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0 pointsbruce5118mo ago0 comments

There are different actors in play here, and each one has a different perspective. That's OK, there's enough room in the world for different perspectives.

For the company, making use of Open Source code is free labor. That's good for them. You are free to offer that labor or not.

For some developers, it's cool to write code that's used by zillions. That's reward enough.

Other developers release the code for free, but build an eco system around it. They get paid for related work etc.

New developers use it to flex their skills, and demonstrate ability (and then get upset when someone else turns it into something profitable, but that's another story).

Personally I write code, and ship as source, but it's under a commercial license (cause I like to eat.) Other companies have business models around whatever they do.

You are free to act as you wish. Which is great. We live in an economy that allows each his preferred path.

You're right. Many startups open source their products specifically to get free labor, free marketing, or whatever. As payment they release the code they write to you. Whether you think that deal is right for uou or not us up to you.

If you believe you can add value to a company then reach out to them. It's not like they're "making" you work for free.

0 comments

tombert8mo ago

Of course they’re not “making” me do anything, but I think they have weaponized well-meaning people to do work for them for free and masking it under some vague notion of “charity”.

You’re obviously free to disagree, but it’s why I have become disillusioned with it. I think it’s an exploitative relationship.

bruce511OP8mo ago

I agree its often exploiting.

But presumably people who choose to participate in that relationship are getting something out of it, or they'd stop.

tombert8mo ago

People might not be fully aware of harm.

Plenty of people stay in violent abusive relationships when they really should leave, presumably because they feel like they’re getting something out of the relationship. That doesn’t give a free pass to the abuser.

I am not saying that companies using open source software are anywhere near as bad as a physically violent husband, I’m just saying that just because the contributor to OSS feels like they’re getting something from the relationship doesn’t absolve the corporation of its sins.

The current FOSS ecosystem feels like the tech equivalent of the “working for exposure” scam.

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