3 ms·
Open source only became confusing because Richard stallman made it his life mission to try to redefine the meaning of free in a way that would confuse people fo
by Gigachad 2y ago
Open source only became confusing because Richard stallman made it his life mission to try to redefine the meaning of free in a way that would confuse people for decades to come.
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- liontwist 2y agoThere is no open source without stallman. After decades of advocacy and organizing his ideas have been moderated for mainstream success. Work on big technical projects like Linux was also a strong signal for employers. For years now that signal has been a target to emulate so a. Lot of “open source” became FAANG resume building.
- bruce511 2y agoFree Software predates Open Source, so that's not an ideal conflating. I get where you are coming from though. The choice of the word "Free" in "Free Software" isn't ideal because the word "Free" has multiple meanings. Most people (especially non-tech users) assume it means "no cost" rather than "unencumbered". So yes, it would have been simpler either a different name. Hindsight is perfect. That said Free Software is different to Open Source (although lots of tech folk conflate the two.) That aside, it doesn't stop people adding their own (incorrect) requirements or expectations, as seen elsewhere in this thread.