In response to the recent news that Canonical has stated peddling MPEG-4 patent licenses to Ubuntu OEMs, I am resigning as member of the Ubuntu project.
I have been uncomfortable by Canonical misusing the Ubuntu trademark with their proprietary Ubuntu One service, which they have recently added a proprietary music store to for MP3-only downloads fully integrated with Ubuntu's version of Rhythmbox, and bundling an ever-increasing amount of proprietary drivers with Ubuntu.
I still find the Ubuntu community an outstanding model for how the free software community should organize. Strong grassroots presence through the local community teams, democratically organized leadership, and most importantly the Ubuntu Code of Conduct are models other projects should look to emulate.
I'm certain that if put to a vote, the Ubuntu community would release the Ubuntu One server code as AGPLv3 and discontinue business practices in contrast with free software values conducted in its name, but the only way we can vote against Canonical is with our feet.
As I serve in a leadership position in a local community team, I'll be upholding my agreement with the Ubuntu Code of Conduct by gracefully stepping down after finding another team member to take my place and migrating any remaining accounts off my @ubuntu.com email address.
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