A Second Look at Free Information

Both the FFII and the FGI use strong ethos-centered arguments. On the organization's website, the FFII promises to "defend your right to a free and competitive software market and informational freedom." The authority of this European nonprofit is firmly maintained through its mentions of award winnings, continual statements to the public through press releases and similar mailing lists, and numerous action and research groups in which the public may participate. It keeps up-to-date on recent changes in copyright and patent legislation throughout Europe. A unique aspect to the website allows a viewer to look over several studies and research regarding patents in one of twenty-nine languages, and then choose sign a petition  as an individual, company, association or separate company group.

The FGI website includes an archives and library section, which directs the viewer to further articles, podcasts and speeches given by members on the subject. This is especially important because it delivers supplemental details on the topic of free information for an audience to read/listen to. While not an exhaustive list, it provides additional links that generates even more for an audience to soak up. The website also has a list of tags in the upper left corner for easy access to the controversial and popular topics relating to free information.

In conclusion, these websites argue for the protection of free speech and contact with information. Their user-friendly navigation is a strength to the arguments themselves. The multitude of resources offered by both sites shows a willingness to accept both sides of the argument. Though the question of free information remains in great debate, these sites can provide a deeper look into the issue itself.

Free Information

The question of "free information" has grown to a much larger scale in this day and age. Copyright laws have reached gray areas, which makes it difficult to distinguish what is legal and what is not. The Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure (FFII) and Free Government Information (FGI) are both effective websites at making claims and sustaining them through various rhetorical strategies. The most important strategy to both agencies, in order to convince their audiences, is ethos, or a claim of authority. The FFII establishes this by explaining that the organization is non-profit, has spread across twenty European countries, and has won numerous awards for the protection of citizens and their rights.

The FGI takes a slightly different route to prove its authority. Its website celebrates the fact that an article written by members of the organization is being published in a magazine. Another person affiliated with the FGI was honored for his acceptance of the James Madison Award, which "honor[s] individuals or groups who have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public’s 'right to know' on the national level."

The right to free speech and free information can be a tricky matter. There is a fine line between use and abuse of the right to free speech. Finding that balance is a delicate issue and requires significant thought to achieve.