Why self-host/use FLOSS?

People often don’t understand why I choose to be my own provider and use libre software.

Allow me to explain my reasoning/proselytize. Libre software has these benefits among others:

• Free as in freedom (the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software) and free as in free coffee. However, developers appreciate/need donations.
• Libre software is collaborative. Bugs are reported, pull requests are made, and the software is better for everyone as a result. Even those that aren’t developers.
• Transparent. The behavior of a given program can be verified due to source code availability; consequently, qualms about privacy and security can be resolved more easily, and unmaintained FLOSS can always be revived at a later date.

Contrast the above with the experience proprietary software offers:

• DRM means the user doesn’t own anything in the undiluted sense of the word. It can be taken away from them on a whim, or they can get locked out if they refuse to comply with unreasonable terms of service.
• Deliberate incompatibility (try moving photos from macOS/iOS to a device outside Apple’s ecosystem).
• Surveillance is commonplace and it’s harder to tell what exactly a program is doing. Both Apple and Microsoft cooperate with the NSA.
• Planned obsolescence, which nickels and dimes users.
• Proprietary software exists to turn a profit. Large companies have enough power that they can (and do) turn a blind eye to flagrant violations of ethics and freedom (Apple is complicit in the Great Firewall of China, for instance) if they further that end.

Understand that my intent here isn’t to be negative, nor do I want to attack those that use proprietary software. It’s the companies that make said software that are to blame, not the users, and any honest account of these injustices is bound to be negative.

Instead, I’ve outlined the differences so I can drive this point home: those who run proprietary software are the product. I’ve experienced it firsthand and I’m certain that people deserve better.

This raises a question: if proprietary software enables developers to take advantage of those that run their software, how can the end user combat that?

A good way to regain freedom is to exchange software that violates privacy/user rights for software that respects these values. That is to say, LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office, Jitsi instead of Zoom, Firefox or Tor Browser instead of a proprietary browser, and so on.

Bear in mind that this process doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Gradually replace things as comfortable and note the differences. If those differences are more positive than negative, embrace it.