In the Free Software society we exchange a lot of criticism. We write bug reports, tell others how they can improve the software, ask them for new features, and generally are not shy about criticising others. There is nothing wrong about that. It helps us to constantly improve. But sometimes we forget to show the hardworking people behind the software our appreciation. We should not underestimate the power of a simple "thank you" to motivate Free Software contributors in their important work for society. The 14th of February (a Sunday this year) is the ideal day to do that.

Show your love for Free Software

Many people are in love with Free Software for different reasons (full gallery)

Free Software drives a huge number of devices in our everyday life. It ensures our freedom, our security, civil rights, and privacy. It enables everyone to participate in a fair society. But as with people, everybody has different reasons to love Free Software. Let's show this variety to the world!

As the traditional day to show one's appreciation to people, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to the contributors of the various Free Software you love: developers, translators, designers, testers, or documentation writers, of huge softwares or smaller projects. All of them work on the Free Software ecosystem which we can enjoy every day.

Be part of #ilovefs

It doesn't matter who and where you are and what you do – everyone can participate at the "I love Free Software" day in many different ways:

Send some cool videos or pictures of yourself or your friends, a meme image, or something completely different – the main thing is creativity! And with each video and image you automatically participate in our #ilovefs competition . Just tag your media with #ilovefs on Twitter or GnuSocial, or send them to us via mail to win an FSFE shop voucher . See the pictures of last years for some inspiration.

. Just tag your media with #ilovefs on Twitter or GnuSocial, or send them to us via mail to win an FSFE shop voucher . See the pictures of last years for some inspiration. #ilovefs postcard Thank your favourite contributors for their work in an individual way. For example by sending one of our postcards.

Show your appreciation publicly using social networks or your blog to demonstrate the world how many people love Free Software – and thereby motivate others to do the same. Just use the hashtag #ilovefs on GnuSocial, Twitter, or other platforms.

on GnuSocial, Twitter, or other platforms. You didn't find what you were looking for? No problem, just do something else! Create small chocolate bars, design new promotion material... Find out how to make #ilovefs more unique with your contribution.

If everybody contributes a small part we can enjoy a beautiful "I love Free Software" day together. Let's share videos and pictures, send postcards, tweets and blog posts, and show our love individually. Happy I love Free Software day everyone!