I understand that those "ethical hackers" want to do something with there particular skills and at the same time do a philosophical "action", pretty much like a greenpeace activist who do go sometimes against the law but for something good

Anything that looks like a virus and act as virus will be considered as virus, even non destructive, and illegitimate. Environmentalist can sometimes do civil disobedience but because the cause is widely share in the public view.

Free software issues are not that widely share the vast majority of people don't even know about it. This act, albeit original and quite in accordance with the "militant spirit" of FOSS will be badly regarded.

I don't know where you live but here's something I do when I go to an internet cafe (in some countries they are numerous) I think this is direct action and will never hurt anyone. I always have the windows version of Firefox with me on a usb stick and also a wallpaper - normally a firefox one but for SFD you can think of a Free Software wall paper. So what I do is I install firefox and the wallpaper (you would be surprised on how many internet cafe leave security to 0) it takes me few minutes only and I always feel good after.

Other original ideas for those who want "action"

Distributing CD of free softwares in public places, like metros or parks that day or the days before will have a "shocking" but harmless effect.
Have a dog wearing a linux shirt.
Ask some local squigees/punks to distribute SFD cd/fliers at the same time they work cleaning car windshields.
Deploy large banners in an unusual place, (be careful in some place it is not welcome to do that)
Ask local rock bands to make a show to "free software" and distribute CD during the show

SFD does not need to be "boring" or academic


Have a nice day


David




On Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 8:44 AM, Janet Hawtin <lucychili@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 10:09 PM, Janet Hawtin <lucychili@gmail.com> wrote:
> There should be NO activity which is on a users computer without their choice.
> You can offer them a CD
> Cracking is not advocacy.

Sorry but the whole idea of free software is that it is liberty for the user.
It doesnt matter whether youre getting into their computer for a cause
which you think of as a useful thing.
The act of removing their choice is in direct contradiction to the
ethos of floss.
Any action which you do for SFD should be respectful of the users
freedom and right to choose.

Set up computers which people can try.
Set up a game lan which people can try.
Have software available for people to take away.
Promote the kinds of things you use your free software for.
Have an install fest where people can bring their computer and you can
help them with installation
Show people open office and how it can make files which can be shared
with people using other platforms.
Support their choice but don't make it for them =)


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David Tremblay

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