Computer programs can do all sorts of magical things with the tap of a
finger: carry messages across the planet in seconds, bring thousands
of people together at online events, or smooth flaws off of
photographed faces. Software is an incredibly useful tool, and your
computer or cell phone drop all of this magic right into your lap or
the palm of your hand.
But, like any powerful spell, you can easily become entangled by a
dark side to software: the people who created that spell can use it as
a means to control you. In this video, we see how the makers of a very
useful tool cleverly ensnare Wendell the Elf by offering him a tool to
make his life easier – but the ShoeTool is actually a trap, meant to
force him to make only the shoes the tool's manufacturer approves.
Luckily, this trap isn't inevitable – if you use free software, then
there are no shadowy strings attached. You don't need anyone's
permission to modify your tools, use modifications shared by others,
or ask someone else to tailor your tools to serve your wishes and
exercise your creativity. The Free Software Foundation (FSF) believes
that everyone deserves this full control over their computers and
phones, and we hope this video, which we released late last year,
helps you explain the importance of free software to your friends and
family. You can also find subtitles of translations of the video in
twelve languages in this blog post!
For 35 years, people in the know have looked to the FSF for
leadership, and for our uncompromising defense of free software. We
want to keep producing high quality educational materials like this
video, but they cost money.
You can support these efforts financially and make a commitment to the
mission of freeing all software by becoming an FSF associate
member. Plus, you can be one of the 278 new members we need to
reach our goal of 500 new members before December 31st, and
receive many useful member benefits, including access to our
instance of Jitsi Meet for videoconferencing in freedom!
Finally: don't forget that you don't have to let proprietary companies
control or spy on your communications with your family over this very
unusual holiday. Now is the perfect time to revisit our list of free
software tools for staying in touch – and use them as a
conversation-starter to explain to your family why you don't want to
open your presents over Zoom. We also hope you'll get them gifts that
respect their freedom – check out our yearly Ethical Tech Giving
Guide for some great ideas!
Wishing everyone a happy holiday and a liberated 2021!
Sincerely,
The Free Software Foundation staff
Dana, Andrew, Craig, Dawn, Donald, Greg, Ian, Jeanne, John H., John
S., Matt, Michael, Ruben, and Zoë
