From 06063da954c90e9cdadb4e711a19289beb01b108 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Daniel Roe Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:13:25 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] feat: add 'zero sum games' article --- content/blog/zero-sum-games.md | 45 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 45 insertions(+) create mode 100644 content/blog/zero-sum-games.md diff --git a/content/blog/zero-sum-games.md b/content/blog/zero-sum-games.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d87db4f1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/zero-sum-games.md @@ -0,0 +1,45 @@ +--- +title: Zero sum games +date: '2025-01-26T21:15:00.000Z' +tags: + - profit + - open source +description: "Open source is about mutual giving. So how does that square with commercial open source? Or building a for-profit product on top of an open-source project?" +--- + +Open source is about mutual giving. So how does that square with commercial open source? Or building a for-profit product _on top_ of an open-source project? + +There are plenty of examples of projects that (at some point) push back against third-party commercialisation, whether that's [MongoDB](https://investors.mongodb.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mongodb-issues-new-server-side-public-license-mongodb-community) or [Elasticsearch](https://www.elastic.co/blog/license-change-clarification). And it's also not uncommon to see open-source developers become jaded, disillusioned and bitter that the money being made using their software isn't flowing back to them. + +In recent days, the most obvious example of that is Matt Mullenweg of WordPress, whose [lawsuit against WP Engine](https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/4/24262232/matt-mullenweg-wordpress-org-wp-engine) seems to stem from a frustration that they are profiting from something he has built. + +If I can communicate one thing on my own behalf here, it's this: + +> 👉 Flourish! Build a company if that's your thing. Bless the people who work for you. Make money. Enjoy! No strings attached. + +By default, if you are building with Nuxt, **I want you to succeed**. +If you are a third-party provider with a great Nuxt module or integration, **I want you to succeed**. +If you are creating a course to teach other developers, **I want you to succeed**. +If you're a consultant helping people make great, performant Nuxt sites, **I want you to succeed**. + +... and I don't want that goodwill to be conditional on sponsorship or 'paying Nuxt back'. Nor do I care if you are 'competing' with me (or any of the Nuxt team). + +Here's why I feel that way: + +1. **Open source is a community project**. I can't possibly feel bitter about not getting 'what I deserve' when it's not me, but a whole group of talented and lovely people who have made it possible. In many cases - including my own - we have done so _because_ there were no strings attached. +1. **Compensation doesn't follow value**. If I start trying to find my value in how many donations or sponsorships I get, I'll destroy my own mental health. Better to let go of that _expectation_. And, where I need compensation, find it by seeking it out in consultancy, entrepreneurship, retainer or employment. +1. **Success is contagious**. The more commercial projects succeed, building on top of open-source work, the more the whole ecosystem benefits. Jobs are created. Conferences flourish. Educators produce articles and videos. More people contribute. More companies are created. + +Someone recently wrote to me via an [#ama](https://bsky.app/hashtag/ama?author=danielroe.dev): + +> Should I feel bad for trying to make a for-profit product using Nuxt ecosystem? It's unbelievable how many great free things it offers, it makes me feel kinda bad trying to use it for my own benefit + +My answer is pretty simple: Don't feel bad. Build your product - and flourish! + +
+ + + +∗ I'm speaking about *my* feelings, but if anyone should be 'paid back' for Nuxt it would probably be Sebastien & Alex Chopin, who created it in the first place. + + -- 2.51.2