7 ms·
> the optimal solution is for the masses benefitting from the library to return some of that benefit (perhaps in monetary form) to the author. But culturally t
by pedrocr 11y ago
> the optimal solution is for the masses benefitting from the library to return some of that benefit (perhaps in monetary form) to the author. But culturally this is not what free-software is about...
There's been quite a bit of improvement in that problem space. Crowd-sourcing is now considered by users a natural way to fund new work. So much so that in more user facing apps users are constantly asking about it if you don't have a campaign already. There are also micro-transaction solutions like gratipay (previously gittip) that are more open-ended and continuous which probably works better for lower layer projects and when developers don't want to fiddle with managing crowd-sourcing campaigns. Github could very easily own that space if they implemented something like "give x$ per month to every project I've starred".
- egor83 11y ago> could very easily own that space if they implemented > something like "give x$ per month to every project > I've starred" That's exactly what BountySource is about. Then, as mention downthread, there are Flattr, Gittip/Gratipay and Patreon.
- johnmaguire2013 11y ago> Github could very easily own that space if they implemented something like "give x$ per month to every project I've starred". I would love this. Has this been discussed anywhere?
- techdragon 11y agoWe do have gittip, flattr, etc ... this doesnt seem to have produced much success. Patreon does seem to be developing a bit of a traction here too now. "I work on xyz, keep me funded so i can continue working on xqyz"
- xrjn 11y agoI think it's because it's not seamlessly integrated into Github and instead relies on external services that aren't intercompatible. If Github integrated/bought one of these services and made everything work smoothly with their billing system, I think many people would love to contribute. Maybe even make "corporate" contributions, although I don't know how that would work.
- crdoconnor 11y agoI'd much rather have a 'corporate' version where you could sell commercial licenses through github for $250-$350 to bigcorps and VC funded startups than a gittip where you can beg for 5 cent donations from developers.