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Read and share online: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/fsf-giving-guide-tech-changes-freedom-doesnt
Dear Free Software Supporter,
When we're all gathered around for the holiday season, it will be hard
to avoid hearing about proprietary software, and, for those in the
know, that means reminders about how much proprietary software has
encroached upon our rights in the last year. It'll be all over the ads
we see on television or on our phones, but we can at least hope that
one place where we'll see our freedoms being respected is in the gifts
we give one another. We in the free software movement have the
opportunity to send a message with what we choose to buy our loved
ones. And if you prefer not to buy something for your loved ones,
then free software and DRM-free media give you the freedoms you need
to share software and media, create a special media and/or
software collection, and even repurpose a piece of older technology
for a one-of-a-kind, new-to-them present for the people we care
about. Plus, you're sure to cut down on e-waste in the process!
This is the fourteenth year the Free Software Foundation (FSF) has
published its Ethical Tech Giving Guide as a way to help out with
that endeavor. Throughout the years we've been doing the Guide, we'll
admit that little has changed in our recommendations. Due to a general
lack of newer hardware that supports free software, you'll be
seeing some of the same tireless machines crop up in our
recommendations. This goes to show both ourselves and our readers that
freedom is a constant, not to mention more valuable than the latest
tech that's smart enough to recognize your face with its four (or
more!) cameras, but not smart enough not to spy on you.
No matter how you celebrate this year, we hope that the holidays will
prove a fruitful time for you to educate the people you care
about on the importance of free software. If you're that special
hacker-enthusiast who's in a position to help out development
communities working to free their hardware, this year's version of the
Guide also includes a few devices that need some special attention
before we can recommend them.
And, hey, it isn't just freedom that we're advocating. Knowledge
is power, too! In addition to an updated round of DRM-free music
recommendations, this year's Guide points out where you can get
DRM-free, and even gratis copies of good literature. Companies like
those we recommend in the Guide are few and far between, so we hope
that you'll lend them your support.
By supporting us today, you help secure a free future. If every
reader of this email supports our efforts by ensuring a
contribution, we can increase our strength and direct our
resources towards developing helpful resources like the Giving Guide.
Or, you can advocate for user freedom by convincing just one person to
join the FSF. Your contribution will count towards achieving our
fall goal of $375,000 before December 31.
No matter if or how you'll be buying gifts this year, always keep in
mind that retaining your freedom is the greatest gift of all.
Happy holidays, and happy hacking,
Greg Farough
Campaigns Manager
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