The Peaceful Transfer of Power in Open Source Projects
3 days ago
- #Succession
- #Open Source
- #Governance
- Open Source projects often rely on a Benevolent Dictator For Life (BDFL) model, which can lead to instability if the leader is not genuinely benevolent.
- Recent examples show BDFLs acting tyrannically, harming their projects and communities.
- Mastodon provides a positive example of a peaceful and graceful transfer of power in an Open Source project.
- Eugen Rochko, Mastodon's outgoing CEO, openly discusses the pressures of leadership and the need for change.
- Projects with significant usage should consider succession plans to ensure longevity beyond their founders.
- Leaders are urged to adopt mature governance models, avoiding the pitfalls of ego and power struggles.
- The social contract and consent of the governed are important principles for sustainable project management.