Absolutely. True to the concept of open source, only free software and open source software is used to put together OSFSR. The Web page is built using Bluefish 1.0.6, the graphics on both the Web page and in the print version are both constructed and altered using Gimp 2.2, word processing is done in OpenOffice and layout for the magazine will be done in Scribus. All this is run on an Indigo iMac running Debian 4.0. We will be testing other open source software and if we find something better than the aforementioned software, we'll probably pick it up, and naturally we are open to suggestions.

Does OSFSR accept story contributions?

Yes. But before you quit your day job, bear in mind that we are looking for freelance correspondents to write stories on spec (know what that means? Then you're in). For more information or to ask about the items below, contact Larry Cafiero Regarding an editorial wish list, here's what OSFSR has in mind:

Correspondents: With open source being an international phenomenon, OSR would like to hear from users everywhere. Cultivating a group of correspondents in all countries would be ideal.

Translators: Since open source is an international phenomenon, OSR eventually plans to have pages set in languages other than English, linking to open source news and trends in the non-English speaking world. Finding volunteers to translate these pages into languages other than English would be ideal.

Money: If you want to donate, we won't say no.

Sponsorship: Someone with deep pockets is welcome to sponsor this project as well.

How about advertising?

Yes, OSFSR will be accepting advertising as well. The technical specs for ads, both for the Web page and the print publication are being developed and should be posted on the Web site shortly.

So the bottom line (since this is the last item in the FAQ): Why are you doing this?

The reason we're publishing OSFSR stem from both philosophical and practical reasons.

First, the philosophical: Both free software and open source software -- but especially free software -- are a matter of liberty, not price. In the words of the Free Software Foundation, to understand this concept, you should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer.

These concepts are a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, according to FSF, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
• The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
• The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

It is our contention that, given a choice, people will invariably will choose software that a.) works, and b.) is unencumbered with ties to a corporate hegemony that constantly feeds the company's profit margin with proprietary updates that need to be purchased.

But not only this, there is the community building component to those developing free software and open source software -- with contributions to improvement by users. This cooperative interaction between those who write/develop software and those who use it can serve as an example of how other aspects of our lives can be cooperative as well.

On a practical level, there is a consumerist element that both free software's and open source software's price is right and that users should have a choice regarding what software they use. Many of you are reading this FAQ because you realize, like we do, that many astute computer users are, at least, aware of alternatives they have in choosing software and that, theoretically, the marketplace will dictate which free and open source software will stick with users.

As mentioned earlier, where we find that we fit in is here: OSR hopes to be a bridge between the developers and groups publishing free/open source software and a personal-computer using public that may be, at the very least, curious about open source software and, ideally, enthusiastic about the computing alternatives available to them.

To that end, OSFSR intends to publish articles, write reviews and compose op-ed pieces on the wide range of issues surrounding free software and open source.