Re: [gNewSense-users] Graphics card - Communication to company of wish to use free software drivers

[Sam Geeraerts]

Niklas Cholmkvist schreef:
> Hi,
>
> I wonder if anyone of you have communicated with the company that
> manufactured your graphics/video card to tell them that you prefer
> free software drivers.
> I've not done it yet, and I want to know if you see a reason in doing
> so, or not doing so. (posting to site forums or sending a direct
> email)
>
> I own nvidia graphics/video cards so I would communicate with that
> specific company.

Telling a company that you want free drivers from them (or at least 
publicly available documentation) is always a good thing. The worst 
effect it can have is that they ignore you. But it can also be that your 
message pushes them over the tipping point and that they make it happen.

Be sure to lay out your arguments clearly. Do not call them names or be 
unfriendly. Not only would that make your arguments less credible, it 
could make the rest of the free software community look bad as well. 
Besides explaining about free software, put the pressure where they feel 
it the most: sales. Say that you won't buy from them again and that you 
will use your influence as only computer geek in town to advise other 
people against buying from them. (Don't lie, adjust that to your own 
situation.) If you have a blog: write about your communication and let 
them know about that article. Call upon other people to follow your 
example (e.g. on this mailing list), some people just need a nudge to 
spur them into action.

I must admit I haven't written to a video card company (yet), mostly 
because 3D is not that important to me. On the other hand, if I buy a 
video card I want to be able to use it to its fullest potential and I 
want 'regular' people to not have to care about technical stuff to enjoy 
freedom. So I probably should.

I have, however, written to other companies, like TOMTOM, for not 
providing me with the freedom I'd like.