Bernhard Weitzhofer
This page is part of a series of interviews with FSFE supporters and friends to help give a face to our community. Get an overview about our interviews on the testimonials page
"Hi, I'm Bernhard! I studied computer science and I work in public service. Years ago, I stumbled into an FSFE meeting without having a clear idea of what the FSFE is actually doing. Turns out, I like what the FSFE is actually doing."
"The FSFE and me in 30 seconds"
Video by David Vagt. No animals have been harmed and the following Free Software has been used: kdenlive, blender, LMMS, Audacity and ffmpeg.
Short Interview with Bernhard Weitzhofer (2019)
FSFE: What made you interested in the FSFE and motivated to become a supporter?
Bernhard Weitzhofer: The great community of fellow souls played a big part. The feeling of improving the world a little bit was another important factor.
Beyond supporting the FSFE, you also engage as a volunteer. What are you doing for FSFE?
Apart from manning FSFE booths at various events and giving workshops and talks regarding Free Software, I try to be a positive example of someone benefitting greatly from Free Software. Oh, and I almost forgot: I try to coordinate Munich's FSFE group. Check out our page to see when and where we're meeting!
What is the most fun part about engaging for FSFE?
No man is an island. There are so many great people working for and with the FSFE to interact with and to learn from. These people have been the most beneficial and the most fun part in engaging with the FSFE.
What is your favourite FSFE campaign at the moment?
As a public servant: "Public Money? Public Code!", hands down. I write software for a living, being payed from taxes. I would love to put my software under a free license, for the benefit of others.
How did the stop of Limux influence the atmosphere in Munich's Free Software movement?
I experienced the stop of Limux twofold: On one hand there was great disappointment and a feeling of powerlessness in being unable to influence decisions that to me seem to be aligned against common sense and the common good. On the other hand we got to know a lot of kindred spirits. I hope the alliances formed in those weeks will benefit Munich's Free Software scene in the long run.
In one sentence: What is the biggest benefit of Free Software?
In laying the inner workings of our systems open, Free Software is an instrument of Truth.
What is your favourite Free Software?
If I'll have to pick favourites, I guess I'll go with Vim. I like that its roots can be traced back for almost half a century, and it's still one of the most useful pieces of software I have ever used. It also promotes a charity I support. Try ":help uganda" in Vim and see for yourself!
Is there anything you believe the FSFE should improve or begin working on next? Any wishes for the future?
Since most of us worked with computers for a long time, I think we're still a little stuck in the mindset of equating "software" with "desktop computer application software". "Free your android" is a great first step in broadening our horizons. For the future I'd wish for the FSFE to focus more on all those centralized systems harvesting, storing and exploiting our data. Let's take back our freedom!
