We self-sabotaged ourselves over decades, and now we're at a point where it's hard to turn back. Publishing source code for the greater good is a noble cause, b

We self-sabotaged ourselves over decades, and now we're at a point where it's hard to turn back. Publishing source code for the greater good is a noble cause, but to be honest, I think that over the years, using "open source" has become an excuse to avoid paying for software. i agree with most of what the author says, except this. we sabotaged ourselves? by not predicting that people are greedy and have the nerve to complain about free stuff? by giving code away and not expecting anything in return? by building an entire operating system that now dominates the world? i see no sabotage. nor do i see an excuse to avoid paying for software. sure, there are freeloaders. and yes, there are idiots that feel entitled to get free support. and yes, companies are exploiting this. but despite all that, thanks to an entirely free and open to modify operating system, the world is a better place for many. what we failed to do is to make FOSS self sustainable in the sense that people can live off it. but we have to ask, is that an error, or should we accept that as by design? if it is the latter then we also have to accept that not everyone will be able to contribute. especially most will not be able to make a living from contributing to FOSS. but i believe this is fine. contributing to FOSS should not expect a monetary reward. if you expect monetary reward, consider that the available FOSS software is comparable to other software that i'd have to pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for. that is my monetary reward. but i am not making a living off it, nor do i expect to.