Whither Open Source?
a day ago
- Commercial open source software (COSS) uses the AGPL license to restrict user freedom and protect business interests, despite its deceptive marketing as promoting freedom.
- The AGPL's legal ambiguities create fear and uncertainty, leading to it being weaponized as 'scareware' to prevent competition and limit use.
- COSS businesses often depend on restrictive licenses like AGPL to avoid free-riders and competition, but this undermines true open source principles.
- Permissive licenses (e.g., MIT, Apache 2.0) often fail for COSS, leading to unsustainability and eventual relicensing.
- Fair source offers an honest alternative with clear non-compete clauses and delayed open source publication, balancing sustainability with transparency.
- Fair source ensures eventual open sourcing of proprietary code, protecting users and businesses without legal manipulation.