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# GNU Trick-Or-Treat---FSF Crashes Windows 8 Launch
The FSF decided to [crash the Windows 8 launch even in New York City][0],
complete with [Trisquel][1] DVDs, FSF stickers and information about their
[pledge to upgrade to GNU/Linux instead of Windows 8][2].
I find this to be a fun, excellent alternative to blatant protesting that is
likely to be better received by those who would otherwise be turned off to
negativity. At the very least, the [walking gnu][3] would surely turn heads and
demand curiosity.
[0]: http://www.fsf.org/news/activists-trick-or-treat-for-free-software-at-windows-8-launch-event-1
[1]: http://trisquel.info/
[2]: http://www.defectivebydesign.org/windows8
[3]: http://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/gnus-trick-or-treat-at-windows-8-launch
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Here is the e-mail that was sent to the info at fsf.org mailing list:
> Happy (almost) Halloween, everybody,
>
> You've probably been noticing Microsoft's ads for their new operating
> system -- after all, they've spent more money on them than any other
> software launch campaign in history. In fact, everything about the
> campaign has been meticulously planned and optimized, so you can
> imagine journalists' surprise when an unexpected guest showed up at an
> invite-only launch event on Thursday.
>
> Our volunteer, Tristan Chambers, was there and caught the whole thing
> on camera! Pictures here:
> <http://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/gnus-trick-or-treat-at-windows-8-launch>.
>
> Reporters and security guards at the event weren't sure how to react
> when they were greeted by a real, live gnu. The gnu -- which, on
> closer inspection, was an activist in a gnu suit -- had come for some
> early trick-or-treating. But instead of candy, she had free software
> for the eager journalists. The gnu and the FSF campaigns team handed
> out dozens of copies of Trisquel, a fully free GNU/Linux distribution,
> along with press releases and stickers. Once they got over their
> confusion, the reporters were happy to see us and hear our message --
> that Windows 8 is a downgrade, not an upgrade, because it steals
> users' freedom, security and privacy.
>
> Free software operating systems are the real upgrade, and they don't
> need a zillion-dollar launch event to prove it. To show Microsoft that
> their ads won't change our minds, we're starting an upgrade pledge:
> switch to a free OS, or if you're already using one, help a friend
> switch. We can pay Microsoft a chunk of change for their new,
> proprietary OS, or we can stand up for our freedom. The choice isn't
> as hard as Microsoft wants you to think.
>
> Sign the pledge now! -- <http://www.fsf.org/windows8/pledge>.
>
> Thanks for making a commitment to free software.
>
> PS - If you'd like more details about the action, you can check out
> our press release here:
> <http://www.fsf.org/news/activists-trick-or-treat-for-free-software-at-windows-8-launch-event-1>.
>
> -Zak Rogoff
> Campaigns Manager