Ken Starks once wrote here every week. Now he’s back to tell you why FOSS Force still matters, why independence isn’t free, and why he’s chosen to contribute to this year’s drive.
Hey, it’s been a while. Some of you will remember me. I thought it important to talk to you for a few minutes.
You’ll remember, it wasn’t that many years ago that I was given the absolute privilege of writing a weekly column for FOSS Force, and I did so for about three years. Then as well as now, FOSS Force was the go-to website for all things concerning free and open source software, so I was in the company of some of the top experts in that realm. I tried to pretend I wasn’t starstruck, but I kinda was.
After all, when your byline appears in the same space as Jack Wallen, Bruce Byfield and others… well, you have arrived.
FOSS Force is the fruit of Christine Hall’s labor. Having a background in both radio and newsprint, Christine is on solid ground, bringing us news that is important. On a number of occasions, I’ve relied upon the website she publishes to substantiate or discover facts when needed. FOSS Force has never failed to do so.
As with any effort like Christine’s, money greases the skids. She has overhead costs and writers to pay. In order to satisfy that, Christine is holding a fundraiser to meet that overhead, which is something she’s only done once before. She attempted to do this fundraiser on Indiegogo, but their policy on how and when they release funds did not meet her needs, but GoFundMe does.
I gave. I’m on a fixed income myself, so I have to watch my wallet as well. With that said, I’m still able to help by sending a small monthly contribution. You don’t have to do that if you’re not able. A single donation would be greatly appreciated. I’m just letting you know you have the option of doing either.
FOSS Force provides our community with an important source of news and information. Our world would be much smaller without the efforts of Christine and her team. The website’s needs are outlined in the fundraiser’s official launch. You can read that, or you can go directly to the FOSS Force Independence 2026 fundraiser on GoFundMe and make a contribution.
I look forward to you joining me there. Please share the article with those who may find this important.
Ken Starks is the founder of the Helios Project and Reglue, which for 20 years provided refurbished older computers running Linux to disadvantaged school kids, as well as providing digital help for senior citizens, in the Austin, Texas area. He was a columnist for FOSS Force from 2013-2016, and remains part of our family. Follow him on Twitter: @Reglue
Be First to Comment