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> it seems to me giving away your code for no return indicates you don't really value it that much Well of course it seems that way to you, because you have de

> it seems to me giving away your code for no return indicates you don't really value it that much Well of course it seems that way to you, because you have defined it circularly. Open sourcing code is in no way "giving it away for no return". There is massive return on open sourcing code, from money to improvements in the code and all other manner of things. I have the opposite perspective from you. I think that closed source code indicates you don't value you it very much. But I understand that perspectives are different and that's okay. But you have made your own leap to not valuing code very much but you should know that the truth for a lot of people is the exact opposite of what you wrote.

tonyedgecombe 9y ago
I'm somewhat dubious about the financial aspects, sure you can start offering support services but who wants to do technical support for a living, or advertising, or begging via Patreon. Money is a good proxy for value, I know the customers who paid for my software today are getting some benefit from it, they wouldn't have put their hand in their wallet otherwise. Every time I get an order I get a warm feeling that goes well beyond the financial reward. On the other hand some of my worst and most needy "customers" have been those using open source or free tools. Their expectations are high and gratitude low. As I said I do have some open source projects and they have received contributions, when I add it up though it hasn't paid off.
jotm 9y ago
Two reasons to open source: either you're doing it as a hobby and want the world to see it/don't mind sharing it, or you believe/know that open source contributions will be better than what you or your company can do. Otherwise, open source is terrible for making money. Most clients don't care, but you're giving your competition everything in exchange for nothing. It's great for society, though. Just my opinion, and I know a lot of people share it.

tonyedgecombe 9y ago

I'm somewhat dubious about the financial aspects, sure you can start offering support services but who wants to do technical support for a living, or advertising, or begging via Patreon. Money is a good proxy for value, I know the customers who paid for my software today are getting some benefit from it, they wouldn't have put their hand in their wallet otherwise. Every time I get an order I get a warm feeling that goes well beyond the financial reward. On the other hand some of my worst and most needy "customers" have been those using open source or free tools. Their expectations are high and gratitude low. As I said I do have some open source projects and they have received contributions, when I add it up though it hasn't paid off.

jotm 9y ago

Two reasons to open source: either you're doing it as a hobby and want the world to see it/don't mind sharing it, or you believe/know that open source contributions will be better than what you or your company can do. Otherwise, open source is terrible for making money. Most clients don't care, but you're giving your competition everything in exchange for nothing. It's great for society, though. Just my opinion, and I know a lot of people share it.