> Is the only reason our entire zero-reward open source system stays alive is because nerds are economically irrational and just want to have fun while turning

> Is the only reason our entire zero-reward open source system stays alive is because nerds are economically irrational and just want to have fun while turning a blind eye to being exploited? 1. Fun is it's own reward of course. 2. Producing open source code you get easy marketing and no risk. Try to sell the same thing requires a whole new skill-set, capital, and you will probably end up with the $0 you'd get from open-sourcing it anyway. 3. Not having a boss (or customer) makes it more fun and allows you to be super-opinionated about how you make the framework. 4. I agree though in principle nerds should be more mercenary. For non-fun stuff, get your employer to pay you to write open-source code, instead of doing it on Saturday at your own expense. For fun-stuff ... well it's fun! Try to make a $ out of it somehow.