I love Free Software Day 2017
We should not underestimate the power of a simple "thank you" to
motivate Free Software contributors in their important work for
society. The 14th of February (a Tuesday this year) is the ideal day to
do that.
In the Free Software society we exchange a lot of criticism. We write bug
reports, tell others how they can improve the software, ask them for new
features, and generally are not shy about criticising others. There is nothing
wrong about that. It helps us to constantly improve. But sometimes we forget to
show the hardworking people behind the software our appreciation.
Show your love for Free Software
Free Software drives a huge number of devices in our everyday life. It ensures
our freedom, our security, civil rights, and privacy. It enables everyone to
participate in a fair society. But as with people, everybody has different
reasons to love Free Software. Let's show this variety to the world!
As the traditional day to show one's appreciation to people, Valentine's Day
is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to the
contributors of the various Free Software you love: developers, translators,
designers, testers, or documentation writers, of huge softwares or smaller
projects. All of them work on the Free Software ecosystem which we can enjoy
every day.
Be part of #ilovefs
It doesn't matter who and where you are and what you do – everyone can
participate at the "I love Free Software" day in many different ways:
- Thank your favourite contributors for their work in an individual way.
For example by sending one of our
postcards.
- Show your appreciation publicly using social networks or your blog to
demonstrate the world how many people love Free Software – and thereby
motivate others to do the same. Just use the hashtag
#ilovefs on GnuSocial, Twitter, or other
platforms.
If everybody contributes a small part we can enjoy a beautiful "I love Free
Software" day together. Let's share videos and pictures, send postcards, tweets and blog
posts, and show our love individually. Happy I love Free Software day
everyone!
15 March 2017:
On Tuesday 14th of February, the "I Love Free
Software" day was celebrated for its eighth consecutive year, in what
can now be called a tradition. This day has become a special day for
people all around the world to declare their love and affection not
only to their partner but also to the whole Free Software
community.
14 February 2017:
In celebration of the "I love Free Software" day on
February 14, the Berlin Reichtag has been illuminated with the message
"Give Free Software A Chance" last weekend. On numerous buildings and
symbolic places in Berlin other messages have been projected. "Build
Free Software - Not Walls" could have been read on the Berlin Wall, and
the Federal Ministry of Finances has been decorated by the slogan
"Public Money, Public Code". Thereby, activists draw attention to the
importance of larger appreciation of Free Software.
09 February 2017:
It's time to say "thank you" on 14th of February, the "I love Free
Software" Day 2017. The Free Software Foundation Europe asks all Free
Software users to use the traditional day of love to think of the
hardworking people contributing to the Free Software we all depend on.
As every year there are many ways for people to participate in this
campaign.
22 February 2016:
Sunday 14 February 2016 was a day to declare love for
people we care for. On this day, as a yearly tradition, the Free Software
community celebrates "I love Free Software" day to thank developers behind Free
Software. This year, for the 6th time, FSFE asked everyone to participate and
express their appreciation and gratitude to their favourite Free Software
contributors.
08 February 2016:
It's time to say "thank you" on 14th of February,
the "I love Free Software" Day 2016.
The Free Software Foundation Europe asks all Free Software users to use
the traditional day of love to think of the hardworking people
contributing to the Free Software we all depend on. As every year there are
many ways for people to participate in this online campaign which has
first been celebrated five years ago.
