I'm giving up — on open source - Blog (nutjs.dev)

submitted 8 months ago by lautan@lemmy.ca to c/opensource@lemmy.ml

75 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Sustainable open source will stay a dream

(page 2) 30 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[-] lemmyreader@lemmy.ml 4 points 8 months ago

I do like the solution of the developer. Share the source code for those who want to compile and let those who want packages pay. And very good that the "shouting at open source developers" got some more attention again with this blog post. Too many people wanting to grab and demand but not give anything back. Time for a change!

[-] Adderbox76@lemmy.ca 3 points 8 months ago

There are two types of Open Source users; those of us who understand and live by the ethos of FOSS, and users who just want to use a software that they don't have to pay for and don't care or understand the underlying ideas behind it.

That second group is the group who, no matter how many times they hear it explained to them, will refuse to believe that "free" doesn't necessarily mean "no-cost" and therefore develop an expectation of "free" and decry that you're not allowed to sell your software because it's open-source, and even asking for donations is forbidden, when in reality neither of those things is remotely true.

Far more important than anything is to change the perception of Open Source to something like value ware; If you value the use you get from the software, pay an amount that you feel is fair. If they can't afford it, that's okay, but if they can, then the expectation needs to be that they DO. Even just a few bucks.

[-] Mikina@programming.dev 4 points 8 months ago

I wonder, is it possible to create a license that would allow you to simply ban people who are being a dick about something from using it? Sure, it may turn away some people, since there's always a risk of abuse, but it's your work and as far as I know, you are the one who sets the terms.

If I'm not mistaken, most of the FOSS licenses (or maybe even laws?) guarantee you that you would be able to use the software even if the project later decides to change to proprietary license. But I assume you can simply specify in a licence "Everyone can use it, expect X.Y.Z".

Would that be legal? Sure, it would probably be pretty hard to enforce, but in some cases it could make for a pretty satisfactory (and petty, of course) C&D letters, for people that really deserve it. You insult the devs of a software your company depends on, demanding something while being a dick about it? Well, fuck you, no library for you and your company.

[-] megaman@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 8 months ago

There is a paint pigment that is available for sale but you have to confirm that you are not Anish Kapoor (another artist) and that you will let Kapoor get his hands on the pigment.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/artist-only-person-banned-using-worlds-pinkest-pink-180961464/

[-] jkrtn@lemmy.ml 2 points 8 months ago

You can certainly make such a license but I think it will hinder adoption. Just do a paid license at that point and refuse to renew if someone makes you mad enough.

[-] Mikina@programming.dev 1 points 8 months ago

But a paid licence will affect users that are all right abd for whom you're doing it.

I understand that using something with a risk of loosong access because you've upset the developer is something that will turn away a lot of people, but then again, I'd say that "don't be a dick" is a pretty reasonable requirement. The only issue I see that it's a pretty vague definiton, but maybe just limiting it to profanities and insult towards the contributors is something more concrete, which would be easy to fulfill and also enforce.

load more comments (2 replies)

[-] bmcgonag@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

Hate to see this, but there are definitely people who are takers and have the nerve to be entitled at the same time.

You, as an open source maintainer owe nothing to anyone. Never feel compelled to do anything in your project that doesn’t make you happy.
you should 100% be able to charge for your work. I applaud you for that.
There are more of us out here who want to support open source int he right way. Know that.
thank you for the project you made and shared. Truly.