Open Source Software Is a No-Strings-Attached Gift

Open Source Software Is a No-Strings-Attached Gift

Open source software provides users with access to the source code and the right to use and modify it. However, it does not entitle users to demand features, contributions, or attention from the project maintainers.

Open source software is fundamentally about providing access to the source code and the rights to use and modify it. It is not a promise of ongoing support, feature development, or community engagement from the creators. The notion that open source projects owe users anything beyond the code itself is a misconception. Users are not entitled to demand features, contributions, or the attention of the project maintainers. The responsibility for meeting one's own needs lies with the user, not the project creators.

The creators of open source projects, such as those at Cognitect working on Clojure, make their own choices about how to allocate their time and resources. They are not obligated to meet the expectations of the community, especially when those expectations are not aligned with the creators' goals or resources. The work on Clojure, for instance, is not driven by profit, as the vast majority of its users do not contribute to the creators' livelihood. Instead, the creators invest their own resources into the project, often at personal financial cost, because of their passion for the work and the community.

Technical Details

Open source is primarily a licensing and delivery mechanism, allowing users to access and modify software. The social expectations often associated with open source, such as community-driven development, are not inherent to the concept. These expectations are part of a modern mythology that can lead to a sense of entitlement among users. The reality is that open source projects are gifts, provided without strings attached, and should be appreciated as such.

At Cognitect, the team working on Clojure, including individuals like Alex Miller, dedicates significant time to community engagement and feature development. This work is done out of a commitment to the project and its users, not because of any obligation. The team regularly discusses community issues and incorporates contributions from users into Clojure releases. However, the majority of the user community does not contribute, and this is perfectly acceptable within the open source model.

Availability

Open source software is available to anyone who wishes to use it, but it comes with no guarantees of support or development. Users are encouraged to take responsibility for their own needs and to contribute if they wish to see specific changes or improvements. The creators of open source projects, like those at Cognitect, continue to work on their projects out of passion and dedication, not because of external demands.

Story based on discussion on Hacker News.