Wait, who is scared off by parallel's --citation?
At minimum, it is not installed by default, so it is already a negative to just using xargs. That it then puts that barrier in my way makes it an easy tool to skip.
The CITATION.cff format[0] is a newish format to solve the machine identification of citable works, but I suspect it is too new to see widespread adoption. It is going to take some backbreaking regexes to extract "How to Cite" sections embedded in READMEs and buried in the source.
Okay, I accept your argument about Free Software. However, I find it interesting that it's a GNU project... they are generally the most hardline Free Software people.
I also do not care for the citation requirement. I utilize tons of tools in my work which go unstated. I do not feel the need to cite Linux, DNS, htop, Make, Diet Coke, my Kinesis keyboard, etc. Sadly, reliable plumbing gets no respect. Especially for a tool which is more or less interchangeable with some shell scripting. Unless I am trying to shore up the references list, I am going to cite directly relevant work.
At some point, you no longer need to note that your work was powered by electricity.
If it's, we'll say within someone's rights to nag, it's exactly equally valid to object to it and to point out what kind of failing it is.
When I produce something that is free, it's free. If I want any more credit than simple copyleft already provides, then I'll charge for it.
Nagging the user is not unlike "you suck it up and tolerate the ads because that's how you pay for it instead of cash."
A directive to cite, or even a request especially when it's a nag in the tool rather than just somewhere in the docs or on the web site, is a string, a payment. It shows that the author does not actually understand the rationale behind free software. They want something back for their effort more than what they already got, which is the huge sea of developed software they get to use with no strings themselves.
Free software is a gift. It's about to be xmas. How many of the gifts you will give this weekend will you pair with a reminder to thank you for that awesome thing you gave them? The various recipients moms have the job to tell them that, not you or me.
If that means I don't understand the rationale behind free software, so be it. My software is still Free as in Speech (most important) and Free as in Beer (you're welcome). You can choose differently in the free software you develop and that's fine too.
Edit: ChatGPT provides some other usages of "free":
- Free as in love: Unconditional, without expectation of return.
- Free as in wind: Unpredictable and uncontainable.
- Free as in 'free sample': A teaser, often leading to a paid service or product.
- Free as in 'free time': Availability, the freedom to use one's time as one wishes.
- Free as in 'free agent': Unattached and able to choose one's path or affiliation.
How about everyone in all the linux kernel changelogs from 1994 to now? They all did valuable work that you used to produce whatever you've produced.
The tools themselves carry their own citation already.
A list of definitions of the word free (from whatever source) is meaningless and irrelevant.
Citing the brand of your pencil and paper is product placement.
Bonus SO post to enhance your fury:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/61762189/installing-gnu-...