I've always felt guilty by taking for granted the rare breed of virtuous humans that provide free excellent software without relying on advertising. Let's change that and pay, how much would I “lose” anyway?

I’ve always felt guilty by taking for granted the rare breed of virtuous humans that provide free excellent software without relying on advertising. Let’s change that and pay, how much would I “lose” anyway?

  • Rosco
    5•5 months ago

    I do that for open-source videos games, I pay for the steam version to support the creators (Dwarf Fortress and Cataclysm : Dark Days Ahead for example). I’m totally fine with it, as long as it’s a one-time fee, no subscription bullshit.

      • Rosco
        1•5 months ago

        Oh you’re right, I don’t know why I assumed otherwise…

        • @[email protected]
          2•5 months ago

          You lumped it in with CDDA so maybe you were falling into the “ASCII graphics = FOSS” trap.

      • Danny M
        -3•5 months ago

        It is

        EDIT: I’m wrong, I don’t know what I was thinking, I misremembered hearing something apparently. Thank you for the corrections

        • @[email protected]
          4•5 months ago

          No.

          The game’s code base is proprietary, and Adams has stated he has no plans to release it into the open-source domain, citing the risk of them going into financial trouble.

          He explained he would consider releasing its source if he could not maintain it anymore, seeing different game developers taking it up. He says that he does not mind any modifications as long as he is not put at financial risk.

          It should be noted though, that if people followed OP in actually financially contributing to FOSS projects, then DF would likely have been made FOSS by now. His main fear is not having financial stability if he open sources his game.

          • @[email protected]
            -4•5 months ago

            I don’t really buy that considering how passionate people are about that game. Just because it’s now free software doesn’t mean you have to accept contributions.

            A copyleft license would prevent copycats and a trademark would distinguish the original from other compiled binaries a la Firefox or Rust.

            Counterpoint, Thunderbird received millions in donations when it was on the brink of death.

            At least when he retires it will finally be available that’s better than most games (esp. those built on nonfree game engines and assets)

        • @[email protected]
          4•5 months ago

          Care to provide a source? Because a quick internet search says “no, it’s not”. But I know that’s been the case for like a decade. I don’t know if something has changed recently.