[irc/freenode/web-7.0.git] / content / news / 2009-09-15-free-as-in-freenode.md

---
author: JonathanD
date: 2009-09-15 18:31:25+00:00
slug: free-as-in-freenode
title: Free as in freenode
category: community
category: free software
category: freenode
category: philosophy
category: social
imported: yes
---
Most of you are probably familiar with the various freedoms that are frequently stated, such as freedom of speech or expression.  While freenode does exist to promote communication amongst free and open source projects, it is not an open forum for all to use in any way.

The purpose and goals of freenode are simple, but often misunderstood.  Freenode is a privately operated special purpose irc network, aimed at improving communication between developers, and users, and others interested in free and open source software.  These people and their ability to communicate efficiently are our primary concern and focus.  The "free" in freenode in intended to indicate this goal, and our commitment to providing a collaboration platform for those with an interest in free and open source software, rather than "freedom of speech or expression".

As a private network, we do reserve the right to limit the sort of content allowed on freenode.  Some of things considered on and offtopic are outlined [here](http://freenode.net/policy.shtml#ontopic).

Hopefully this clears up a little about what the "free" in freenode actually stands for (and what we do, as well).
Commit	Line	Data
c5293e15	1	---
849bdd6f SB	2	author: JonathanD
	3	date: 2009-09-15 18:31:25+00:00
	4	slug: free-as-in-freenode
	5	title: Free as in freenode
c5191f36 EK	6	category: community
	7	category: free software
	8	category: freenode
	9	category: philosophy
	10	category: social
df8e5765	11	imported: yes
849bdd6f	12	---
849bdd6f	13	Most of you are probably familiar with the various freedoms that are frequently stated, such as freedom of speech or expression. While freenode does exist to promote communication amongst free and open source projects, it is not an open forum for all to use in any way.
34876803	14
849bdd6f	15	The purpose and goals of freenode are simple, but often misunderstood. Freenode is a privately operated special purpose irc network, aimed at improving communication between developers, and users, and others interested in free and open source software. These people and their ability to communicate efficiently are our primary concern and focus. The "free" in freenode in intended to indicate this goal, and our commitment to providing a collaboration platform for those with an interest in free and open source software, rather than "freedom of speech or expression".
34876803	16
849bdd6f	17	As a private network, we do reserve the right to limit the sort of content allowed on freenode. Some of things considered on and offtopic are outlined [here](http://freenode.net/policy.shtml#ontopic).
34876803	18
849bdd6f	19	Hopefully this clears up a little about what the "free" in freenode actually stands for (and what we do, as well).