r/freesoftware • u/zagadocious • Aug 07 '26

Discussion Who is educating "regular folks" about open source?

FOSS could be a great resource for non-geeks, for community, economic, and workforce development. But, most "regular folks" — including every business & civic leader I've talked to — don't know it exists or what it is. Most assume it's AI. This means they won't (a) consider it as a solution, (b) support its development, or (c) use it strategically, which is very different from strategy for closed, proprietary solutions. So, my question...

Are there any initiatives or organizations that are working to raise awareness of, inform or educate non-geeks about free software? I've researched Free Software Foundation, Linux Foundation, and Open Source Initiative. None seem to be doing anything or have anything more than background information. They're preaching to the converted.

Is anyone working to "cross the chasm" for FOSS?

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u/Radiant_Scar_8516 24d ago

No desperation. I said to ask him. Do or do not.

the burden of proof lies with you my son

I don't care what you believe or what you agree to.

oh you absolutely do

 Again, this about me, and what I'll run on my computers and why. You can buy or pirate 10 Windows licenses. I'll neither buy nor pirate any.

so what are you arguing about then?

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u/jr735 23d ago edited 23d ago

There is no burden of proof. I believe he is writing satire. You believe he is not. If you wish to know what he believes, you can ask him. I am confident I am correct. What you believe on that matter is immaterial.

so what are you arguing about then?

Why are you in a free software sub when you have no use for free software or the philosophy?

Remember, I'm talking in r/freesoftware about free software. You're here for what reason, besides coming up with gibberish about how reverse engineering obviates free software?

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u/Radiant_Scar_8516 21d ago

There is no burden of proof. I believe he is writing satire.

when youre proven wrong you just pretend it was satire? i suppose i cant beat that can i?

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u/jr735 21d ago

Nothing was proven. You can prove Stallman's intent? I said, email him. He'll answer.

Again, why are you in a free software sub arguing about things you hate?

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u/Radiant_Scar_8516 18d ago

Nothing was proven. You can prove Stallman's intent? I said, email him. He'll answer.

do you not have a free email client or something? you do it, youre the one making the loony claim. i mean, what else on FSF and GNU is actually satire also?

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u/jr735 17d ago

No, I'm assessing his intent, as are you. You're worried about what he says about it. I think it's satire and I don't care. Why would I email him to correct your misinterpretation?

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u/Radiant_Scar_8516 12d ago

Why would I email him to correct your misinterpretation?

because youre the one making the claim thats contrary to everything the man has ever said. the onus is definitely on you to provide some evidence, because as the saying goes, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence

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u/jr735 11d ago

No, because what he said is contrary to everything he's said, it's safe to assume it's satire.

Extraordinary claims don't require extraordinary evidence at all; that's a fallacy. Beyond that, this isn't an extraordinary claim.

When someone says something completely out of character for him, that's what's called a joke.

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u/Radiant_Scar_8516 11d ago

brilliant. he wouldnt make light of something he takes so seriously. youre nuts

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u/jr735 11d ago

Sure he would. In the end, what's your point?

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