Editing Network services/Current approaches

What are the approaches that people are using to try to address
webservices. These might include:

=== Abstention ===

For certain classes of applications that have functionally equivalent
distributed or non-service version or analogs, one can avoid inherent
power dynamics that inherently disadvantage users by avoiding the use of
applications. See Richard Stallman's essay sent over email for more
information on this position.
:''functionally equivalent'' -- this doesn't really seem like abstention.

=== Extending copyleft to web services ===

Quite a few projects have attempted 
:Such as? Does this refer to [[Network services/Licensing approaches to network services]] or something else?

=== P2P ===

Attempt to replace centralized functionality with [http://lists.canonical.org/pipermail/kragen-tol/2006-July/000818.html decentralized] (and Free) applications. 

=== Make running own services more attractive ===

It is a huge pain to deploy and maintain one's own services. Software like WordPress and MediaWiki are much, much better than what existed 5 years ago, but they are still painful, and impossible for someone without lots of time and/or expertise to maintain. Thus, everyone has moved to centralized services, almost all of which are non-Free in one or more ways.

=== Make case for centralized service providers to Free their code ===

This is a pragmatic case. Their competitive advantage comes from the platform (ability to run it effectively and efficiently at scale, and network effects). Allow users to improve platform.

== User movement to demand Free services ===

A bit like Abstention above.

=== Others ===

Other ideas might include:

* Cooperative hosting solutions.
* Contracts and accountability for hosting providers
** Ensure that the services provide you with a way to leave (freedom to leave)
* A Network Services "Bill of Rights" (e.g., [http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/3266][http://www.camworld.com/archives/001226.html])
* Increased monitoring ability for hosting providers

Other license based approaches are described in depth on [[Network services/Licensing approaches to network services]].