This is the original introduction to the FOAF linked information system, written for the RDFWeb project early in 2000. A lot has changed since then, but this text is kept largely intact. It introduces the FOAF system, providing an overview of the technology, ambitions and architecture behind the project. The document assumes a somewhat technically-minded (or at least curious) audience. Feedback is welcomed (either to foaf-dev mailing list) or to the author.