I am honored to have had a chance to interview two of the most dedicated Freedomware and GNU/Linux advocates. Ken Starks and Larry Cafiero answered a number of questions about Lindependence 2008, an ambitious, multifaceted new advocacy project they have started recently. So, let's get right down to it!

2. Could you briefly describe what Lindependence 2008 is about?

Larry Cafiero: Lindependence 2008 is primarily about exposing people, first, to the concept that they have a choice in their computing. If you ask some people, they will tell you that they use Windows (or MacOS) because it's what came with their computer. Secondly, Lindependence 2008 hopes to bring the idea that the digital experience can be free -- both in "free speech" _and_ "free beer" way. Most people have no concept that they "paid" for for the right to run Windows or MacOS when they bought their computer, but they don't really own it. They own a license to use it. So think back about the first time you realized that GNU/Linux was free, and GNU/Linux didn't exist under the threat of an army of viruses, and GNU/Linux was as easy (especially now) as using Windows or MacOS, et cetera, and I think that when people anywhere -- here in Felton or around the world -- know their options, they will chose the best option. That option, for personal computing of course, is GNU/Linux and the wide variety of FLOSS software that one can substitute for the proprietary software that is already out there. So I'm actually banking on people's common sense and sense of maintaining their freedom to choose which OS and software to use to make this work.

Ken Starks: When I tell people that a disk exists that not only allows them to run an entire operating system on their computers, but comes complete with just about every piece of software they might ever need, most of them don't believe me. When I actually show them and I convince them that it is completely legal, they are stunned. Now Larry is a bit more optimistic when it comes to human behavior than I am. I've seen too many people struggle with antivirus garbage and infected computers because they are too mentally lazy to learn something different. In fact, I believe that's more the norm than it is the exception. LIN08 is about knocking people out of their comfort zones and showing them there is a better way. I equate learning Linux to a trip to the dentist. You put up with a toothache only so long before you finally break down and go get the offending tooth pulled. Sure it hurts like hell for a bit but once it's over, you have an entirely new perspective on life and a big pain in your life is gone.

3. Who or what organizations are the primary organizers of this event?

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