Here is my take on FOSS, I hope you find it interesting: * FOSS is great at very small number of things: C compiler (gcc), Operating system (Linux), programmin

Here is my take on FOSS, I hope you find it interesting: * FOSS is great at very small number of things: C compiler (gcc), Operating system (Linux), programming languages (zillions), Apache, MySQL, and a few others. * FOSS is OK at a certain number of larger areas - relatively simple games (BzTank), office applications (Open Office) * FOSS is absolutely horrible at new product development. Anyone with a brain and a decent idea that SOME people MIGHT pay for can see that FOSS is inferior to all of these: * web-based subscription model * web-based advertising model * closed source shrinkwrap model * closed-source consulting model The only reason you would choose FOSS over these is you don't believe anyone would pay anything for what you want to make (but they might donate after using it). At this point, if you still choose to develop, then A) It is a hobby, and the only thing tying you to the project is your interest B) You can choose between freeware/shareware and FOSS The game Dwarf Fortress is a good example of freeware. The creators want to retain artistic control over their creation, so they release as closed source software. In conclusion, if you release source code, then: * others may improve the product, which benefits you because you are using it * you may lose artistic control due to fork pressure If you don't release source code, then: * you have to do all of the development yourself or through people you hire * you retain total control over the product Now you know!