[SFS] why to choose free software

[Richard Glazier]

Free software gives me an amazing work toolbox. Rent seeking software
inhibits my ability to do my job.

On Mon, Apr 19, 2021, 7:47 PM David L. Willson <dlwillson at sofree.us> wrote:

> 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
>
> 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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