3 Reasons Why ArchWiki is Beloved
- The FSFE President expressed gratitude to ArchWiki maintainers on “I Love Free Software Day”
- ArchWiki is a core reference for all Linux users, not just Arch Linux users.
- Edward Snowden even mentioned it as “the only useful site on the internet.”
Thank You Letter from the FSFE President to ArchWiki
Every year on February 14th, the free software community celebrates “I Love Free Software Day.” This year, FSFE President Matthias Kirschner publicly thanked the ArchWiki maintainers.[Matthias Kirschner Blog]
He met with the Arch project leader and ArchWiki maintainers in person at FOSDEM 2026 to express his gratitude.
ArchWiki: The Secret Weapon of Linux Users
Although ArchWiki is dedicated to Arch Linux, it’s actually a document referenced by all Linux users. It’s often better organized than official documentation.[ArchWiki]
Kirschner also wrote, “ArchWiki has saved me every time I’ve helped install Linux.” It’s common for ArchWiki to appear at the top of Linux search results.
Snowden-Approved “Pearl of the Internet”
Edward Snowden once wrote, “Seems like all search results are trash now. Except ArchWiki.”[Edward Snowden, X] Kirschner quoted this, calling ArchWiki a “pearl of the internet.”
In an age overflowing with AI-generated content, the value of high-quality, human-maintained documentation is only increasing.
The Value of Open Source Documentation
Documentation maintainers receive less recognition than code writers. Kirschner pointed this out and recommended donating to Arch Linux.
Without good documentation, even good software can’t be used properly. This article is a reminder of that simple fact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can only Arch Linux users use ArchWiki?
A: No. Although ArchWiki is Arch Linux-centric, it covers Linux configuration in general, so users of other distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora often refer to it. Network configuration, window manager, and system administration documentation are useful regardless of the distribution.
Q: What is “I Love Free Software Day”?
A: It’s an event held every year on February 14th to thank free software contributors. It’s organized by the FSFE, and users participate by sending thank you messages or donating to their favorite projects.
Q: How can I contribute to ArchWiki?
A: Anyone can edit the documentation by creating an ArchWiki account. It’s good to start with typo corrections or translations. Supporting the project through donations is also a meaningful way to contribute.
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References
- I love the work of the ArchWiki maintainers – Matthias Kirschner Blog (2026-02-14)
- ArchWiki – Arch Linux (2026-02-14)
- I Love Free Software Day – FSFE (2026-02-14)