[SFS] why to choose free software

[David L. Willson]

We don't teach enough of the "why to choose" around here. 

My reasoning goes like this: 

- Creative freedom is good. Restriction of creative freedom is bad. 
- Software is both science and art. Science and art is human progress. Impeding human progress is bad. 
- I strongly prefer the interests of creators and innovators over those of rent-seekers. 

There is an infinite lot of creating to be done. We should leave those who are prone to create, as free to do so, as we possibly can, even if it frightens away some timid investors. If we must choose between frightening away innovation or investment, let us frighten away investment, so that innovators may do their thing without fear. 

And here's a nice article about why patents suck, and why software patents, in particular, suck: 
[ https://caseymuratori.com/blog_0027 | https://caseymuratori.com/blog_0027 ] 

And now, a question for you, list participant: How does *your* reasoning go? Why do *you* think one should bias in favor of (i.e. choose) free software? Or, if you're still learning, what are your questions? Or, if you're on the other side of it, and you guess that the cathedral model is as good as or better than the bazaar, what is your reasoning, and why are you here? 

Other reasons to choose free software: 
- It's often harder to use. Harder is more fun. 
- It's usually free-gratis, as well as free-libre. Poor people can usually afford free-gratis. 
- Less socially and financially privileged people are on less unequal footing with more privileged in the free software ecosystem. Organic reductions to inequality are good, even better than synthetic ones. 

Enough stream of consciousness from me for one night. Thanks for reading. 
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