Group:Free Software Foundation/Ideas

Please post and discuss ideas for the Free Software Foundation.

Please sign your posts by typing four tildes: ~~~~

Suggestions regarding existing campaigns

Membership program

• gnu.org, fsf.org, or libreplanet.org email address. Freedom is not just a word, it's a duty! 11:45, 11 February 2012 (EST)
  • We do this already Kxra 00:17, 9 April 2012 (EDT)
    • No, just forwarding--email receiving is great, but email sending is even better! Mtraceur 22:35, 16 April 2012 (EDT)
• A mini-guide for BASH in paper. A sort of 20 page bash survival guide with information about the USB key card, their mail address, the existing projects, and GNU mailing list. Freedom is not just a word, it's a duty! 11:45, 11 February 2012 (EST)
• A LibrePlanet sticker. Just one, but a good one! Freedom is not just a word, it's a duty! 11:45, 11 February 2012 (EST)
• Access to a Media Goblin instance Myrcy (talk) 17:23, 6 December 2021 (EST)

Defective By Design

Post ideas here: Group:DefectiveByDesign/Ideas

LibrePlanet

Did you have ideas for the LibrePlanet Project?

(For suggestions about the annual conference, see the #LibrePlanet_Conference section on this page.)

fsf.org website

Welcoming newcomers

As part of the Working Together for Free Software project, the fsf.org site is being made more intuitive for new visitors.

How does the refocused homepage look?

Suggestions

RYF/FSDG Webpage Suggestions:

• We should list hardware projects reviewed by the FSF. Especially to help provide clarity for projects that have made their intent for RYF certification public but are not certified by the FSF (example: nitrokey, e.c.t ) Myrcy (talk) 17:11, 6 December 2021 (EST)

• Track operating systems currently being reviewed by the FSF or that state they follow or endorse the FSF criteria, such as the Uruk, Redox, LibertyBSD, Freenix, and the many other operating systems who have publicly stated they endorse or follow the FSDG criteria. Especially in an effort to discuss and report any false claims that may have been found regarding these OSes and encourage community discussion. Myrcy (talk) 17:11, 6 December 2021 (EST)

Other:

• We should create a Working Together for Free Software badge that featured projects can display and link back to the campaign --Kxra 15:00, 23 July 2010 (UTC)
  • Yes. --FelipeTD (talk) 17:29, 8 November 2016 (EST)

• Suggest individuals involved in free software to be featured on Meet the Free Software Community:
  • Mako --Kxra 15:01, 23 July 2010 (UTC)

• Free Software Supporter read by someone cool (audio and video versions)
  • That idea reminds me of these amusing performances of Richard Dreyfuss reading the iTunes EULA. More dramatic performances like those of various horrendous software licenses would help draw attention to how egregiously such licenses take away freedom, and how unfortunate it is that most people don't even notice, because most people understandably don't bother to read long boring screeds of legalese gibberish. --Apollia 08:56, 29 May 2014 (EDT)

Suggestions for changing RYF Certification Requirements

• Change the criteria to require non-free firmware on secondary processors be able to be upgraded, downgraded, locally modified, replaced or reverse engineered. One way to see this is that some freedoms are better than zero freedoms. (Paul Wise, 2022-08-24)
• Change the criteria to require that free software running on the main processors must be protected from modifications by non-free firmware on secondary processors, through the use of an IOMMU or similar technology. (Paul Wise 2022-09-05)

Events

LibrePlanet Conference

• It should be an international event that is also hosted outside the U.S. just like GPLv3 conferences. This can be done in collaboration with other FSF* organizations. In addition, it should be in summer instead of March where many people are able to consider attending. These two issues do matter to many free software advocates who are students.--OsamaK 15:04, 5 August 2010 (UTC)
• Be even more inclusive trough a mentor program (The English version is below the German version). This helps fighting the psychological barriers that hampers people to go to conferences they are not familiar with. GNUtoo2 (talk) 05:26, 25 September 2016 (EDT)

Store suggestions

Stickers

• Bumper stickers
• Plastic window stickers or magnets for cars
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• All the logos of FSF, GNUzilla IceCat, VLC, etc.
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• GNU/Hurd or GNU OS (similar in scope to the GNU/Linux sticker)
• Copyleft & Creative Commons meme MooGNU: https://archive.org/details/M00GNU
• Freedo, the Linux-libre mascot
• "Linux-libre Inside"
• GNU and Freedo 100% Freedom (Made from the image of GNU & Freedo from the FSFLA Linux-libre site)
• Anti-Microsoft stickers
  • -1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • Breaking Windows Art
    • +1 maybe a remake though IngeGNUe 18:25, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • Microsoft "Embrace, extend, and extinguish" sticker Qbfkgwnr (talk) 10:46, 4 June 2021 (EDT)
• GNU key, non-wearable plastic, or sticker to cover the Windows logo, (on the super key).
  • +7 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT) FelipeTD (talk) 17:29, 8 November 2016 (EST)
• A big GNU head sticker like http://www.unixstickers.com/stickers/linux_os_distribution_stickers/gnu-project-distribution-large-shaped-sticker
• A joke that says "Libre Tea or /dev/null" based on the catchphrase "Liberty or Death" IngeGNUe 18:27, 23 September 2016 (EDT)

Posters, signs

• "Privacy is impossible without free software" poster - requested by 3 people
  • -1: too language / US-centric
  • +1: Let's make sure to get that NSA logo just right. --Pegzmasta (talk) 20:25, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• "Security through obscurity is absurdity!" --Pegzmasta (talk) 20:24, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• A detailed Emacs reference poster
• The GPL preamble
• A poster showing all of unicode [1] Johns (talk) 11:43, 17 October 2016 (EDT)
• Yard signs Mmcmahon (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2022 (EDT)
• A flag representing software freedom, copyleft, FSF, or GNU would be a profitable item as people tend to be very passionate about vexillology. Mmcmahon (talk) 17:35, 13 September 2023 (EDT)

Clothes

• Knit hat
• Beach towel with GNU logo -- Michel Van Eeckhout - 19 February 2013
  • +2 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT) quatrox 27. September 2016
  • Or beach towel with Freedos towelling off all over it. Recursive and the Freedo logo is adorable.
• Baby gear
  • Onesies that say "I am a derivative work!"
• Tie and/or shirt and/or socks for the unfortunate GNU lovers evolving in more corporate environment
  • Call them Freedom Socks.
• Similar to above but without the excuse. Happy Hacking socks in the same style as the T-shirt, green on black.
• GNU socks, because they are better than unix socks. GNUtoo2 (talk) 04:42, 25 September 2016 (EDT)
  • +1 quatrox 27. September 2016
• Halloween costume of Freedo for adults (and why not also for kids), it would be a great way to initiate discussions related to software freedom on that day and would be very visible. Mve 08:31, 10 November 2014 (EST)
• Consider a note on clothing sizes that US large might be EUR huge. If ordering from Europe and thinking large, you might mean medium.
• Pajama pants with GNU heads on them.
• RFID blocking wallet
• Slippers that have stuff GNU heads on them --they make these for a bunch of animals
  • ...though pointedly not the gnu. Mattlav (talk) 10:05, 14 September 2016 (EDT)

Shirts

• A big copyleft logo like thinkpenguin sells (theirs has some text about the t-shirt company on the back which I dislike). Since it's so simple and stands out, people often ask about it and I get to explain copyleft.
• Bring back the Classic Typing GNU, with GPL Preamble on the back.
  • This was last in the shop in 2005? And mine is old, and worn out.
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• GPL with some part of "PARTIES PROVIDE THE PROGRAM "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE." Zakkai (talk) 15:43, 20 October 2015 (EDT)
• AGPL with QR code for the source
• FSF polo shirt with a GNU head eating a Bitcoin on the front, and the QR code (with the string "fsf.org" encircling the code) and bitcoin address of the Free Software Foundation on the back. Free Software allows users to control their programs, and bitcoin allows users to control their money. Whoever sees someone wearing the shirt, will research the "FSF", learn about the cause, verify the bitcoin address (in order to ensure the QR code does not belong to a scam artist), and will then... hopefully, proceed to make a small bitcoin donation. --Pegzmasta (talk) 16:28, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Messages about freedom plus a GNU reference. They can be serious or funny. E.g.:
  • Front: (large text) I am a hacker. (smaller bullet points) I solve interesting problems so you don't have to. I respect the freedom of my users. I defend that freedom with Copyleft. I run GNU/Linux. Back: Free Software Foundation logo Mtraceur 22:44, 16 April 2012 (EDT)
  • It's free software and it gives you freedom!
  • Che Stallman from openclipart -- Jcubic 03:38, 28 March 2013 (EDT)
  • My computer is running software which respects me.
  • Call me $WHATEVER, but my computer obeys me.
    • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • Freedom is an important thing. Because of that I use GNU.
    • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • No, I won't use that privative software.
  • GNU Emacs User (or) Emacs User
    • I second this. (After the Emacs mugs selling out in 24hrs, I think the case is made for the viability of this.) Ciaran 16:51, 11 May 2012 (EDT)
    • About belonging to the Church of Emacs -- boltronics
      • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • Dynamic Duo: the GNU and the Penguin in flight t-shirt
  • GNU and Freedo 100% Freedom T-Shirt (Made from the image of GNU & Freedo from the FSFLA Linux-libre site)
  • FSFS shirt and LibrePlanet shirt with Happy Hacking coloring (black shirt with bright green lettering) (ziriako@gmail.com) August 09. 2012
  • This (source files) ~ Lukeshu 14:40, 4 March 2014 (EST)
  • The anthropomorphic smiling Gnu head drawn using small ants, bright green background, caption reads "(freedom) => emergent-intelligence". Esday (talk) 14:06, 28 September 2016 (EDT)
• The logos of various free software projects. A fraction of the revenue gained through the selling of these shirts should go directly to the projects. Some projects (not all GNU) I'd like to wear on my shirt: Emacs, GnuPG, OpenSSH, GnuTLS, GCC, Guile, Coreboot / Libreboot, LUKS, Octave, Tor, Postfix, … --Moritz (talk) 16:30, 22 September 2016 (EDT)
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Though not the newest campaign any more, I think that you won't find me on facebook would make for an awesome T-shirt. --Moritz (talk) 16:30, 22 September 2016 (EDT)
  • +2 Ooh, and perhaps on the back the shirt would say: "... but you will find me here: [insert free software social media platform]." --Pegzmasta (talk) 18:57, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• A parody of the classic Beatles "list of names in Helvetica with ampersands" shirt, but with GNU & Linux, or the names of various prominent Free Software programs.
• Ethical tshirt suppliers to consider sourcing from. It seems to me very important that FSF sources goods as far as possible from ethical sources. It would seem contradictory to have a completely free operating system on your computer, yet be wearing a T-shirt that was made by a nine year old in a sweat shop. There are ethical suppliers to choose from. T-shirts should be traded on fair trade terms or better, preferably made by a workers co-operative from organically grown cotton supplied by small independent or co-operative farmers.
  • http://www.autonomieproject.com/custom.html

Bags

• Tote bag (+2)
  • Cotton bags like this or one I've bought at Chemnitzer Linux Tage or one that is sold by FSFE. I am proud to show it, when I go to grocery store.
  • Southern California Public Radio has some really wonderful re-usable bags. You might contact them for a recommendation. See the "grocery bag" on this page.
• Laptop / netbook bag --Graziano Sorbaioli - 9 July 2010
  • +5 --OsamaK 22:09, 5 August 2010 (UTC) quatrox 27. September 2016
  • Fit the current respect your freedom laptops. With the GNU or FSF logo. Maybe the "Free Software Free Society" quote too. Satchmoz - 9 September 2016
  • With a shoulder strap attached, as well as mini compartments to carry pens, headphones, and manuals, too? --Pegzmasta (talk) 17:39, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Sturdy multi-use plastic bags painted with promo graphics --Rm 19:47, 13 July 2010 (UTC)
  • With a big brown GNU quatrox 27. September 2016
• Backpacks with all the logos of FSF, CC, GNU, (Canonical), GNUzilla IceCat, VLC, etc... I'd be happy to walk around with a laptop backpack full of those! --Nat90 23:02, 21 August 2010 (UTC)
  • I second this. Mostly the FSF and GNU logos though. --Pyrosamurai (talk) 00:22, 30 January 2016 (EST)
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Briefcase

Hats

• A quality winter GNU, Libreplanet and FSF cap (bonnet in french) for winter ;-) --AurélienFreedom is not just a word, it's a duty! 12:05, 11 February 2012 (EST)
• Sell quality GNU, LibrePlanet and FSF baseball caps --Aurélien 19:27, 9 February 2012 (UTC) (in fact suggested on irc ~ 1 or 2 years before :)
• FSF "SWAT" Hat, like EFF's --Kxra 16:38, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
• RUN GCC Beanie Elm0e (talk) 14:10, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Propeller beanie Johnh (talk) 11:25, 14 July 2017 (EDT)
• Colors
  • black / white / grey
  • browns, greens, greys, maybe blues
  • White is hard to keep clean.
  • I'm partial to black in almost all my clothing, especially as the base color. Perhaps red lettering w/ black base will be suitable as a replacement for white lettering, especially if it was a FSF cap/clothing. --Pyrosamurai (talk) 00:22, 30 January 2016 (EST)
• Make them 100% USA to spread the FSF in USA. Examples of places which need to verify if they are truly made in America or not:
  • http://custom-hats.lids.com
  • http://www.californiacustomcaps.com
  • http://americap.com
• A cap with the GNU head, but not with G-N-U. A logo is subtle. Ciaran 15:04, 3 August 2012 (EDT)
  • I'd be totally be okay with "advertising" initialized logos, since being subtle with GNU/FSF's existence hasn't really done the job so far. --Pyrosamurai (talk) 00:22, 30 January 2016 (EST)

Tableware

• Mugs --Graziano Sorbaioli - 9 July 2010
  • Emacs reference card mug
    • +1 I had bought one at a conference and lost it at work during the pandemic Druth (talk) 01:02, 18 June 2021 (EDT)
• Travel mug for coffee
• A "license" plate with a GNU License on it (Example: GPLv3) GNUtoo2 (talk) 05:12, 25 September 2016 (EDT)

Computers and peripherals

• Free (as in freedom) hardware to run our free software on! --Apollia 08:38, 29 May 2014 (EDT)
• Hacker Emblem in Action -- gniibe, 17:20, 4 Aug 2014 (+0900)
• phone etc with Free software installed on them
• a keyboard with a GNU-key, or a key-cap or sticker to replace the woe-key.
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• FSF themed RFID
  • +1 --Pegzmasta (talk) 18:19, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Mouse pad
• Laptop / netbook skins --Graziano Sorbaioli - 9 July 2010
• Mouse pad with GNU / FSF / etc. imagery. FSF 35th logo might be nice.
• Keyboard mat Mmcmahon (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2022 (EDT)
• Mechanical keyboard key caps Mmcmahon (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2022 (EDT)

Storage devices

• A DVD archive of http://audio-video.gnu.org/ (not just a website mirror, but with some kind of convenient shell for selecting and launching video/audio)--Rm 19:47, 13 July 2010 (UTC)
• Trisquel DVDs --Rm 19:47, 13 July 2010 (UTC)
  • I think this should be left to the original Trisquel project. Selling DVDs is an important way to fund the project.--OsamaK 22:09, 5 August 2010 (UTC)
• Flash drives of the GNU head with the FSF logo on the back & Freedo with the FSFLA Logo on the back. The Linux Foundation has something similar with Tux: Tux Flash Drive
  • +1 In addition, could we also add a mini GNU doll that acts like a USB holder like this: 32GB Monkey USB Flash Drive. The USB could be the medium for a live GNU/Linux free distro, making it not just a "U - S - B", but a "GNU - S - B." --Pegzmasta (talk) 17:59, 23 September 2016 (EDT)

Manuals

We're going to be printing a new book soon. Please add your ideas and add your vote for any that you think would be good.

• GNU Coding Standards +2
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Gnus manual
  • +1, Pegzmasta (talk) 17:08, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• An intro to gnu-autotools for newbies
• Guile 2.* manual / seconded
  • +1 Satchmoz
• Hard copy of "GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual" seconded #704823
  • +1
  • +2 FMB (talk) 17:31, 22 November 2024 (EST)
• GNU Emacs manual (for 25.x)
• GNU Bash manual.
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
  • +2
  • I support this. But attention should be paid to 2 additional levels: plain system user and beginner, being the present a far too advanced user level for the type of users nowadays. More details in my page. --FelipeTD (talk) 17:29, 8 November 2016 (EST)
• Lilypond
• Bazaar
• Texinfo
  • +1 finally, a printed manual that teaches users how to create printed manuals with free software! --Pegzmasta (talk) 17:08, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• GNU M4
• GCC 5.2
• GNU C Library 2.22
• GNU C++ Library v3
• GNU Assembler
• Love the faces of the FSF staff but they can be shown elsewhere on the site. Consider an update on the display of the reference cards.
• A GNU Maintainer Bundle (Bazaar, Texinfo, Guile manuals)
• GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual - https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/elisp.html Mattlav (talk) 10:14, 28 June 2017 (EDT)

Cards, posters

• Free software definition card, like EFF's Bill of Rights card --Kxra 16:38, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
• Emacs reference card poster
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Gawk reference card
• GNU/Free Software/Campaign postcards. FSFE has postcards to their campaigns. I send postcards to friends and random people from postcrossing.com (more than 650 000 registered users from all of the world exchange postcards with each other) and I tell them about free software. It'd be nice to have postcards for software freedom day.
• Postcards indicating that they visited LibrePlanet or the FSF office in-person. Mmcmahon (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2022 (EDT)

Enamel Pins

• LibrePlanet pins Myrcy (talk) 17:16, 6 December 2021 (EST)

Other merchandise

• Iron-on or sew-on patches
  • We now have patches of FSF and GNU Can you think of any other great designs? Mmcmahon (talk) 14:20, 7 June 2021 (EDT)
• Temporary tattoos
• "Crapple" toilet paper
• RMS or GNU Bobble Head.
• METAL keychain (+1) --Graziano Sorbaioli - 9 July 2010
• Ball pens --Graziano Sorbaioli - 9 July 2010
• GNU Coins http://osstore.com/coins/GNU-FSF
• Printed GNU Bucks FreeDiamond (talk) 13:13, 20 June 2017 (EDT)
• Iron-on GNU transfers
• License plate frames
• GNU-shaped pasta called "emacs & cheese" for hungry freedom lovers
  • +1 Ingenious! An analogy could be made on the back of the product that unlike software whose contents (i.e. source code) could be withheld from you, the contents (i.e. ingredients list) of food must be labelled! Knowing what's in our food helps us understand the effects of food on our bodies (promotes health); knowing what's in our software helps us understand the effects of programs on our computers (promotes freedom and security). --Pegzmasta (talk) 18:19, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Emacs button which says - "I am a Saint in the church of Emacs". Here is a sample : SaintButton
  • -1 Love the idea, but I can not access your image. I received this error: [— 403: Access Denied — This file requires authorization: You must be logged in and a member of this blog. Log in to proceed.] Logout of your own blog, and click on your above link to witness this error. +1 if you can fix it or upload it somewhere else without restrictions, since the image could appeal to other users who may want to buy the button in the future. --Pegzmasta (talk) 20:29, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Stuffed animal of Freedo, the Linux-libre mascot
• Pocket protectors Gnu 4 Jan 2013
• free software gang cubicle banner (poster) --Kete 17:30, 8 September 2013 (EDT)
• a WWSD (what would Stallman do) bracelet, it alludes on the evangelical WWJD (what would jesus do) bracelets
  • +1 Juanmabv (talk) 06:48, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Skateboard decks with GNU, FSF, or any of our popular slogans/logos on them. (maybe via zazzle.com?) --Pyrosamurai (talk) 00:22, 30 January 2016 (EST)
  • Skateboarding is a pretty common way to get around at my college, so an easy way to advertise. Plus, we can put some of our more artistic and higher quality logos to good use this way. --Pyrosamurai (talk) 00:22, 30 January 2016 (EST)
• Lanyards and Rubber wristbands (e.g. Happy Hacking, GNU Emacs, FSF)
• Holiday ornaments such as the Savannah, BASH, FSF, and GNU logos. Mmcmahon (talk) 17:51, 26 December 2023 (EST)

About how the store works

• Commit to Worker-Owned cooperatives! Kxra 18:19, 27 June 2012 (EDT)
  • +1 the most ethical source
  • Local printing for brochures, pamphlets, flyers, etc.: Red Sun Press
  • Book publisher: AK Press, Arbeiter Ring Publishing, Tara Books, Thomson-Shore
  • Apparel: Just Shirts
• Review the Neug and either certify it to be RYF compliant, or inform the buyers of what is missing to get it RYF compliant. GNUtoo2 (talk) 04:49, 25 September 2016 (EDT)
  • The FSF cannot certify its own items as RYF.

Suggestions yet to be sorted

• For ethical reasons, do not selling items made out of leather.
• Offer a gnu.org host to all Free Software / Distro type of project --Aurélien 9:44, 11 Febuary 2012 (UTC)
  • We do host several free software projects. Mmcmahon (talk) 17:51, 26 December 2023 (EST)
• Start a sort of campaigny thing called "You don't know me!" where non-technical end users can share why they like Free software(to combat misrepresentation by computer people in regards to what they imagine non-computer people want) Aeth3r 15:33, 14 August 2013 (EDT)
  • Said named user may not see this, but feel free to quote from me: "I am not a geek, yet freedom is what I seek. Malware may ensue, if I do not choose GNU! We love the GPL: For proprietors, it is hell; but for us, it's show and tell; an example, GNU Aspell." --Pegzmasta (talk) 18:50, 23 September 2016 (EDT)
• Start a campaign to review man and info pages so that command options appear ordered by usefulness and not alphabetically. For instance, 3 sections: most frequently used and easier, more complex and least frequently used. Also, add examples of use. The idea being to facilitate the help they provide so that newcomers find them easier to understand and promote their use. Please think of children. --FelipeTD (talk) 17:29, 8 November 2016 (EST)

Artwork

• I emailed the FSF on this a while back, but I run a project called The EPuters Project and thought I could link this over: https://eputers.net/art/ Myrcy (talk) 17:22, 6 December 2021 (EST)

Other

• Ham Radio Operator Clubs
  • Some big amateur radio operators clubs, in the USA, offer online testing by Vounteer Examiner Coordinaters (VECs)
    • We could encourage these clubs to use a Free Software option for video conferencing software like Jitsi Meet for their online license testing. Gnuamua (Andrew Himelstieb) (talk) 21:27, 27 July 2023 (EDT)

This page was a featured resource in August 2019.