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I'm confused how software is so different from any other type of invention. If you've ever backed a single Kickstarter project you're being hypocritical. I'd m

I'm confused how software is so different from any other type of invention. If you've ever backed a single Kickstarter project you're being hypocritical. I'd much, much rather code be a "trade secret" than a patent. It's how closed source should work. It feels like you're arguing semantics - it says "trade secret" so you're put off. If it didn't say anything and was just closed source... would you care as much? Nothing in this world requires you to like or participate in anything else - you don't have to donate or participate. But the level of entitlement is off the charts.

rbanffy 11y ago
> I'd much, much rather code be a "trade secret" than a patent. These are not the only two options. If I understood it right, the programmer is asking for money to develop something that will be available for download for free, but whose source code would be secret. As a programmer myself (who writes free-as-in-speech software), the source code is the most relevant artifact and the only one that interests me. I would not sponsor the development of a project where the only deliverable is an opaque binary executable where other development models are possible.
- sqeaky 11y ago
  I agree completely. This space engine software runs on 0 of my computers, with source and the game dev experience I have I might change that. With the binaries provided I cannot change that. This software may as well from a naive self concerned viewpoint.