Stallman argues that free software enables users to control programs, whereas paid software is controlled by corporations. I see two problems with that.
(1) Isn't knowledge also power? In this context, developers have the knowledge. Users who aren't programmers don't control free software any more than they do paid software. Further, training more users to become developers requires money.
(2) Corporations don't exist unless they serve users in some way. There's an interdependency that I think Stallman ignores.
That said, free software is important, and a useful way to challenge the paid model.
(1) Isn't knowledge also power? In this context, developers have the knowledge. Users who aren't programmers don't control free software any more than they do paid software. Further, training more users to become developers requires money.
(2) Corporations don't exist unless they serve users in some way. There's an interdependency that I think Stallman ignores.
That said, free software is important, and a useful way to challenge the paid model.