Not a bad idea

However, I think your idea could be taken much further - meaning that it should list companies that have _any_ effect on free software (whether it be positive or negative) and list pros and cons of each with references. Furthermore, they could be ranked separately in terms of free software AND in terms of open source. After all, being pro-open source but not anti-free software is much better than being anti-foss.

Why not provide approval ratings for companies in terms of foss friendliness? You could give a rating from -10 (very unfriendly) to +10 (for very friendly).

The approval ratings could be given in objective terms based on imperical evidence - actual behaviour, lawsuits, press releases etc. But, separately, they could be given approval ratings based on community analysis and opinion - blogs, media, community surveys.

But, even this extension of your idea could be carried further. If the register and approval rating system is built, then why not give approval ratings on other factors - they could be ranked as having positive or negative effects on:

* the environment
* developing nations
* the patent system
* legal systems
* communities
* tax systems
* governments
* health care

...and more.

As I say, if the system is built for one approval system then it could easily be applied to other areas. Then a company could be given a list of [dis]approval ratings.

Companies definitely need more scrutiny by the community and this could be a way to provide it.

I hope someone clever enough to build this does so. I would like to see it in action.