ASK-Solutions

Short description

ASK-Solutions is the trade name of the IRADIS Foundation, a non-profit based in Haarlem, the Netherlands, officially registered in 2001 but active since 1998. We promote the sharing of technological knowledge and support free and open-source software and hardware. Through projects, our community workshop The Owl’s Nest, and the articles we publish, we work on Right to Repair, privacy and security, and user control; so people can keep devices working, make informed choices, and build on what others have made. We collaborate with volunteers and partners across borders, and we publish what we learn so others can participate.

Name and attribution

When referring to the organisation, ASK-Solutions is the name we use publicly. It is pronounced like the English “ask solutions”, as in “I ask for directions”. Our legal name is the IRADIS Foundation (Dutch: Stichting IRADIS). In longer pieces, we recommend using “ASK-Solutions (IRADIS Foundation)” on first mention, and “ASK-Solutions” afterwards. When referring to specific initiatives, please use their project names (for example: The Owl’s Nest, Nocterra) rather than treating them as generic “programmes”.

Unless stated otherwise, our original articles, publications, and media are available under a Creative Commons licence that allows reuse with attribution. When a download (software, design files, datasets, or similar) includes its own licence or points to a licence file, that specific licence applies instead. If a page contains third-party material, the rights and attribution requirements for that material remain with the original rights holder.

A practical attribution line is usually enough:

• “Source: ASK-Solutions (IRADIS Foundation) – <page title>”
• Include a link to the original page, and the publication date if available.
• If you edited, translated, or excerpted: briefly note that you made changes.

For opinion pieces, commentary, and documentaries that quote small parts under fair use/fair dealing, attribution is still appreciated and helps readers find the full context. If you are unsure about reuse, want high-resolution assets, or need explicit permission for a specific use, please contact us with a short description of what you plan to publish.

Logos, mascots, and identity visuals

Our mascots Howard and Tenzen are part of ASK-Solutions’ public identity. They are used as consistent visual markers in announcements and communication, and they help keep technical topics approachable without changing the substance. For background, correct naming, and how we treat mascot visuals in editorial contexts, see Meet Howard and Tenzen.

Visual material and permission

Unless stated otherwise, our photos, screenshots, diagrams, and other original visual material can be reused under the same Creative Commons-with-attribution approach described above. For visual reuse, “adaptation” should stay minimal and factual: resizing, light cropping, and basic colour/contrast corrections are fine when they do not change the meaning or context. If you substantially edit, remix, or present material in a way that could mislead, please treat it as a permission request rather than a routine reuse.

Our logos, mascots (including Howard and Tenzen), project logos, and other identity visuals are different: they function as brand identifiers. They may be used to accurately identify ASK-Solutions or the relevant project in editorial coverage, with attribution, but they must not be repurposed. This means: no redrawing or “inspired by” variants, no alterations to shapes, colours, proportions, or typography, and no use in a way that suggests endorsement, partnership, or affiliation when that is not the case. Using our marks or likenesses for merchandise, advertising, product branding, campaign branding, domain names, social media handles, or unrelated creative works requires prior written permission. One exception: human-created fan art of our mascots is permitted for non-commercial use, provided it is clearly presented as fan art and does not suggest endorsement or official status.

Need high-resolution logos, source files, approved variants, or original footage? Please contact us via the press contact section below and include the outlet or production, the intended use, the expected publication date, the formats you need, and whether the material will be edited. We are usually happy to provide suitable assets and guidance when the use is clearly for identification and accurate reporting.

• Allowed without prior permission: editorial use of visuals with attribution, and unmodified use of official logos/marks strictly for identification.
• Fan art exception: human-created fan art of our mascots is permitted for non-commercial use, provided it is clearly presented as fan art and does not suggest endorsement or official status.
• Requires written permission: any logo/mascot/project-identity adaptation (other than the fan-art exception above), any use that implies endorsement, and any use in branding, merchandise, advertising, or other non-editorial contexts.

Interview requests and questions

We are open to interview requests and questions. Journalists, bloggers, researchers, students, and young makers are all welcome to get in touch; whether you are preparing an editorial piece, documentary, research project, thesis, (video) essay, or a school assignment.

In many cases, sending a short list of questions works best. It helps us respond accurately and saves time for everyone. If relevant, include your outlet or project, the angle or topic you are covering, any deadlines, and whether you are looking for quotes, technical review, or background context.

Photos, filming, and visits

Photos, filming, and visits are possible, but only by appointment. We need to know in advance what you want to capture, who will be in frame, and where you plan to shoot (office, workshop, another location, or outside). That lets us plan responsibly, protect visitors’ privacy, and keep normal work and activities running.

Please be specific about the people and subjects you want to photograph or film (for example: an interview subject, a workshop activity, specific tools or machines, or general atmosphere shots). If staff, volunteers, or visitors are identifiable, we require explicit consent from those people. This is especially strict for minors. In many cases we prefer setups that avoid filming bystanders altogether, or that keep people unrecognisable (wide shots from behind, no name tags visible).

We also ask you to avoid capturing personal data. That includes screens, paperwork, shipping labels, addresses, phone numbers, and any other identifying details that may appear incidentally. If a shoot risks exposing personal data or sensitive operational information, we may restrict locations, require changes to the plan, or decline the request.

If you plan to shoot outside, permits may be required by law and local rules; arranging those permits is the responsibility of the production. Filming in the workshop has additional requirements: professional crews must have appropriate liability insurance and may be asked to provide proof. Where relevant, we require a safety briefing or basic safety training before filming, and everyone on site must follow instructions and use required protective equipment. Some areas, tools, or activities may be off-limits during filming.

Depending on what or who is filmed — particularly when people are identifiable, safety procedures are involved, or footage could be taken out of context — we may ask to review sensitive segments before publication. We also ask for a copy of the final published material (or a selected set of stills/clips) for our archive and documentation.

• Before the visit: share your goal, format (photo/video), intended outlet or project, and any deadlines.
• Plan and scope: what you want to capture, who will be in frame, and the exact locations you want to use.
• Consent and privacy: how you will obtain consent (especially for minors) and how you will avoid filming bystanders and personal data (screens, labels, paperwork, badges).
• Permits for outdoor shoots: confirm whether permits are required and that you will arrange them.
• Workshop filming: liability insurance, crew size, equipment list, and willingness to follow safety briefings, PPE requirements, and on-site instructions.
• Review and archive: where applicable, agree on review of sensitive segments and provide a copy/link for our archive after publication.

Press and media contac

For press and media enquiries, please email press@ask-solutions.org. To help us respond quickly and accurately, include who you are (outlet or project), the topic and intended angle, the format (article, documentary, podcast, research, school piece), and your deadline. If you are requesting an interview, please also include who you would like to speak to and whether you need on-site photos or filming.