Re: [GNU-linux-libre] How do you handle references to non-free software in public forums?

[Sam Geeraerts]

Henry Jensen wrote:
> Well, I don't know if I am good at marketing or if I suck. I get
> constantly new users, some are blaming me for using linux-libre because
> their hardware won't work. Some are requesting that I use the "vanilla"
> kernel. I regularly respond to such posts, pointing them to h-node.com
> and try to explain why it is important to use free and avoid non-free
> software. Some people understand this, but some are not.

You tried to help them. If they don't like it, ignore them and spend 
your time on people who do.

> Well, I heard
> rumors that there might be a external NON-FSDG repo or even a NON-FSDG
> fork in the planning. If it will happen I have no means or the will to
> stop it. It is free software, after all.

Indeed.

> But: I regularly read the suggestion "use non-free" at Debian help forums.
> How can I respond to the same suggestion from arbitrary users posting at
> the forum?

I don't know the vibe there, but I assume that keeping on explaining the 
importance of software freedom and helping people with free software 
won't get you banned. Remain friendly and calm, even if some people may 
not like what you're doing and want you to stop doing it. Avoid 
religious flamewars.