Open Source Developers Should Charge for Access Rather Than Rely on Donations
By
beardyw
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
The article argues that open source developers should stop relying on donations and corporate charity, and instead directly charge for access to their software. The author contends that the current model where companies profit billions from open source while creators struggle is unsustainable, and that developers need to adopt business models that ensure fair compensation for their work.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledScrew fair. Screw asking for dimes. You can't live off one-off charity donations.
Trust me, I've been on the boards of several small nonprofits. Depending on what people put in a tip jar is no way to fund anything of value.
Open source isn't a tip jar – it's time to charge for access
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