Open Source Resistance: keep OSS alive on company time
2 days ago
- #Software Maintenance
- #Workplace Ethics
- #Open Source
- Open source maintenance is essential work that companies already depend on for their operations, not a hobby or side activity.
- The Open Source Resistance advocates that developers should allocate work time to maintain OSS projects without needing formal permission, treating it as infrastructure or technical debt.
- Companies benefit from OSS subsidies; maintainers should balance open source work with other duties, avoiding overcommitment or neglecting employment contracts.
- Review employment contracts to ensure ownership of OSS IP, use personal equipment for sensitive work, and avoid disclosing confidential information.
- Alternatives include the Open Source Pledge and Open Source Friday, but the Resistance emphasizes taking direct, ethical action within one's control.