[FSFE PR][SV] I love Free Software Day 2016

[press at fsfeurope.org]

 = I love Free Software Day 2016 =

[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2016/news-20160208-01.sv.html ]

It's time to say "thank you" on 14th of February, the " I love Free
Software[1] " Day 2016. The Free Software Foundation Europe asks all
Free Software users to use the traditional day of love to think of the
hardworking people contributing to the Free Software we all depend on.
As every year[2] there are many ways for people to participate in this
online campaign which has first been celebrated five years ago.

In the Free Software society we exchange a lot of criticism. We write
bug reports, tell others how they can improve the software, ask them for
new features, and generally are not shy about criticising others. There
is nothing wrong about that. It helps us to constantly improve. But
sometimes we forget to show the hardworking people behind the software
our appreciation. We should not underestimate the power of a simple
"thank you" to motivate Free Software contributors in their important
work for society. The 14th of February (a Sunday this year) is the ideal
day to do that.

 == Show your love for Free Software ==

Free Software drives a huge number of devices in our everyday life. It
ensures our freedom, our security, civil rights, and privacy. It enables
everyone to participate in a fair society. But as with people, everybody
has different reasons to love Free Software. Let's show this variety to
the world!

As the traditional day to show one's appreciation to people, Valentine's
Day is the perfect opportunity to say *thank you* to the contributors of
the various Free Software you love: developers, translators, designers,
testers, or documentation writers, of huge softwares or smaller
projects. All of them work on the Free Software ecosystem which we can
enjoy every day.

 == Be part of #ilovefs ==

It doesn't matter who and where you are and what you do – everyone can
participate at the "I love Free Software" day in many different ways:

- *Pictures*: Send some cool videos or pictures of yourself or your
  friends, a meme image, or something completely different – the main
  thing is creativity! And with each video and image you automatically
  participate in our *#ilovefs competition* (visit our website for more
  information). See the pictures of last years[3] for some inspiration.

- *Postcards*: Thank your favourite contributors for their work in an
  individual way. For example by sending one of our postcards[4].

- *Spread the word*: Show your appreciation publicly using social
  networks or your blog to demonstrate the world how many people love
  Free Software – and thereby motivate others to do the same. Just use
  the hashtag *#ilovefs* on GnuSocial[5], Twitter[6], or other
  platforms.

- *Do it yourself*: You didn't find what you were looking for? No
  problem, just do something else! Create small chocolate bars, design
  new promotion material... Find out how to make #ilovefs more unique
  with your contribution[7].

If everybody contributes a small part we can enjoy a beautiful "I love
Free Software" day together. Let's share videos and pictures, send
postcards, tweets and blog posts, and show our love individually. Happy
I love Free Software day everyone!

-- 
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
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 1. http://ilovefs.org
 2. https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150303-01.sv.html
 3. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/ilovefs/whylovefs/gallery.sv.html
 4. https://fsfe.org/contribute/spreadtheword.sv.html#ilovefs-postcard
 5. http://gnu.io/
 6. https://twitter.com/hashtag/ilovefs
 7. https://wiki.fsfe.org/ILoveFS-2016

  == About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==

  The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
  non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
  involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
  participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
  the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
  Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
  furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
  modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
  securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
  Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
  of the FSFE.

  http://fsfe.org/