Linux

Like many others, I have mixed feelings on this. If anyone is stopping by and doesn't want to read through the linked forum thread, this is frameworks goal:

This isn’t a program to get people to go to conferences and rep Framework, it’s a program to give people who are already going to conferences and showing off their Framework some swag and opportunities to talk with the team. It’s not assigning work, it’s just saying thank you to people who are excited about Framework and active in the Linux community.

I think the "Showcasing Framework Laptops" is what rubs me the wrong way. I like the idea of trying to get feedback and learn the need of real linux users but anything that qualifies as marketing should be paid.

I agree there's a lot of problems with unpaid internships and work and such, but I don't think this is that bad?

It feels like "hey, if you really like our product and want to show it off, we can send you information and merch, and put you in touch with higher ups."

I'd complain if Microsoft or Google started doing this, because they are huge megacorps with deep pockets, but Framework seems like a small company that can't really afford huge marketing departments. If people want to devote their time to a cause they beleive in, more power to them.

They also aren't doing it with the promise or threat of something, which is an issue with a lot of unpaid work. The people they're targeting know exactly what they are getting into, and that they are doing it for their own reasons.

Two rules:

1. Don't talk to the police
2. Fuck you, pay me.

If you're working for a privately owned for-profit corporation, you're not a volunteer.