this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2023
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This one is more controversial than intended. Since it's my "fault," I want to clear things up:
I fully support the "use whatever you want" faction. This meme wasn't intended to be a trigger against Sync. I just want to reflect the difference between Sync and all other apps. (I missed Connect, but my abilities to create a second Teletubby aren't the best.)
The controversy between FOSS and closed source reminds me of discussions on Reddit. It looks like we are separated into two (or more) groups: the privacy-focused FOSS nerds and the "shut up about the license, code, or ads and take my money because your product is the best working of all" group. Both groups have understandable reasons, and both can have their place in the fediverse. But don't forget, it's the FOSS group who started all this and early adopted (if you don't believe me, check the age of my profile). And this group is a little bit confused why everyone can't wait for a closed source app.
There's nobody who starts an unexpected feature or starts selling your data. Lemmy is FOSS and decentralized. A closed-source app can add whatever they want. If the ad-free pro version costs 20 bucks, then all non-pro users sell with their data, and I bet it's 20 bucks worth. Because free closed source is always free, because you are the product.
PS. I don't want to paint worse scenarios, but remember, WhatsApp was just a closed-source wrapper of XMPP, and Chrome is based on Chromium. FOSS will always attract people who try to monetize it. Some would say: "I don't care." But what if the monetizers start to claim control over the development, because there are "needed features" to get more money out of it?
This reads a bit like, "I support both sides but one side is kinda on thin ice and a slippery slope." Or, "respect your elders."
The hand wringing belies your neutrality.
No one, that I've seen, has said FOSS has no place nor have I seen it disrespected except that people grow tired of the gate keeping.
"But don't forget, it's the FOSS group who started all this and early adopted (if you don't believe me, check the age of my profile). And this group is a little bit confused why everyone can't wait for a closed source app."
No one is going to care in the future and early adoption doesn't make a particular group any more special or privileged. That's a ridiculous take for a social media platform (even if decentralized).
???
FOSS platforms with closed clients are fine, because nobody has any unilateral ability to dictate the direction of the platform. You can always choose whichever client you want, so long as the underlying platform is FOSS.
Reddit and Twitter have proven that closed platforms aren't compatible with FOSS clients because eventually, the closed platform will force out all competing clients to monetize every last bit of traffic it can.
And honestly, I have a higher degree of trust for Sync Apps LTD than I do for most others because they have historically been above-board in their dealings and have always been user-forward in everything they do. If that changes, then it changes. And so might my decision to support them. However, considering their entire business model is and has been dependent on the continued loyalty of their user base, I doubt they will make any significant changes that could affect their reputation.
And let's be honest, where software is concerned, there's a reason that all software isn't FOSS, beyond just "greedy capitalist overlords". The overwhelming majority of FOSS software is simply not as user-friendly or, in many cases, stable or even usable to people who don't possess a significant degree of computer software and hardware literary. Most folks don't have the know-how or time to go combing through dozens of conflicting and outright contradictory online resources trying to figure out exactly which .lib file is causing their software to crash on startup, or to learn how the hell to use github.
Oh God, now you're doing the "me and these apps were here before it was cool" bit.
Always a bad a look
Mate nobody cares about your essay. Shut up and consume your content.
You cared enough to comment on it.