided the link with 2 bullet points of problems/solutions.

OK, if it is not politics, then it must have been oversight that left the page like that.

[sophi]

@athought1

The LibreOffice web page says it is limited to 20 users, this is not beneficial to anyone in the LibreOffice ecosystem, why publish this when it is a negative feature that was introduced and very quickly removed?

The site is being reworked and TDF doesn’t offer any version of LibreOffice Online any more.

LibreOffice

Development has been put in the attic years ago, translations are frozen in Weblate, no QA, etc.

@athought1

Why not provide a link to Collabora Online who use and contribute to LibreOffice Technology?

TDF as a not for profit foundation under the German law is not allowed to put links to commercial entities on its websites, even more when it’s only one entity. It has happened by the past, but it was an error and links have now been removed.

[athought1]

Thank you Sophie. For my benefit and maybe others, using ChatGPT so questionable: The 1977 law had an amendment that came into effect on January 1, 2025 for non-profit organizations to exercise caution that links to commercial entities that are directly related to their charitable mission and do not imply endorsement or financial benefit. So long as the mention is not repeated, prominent or overly positive mentions of a specific company/product it is fine. And a non-profit can talk about commercial solutions if:

1. The mention serves the organization’s non-profit mission
   – For example, an environmental NGO discussing eco-friendly technologies from private companies as part of educating the public.
2. The tone remains neutral, educational, or comparative
   – Non-profits can present balanced information on available options without promotional language (e.g., avoid “the best solution is…” or “we highly recommend…”).
3. No advertising relationship or financial benefit exists
   – If the mention is not compensated and doesn’t function as covert advertising, it’s typically safe.
4. No “Dauerwerbung” (continuous advertising)
   – Repeated, prominent or overly positive mentions of a specific company/product, even without links, may be seen as advertising and therefore problematic.
   
   So Yes, LibreOffice is allowed to talk about Collabora Online under German non-profit law — provided it is done in a way that aligns with the foundation’s mission and legal obligations. Why It’s Allowed:
   
   Mission Alignment:

• Collabora Online is based on LibreOffice technology and contributes to the open-source ecosystem.
• Mentioning Collabora Online helps inform users of enterprise-level or hosted options based on LibreOffice — furthering TDF’s mission to promote open standards and software freedom.
  
  Transparency & Neutrality:
• If TDF presents Collabora Online as one of multiple options, with clear explanation and neutral tone, it avoids issues of favoritism or covert advertising.
• They can also disclose the relationship (e.g., “Collabora is a major contributor to LibreOffice development”).
  
  No Financial Conflict:
• TDF does not receive commissions or direct commercial benefit from promoting Collabora. This avoids classification as advertising or commercial activity under § 52 and § 55 AO.

[athought1]

Hi, thanks for bringing that to my attention, I read the thread, all people with seemingly good intentions. Reminds me to avoid saying my feelings and just keep to the facts, in brief. Also txt/email creates so much mis-understanding compared to voice or face to face.

Unrelated, I enjoyed reading LibreOffice/Collabora Online Typography, all because of undocumented changes in MS Word line break algorithm after ODF and OOXML standardisation, the efforts to maintain vendor lock-in.