F.A.Q. page
faq:
title: Learn more about Mobilizon…
clic: (click each question to reveal the answer)
prez:
title: Presentation of Mobilizon
what:
q: What is Mobilizon?
a:
p:
- It’s software that, once installed on a server, will create a website where
people can create events, similar to Facebook events or MeetUp.
- Installing Mobilizon will allow communities to free themselves from the
services of tech giants by creating their own event platform. This installation
(called “instance“) can easily interconnect with others like it, thanks
to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActivityPub">a decentralised federation
protocol</a>.
- Although it can be used to organize a simple birthday party or a karate
competition, Mobilizon will be developed to meet the needs of activists,
who require specific tools to organize themselves in an autonomous and sustainable
way.
facebook:
q: Mobilizon will not replace Facebook
a:
p:
- By design, Mobilizon is not meant to be a “Facebook killer.”
- We can see the danger of publishing an activism rally on Facebook, a monopolistic
platform that <a href="https://dayssincelastfacebookscandal.com/">multiplies
scandals</a> about privacy and the manipulation of public opinion. But compared
to this tech giant, our means are modest.
- 'Our ambition goes accordingly: let’s start with a tool that does little
but does it well, and that will make a solid foundation for building more.
Let’s focus first on the specific needs of a particular audience (activists),
which won’t prevent Mobilizon from being useful in other cases. Then, in
the long run, we can adapt it further to the needs of other audiences.'
- Making Mobilizon is therefore not a sprint, where we promise everything
at once to everyone. It’s more of a cross-country race, where the first
step is to develop a tool that empowers anyone to create events without
a fuss.
features:
q: Will Mobilizon allow me to…?
a:
p:
- 'Make recurring events? Share my events on Twitter? Send private messages?
Our ideas and wishes for Mobilizon are as numerous as our supporters… There
is but one answer:'
- It depends! :)
- The list of features for V1 will depend on the amount of money raised.
- And what happens after V1 will depend on the Mobilizon community.
- Though this campaign's success is more dependent on you than on us, we can
promise that we will keep you informed of Mobilizon’s progress at each new
stage, on <a href="@:data.baseurl@:lang/news">the news page here</a> and
in our dedicated newsletter.
advantages:
q: What are the 3 benefits of using Mobilizon?
a:
p:
- '<b>Free</b>: Mobilizon’s licence guarantees respect of the fundamental
freedoms of the people who will use it. Since <a href="https://framagit.org/framasoft/mobilizon/">its
source code is public</a>, anyone can audit it, which guarantees its transparency.
If the direction given by the development team does not suit you, you have
the legal right to create your own version of the software, with your own
governance choices.'
- '<b>Ethical</b>: Mobilizon is developed on a non-profit basis, so there
will be no profiling nor attention-grabbing mechanism. On the contrary,
it is designed to give maximum power to the people who use it.'
- '<b>Human</b>: Mobilizon is not developed by a secretive start-up, but by
a group of friends who strive to <a href="https://framasoft.org">change
the world, one byte at a time</a>. So while we do work slower, we remain
attentive and in touch with our users. Moreover, Mobilizon was designed
by asking activists how they use digital tools.'
federated:
q: Why is a federated tool better?
a:
p:
- 'Let’s imagine that my university creates its instance <em>MobilizeCollege</em>
on the one hand, and my climate defence movement creates its instance <em>EcoMobilized</em>
on the other hand: do I need to create an account on each site, just to
keep up with the events?'
- 'No: in our opinion, this would be a major obstacle to use. That’s why we
want Mobilizon to be federated: each instance (each event publication website)
powered by Mobilizon will be able to choose to exchange with other instances,
to display more events than the ones it hosts, and to promote interaction.'
- The federation protocol, which uses the most widespread standard (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActivityPub">ActivityPub</a>),
will also allow, in the long run, to build bridges with <a href="https://joinmastodon.org">Mastodon</a>
(the free and federated alternative to Twitter), <a href="https://joinpeertube.org">PeerTube</a>
(the free and federated alternative to YouTube), and many other alternative
tools.
install:
q: How do I install Mobilizon on a server?
a:
p:
- 'For now, you can’t: the code is still under development and there are no
installation guidelines yet.'
- You will need to wait for the release of the beta version (fall 2019) and
version 1 (first half of 2020) to see installation facilitated by complete
documentation, and even packaging.
- However, if you want to keep an eye on our work in progress, <a href="https://framagit.org/framasoft/mobilizon">the
source code is here</a>.
develop:
q: How can I contribute code to Mobilizon?
a:
p:
- First of all, you will need knowledge of Git and Elixir. If you are not
familiar with them, the project is not in a position to receive your contributions
for the time being.
- If you do, simply go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://framagit.org/framasoft/mobilizon/">the
software repository</a> and send in an issue, or fork the code to start
submitting your own contributions.
- Of course, it’s always better to come and talk with our developers beforehand,
by using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://riot.im/app/#/room/#Mobilizon:matrix.org">our
Matrix</a> room.
contribute:
q: How can I contribute to Mobilizon if I’m not a programmer?
a:
p:
- The easiest way is to come and talk to us, in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener
noreferrer" href="https://framacolibri.org/c/mobilizon">the Mobilizon area</a>
of our contributions forum.
- 'Remember that we are not a multinational tech giant, nor even a large start-up,
but a mere not-for profit with fewer than 40 members (which also manages
other projects in parallel): don’t be offended if we need time to get back
to you!'
- You probably have some great ideas to add to the project, and we thank you
for taking the time to share them. However, we know that we can deliver
what we promised for the beta version and V1, but we also know that we cannot
add to our already ambitious schedule.
- Thus, you should expect that your wishes and proposals will not be implemented
until after version 1, which we (Framasoft) hope to be able to bring to
completion (but that will depend on the success of this crowdfunding campaign!).
cost:
q: How much will it cost me to use Mobilizon?
a:
p:
- The aim of crowdfunding the creation of this software is that a large number
of organisations can then make it available for free, as is done for most
<a href="https://joinmastodon.org">Mastodon</a> (the free and federated
alternative to Twitter) and <a href="https://joinpeertube.org">PeerTube</a>
(the free and federated alternative to YouTube) instances.
- What is certain is that the Mobilizon software will be distributed free
of charge and that no one will have to pay us anything to install it on
their servers (and we will even try to make your lives easier!).
- Our hope is that the enthusiasm around this service gives us the means to
open our own instance, public and free of use, perhaps when V1 is released…
timeline-q:
q: When can I use Mobilizon?
a:
p:
- As of today, the code is still under development, and cannot be simply and
conveniently installed and used.
- 'In the fall of 2019, we plan to release a beta version, whose features
will depend on the amount collected during crowdfunding. This version, which
is equivalent to a first draft, will allow unstable use: the documentation
will be in the process of being published, and there will likely still be
improvements to be made.'
- Note that if we reach the 2<sup>nd</sup>level, we will open a demonstration
instance to the public, where everyone can click around and experiment,
but where data will be deleted on a regular basis.
- It is only in the first half of 2020, when version 1 is released, that Mobilizon
will be easily usable by everyone.
crowdfunding:
title: Crowdfunding questions
third-platform:
q: Why not use a platform like GoFundMe or Kickstarter?
a:
p:
- Framasoft is an <i lang="fr">association</i> domiciled in France, which
means we can’t use many platforms that require a tax domicile in North America.
In addition, the French platforms (which <a href="https://fr.ulule.com/etherpad-framapad/">we
have already used</a>, on <a href="https://www.kisskissbankbank.com/fr/projects/peertube-a-free-and-federated-video-platform">multiple
occasions</a>) do not offer a tool that exactly complies with the crowdfunding
model we wanted to use this time.
- So we decided to save on the 5% commission that these intermediaries earn
on average, and to create our own fundraising website. We already had the
banking and accounting tools to collect donations, so we just needed to
create the web interface.
- The advantage of having a homemade tool is that your data does not pass
through yet another intermediary. As with all the <a href="https://degooglisons-internet.org">ethical
services</a> we have been offering for years, <a href="https://framasoft.org/fr/cgu/">we’re
not after your data</a>, because we sincerely value your privacy.
trust:
q: How do I know if I can trust you?
a:
p:
- This is a question that must be asked, because everyone has their own levels
of trust, which depend on several factors. We can tell you a bit about us,
but it will be up to you to make the call.
- 'Framasoft is a not-for-profit association (under the French 1901 Act):
our aim is not to make money, just to earn the means to pursue our actions
and achieve financial balance. So we have no interest in exploiting your
data, profiling you, etc.'
- 'Framasoft’s business model is generosity: we are funded through individuals’
donations and have been for years. Our accounts are audited by an independent
auditor, whose <a href="https://framasoft.org/fr/association/">reports are
published here (in French)</a> (the 2018 report is currently being processed).'
- Our actions are known and recognised throughout the French-speaking free
software community. From our <a href="https://framalibre.org ">free resources
directory</a> to our <a href="https://framabook.org ">free licenced book
publishing house</a>, to the <a href="https://degooglison-internet.org ">34
alternative services</a> that we host to Degooglise the Internet, time and
again we have demonstrated our commitment to strong ethics.
- After more than 15 years of existence, Framasoft’s reputation is well established
(look us up!). We have already had crowdfundings to finance the development
of <a href="https://fr.ulule.com/etherpad-framapad/">MyPads</a> and <a href="https://www.kisskissbankbank.com/fr/projects/peertube-a-free-and-federated-video-platform">PeerTube</a>,
which we have delivered <a href="https://joinpeertube.org/en/news/">beyond
what was promised</a> (and funded) during those campaigns.
noreward:
q: Why don't you offer any rewards?
a:
p1:
- Because the true goal for all of us is the creation of a digital <em>common</em>.
Indeed, Mobilizon is distributed <a href="https://framagit.org/framasoft/mobilizon/blob/master/LICENSE">under
a free licence</a>, which means that it belongs to everyone, without anyone
being able to appropriate it exclusively.
- The reward or perk system of traditional crowdfunding costs a lot of time,
money and energy to project leaders. But we are betting that enough people
will be willing to fund a credible alternative to Facebook events, just
for the sake of making it available to everyone.
- Lastly, we don’t want a reward system that discriminates between contributors
based on their income, because everyone has different means, and everyone
can participate, according to their means, in the birth of a digital common.
- 'Thus, any person who contributes to financing Mobilizon will be entitled
(if they so wish) to:'
ul:
- get their (nick)name added to Mobilizon’s readme file and Joinmobilizon.org’s
Hall of Fame;
- receive the Mobilizon newsletter.
receipt:
q: Will I get a receipt for my donation?
a:
p:
- Yes, provided that you tick the appropriate box on the donation form and
provide us with a mailing address, which is required by law for us to issue
a donation receipt.
- Your receipt will be automatically generated in March 2020, and sent to
the email address you have provided.
- If you need a receipt before this date, or if you change your email address,
you can <a href="https://contact.framasoft.org">contact us here</a>.
taxes:
q: Will my donation be tax deductible?
a:
p:
- Only for French taxpayers.
- Framasoft being an “association of public interest” (under French classification),
any donation can entitle you to <a href="https://framablog.org/2018/11/22/impots-et-dons-a-framasoft-le-prelevement-a-la-source-en-2019/">a
66% reduction (FR)</a> on your income taxes.
- Thus, a “UX interview” donation of €130 would, after deduction, cost French
taxpayers €44.20.
- If you do not pay income taxes in France, please check with your country’s
tax authorities.