So I guess the OpenBSD project and, by extension, OpenSSH, are having some hard times. Too many big evil corporations are using their free, open source software without paying for it (gasp!), so Theo de Raadt is on a campaign to make them feel guilty. My favorite Theo quote:
I will say it here -- if an OpenSSH hole is found that applies to SunSSH, Sun will not be informed. Or maybe that has happened already.
Boy, Theo, I sure feel secure using OpenSSH knowing that you're willing to use your knowledge of security vulnerabilities to extort donations.
Listen, dickhead: If you release software under a license that says anyone is welcome to use it, modify it, and sell it without paying you a cent, then you forfeit your right to get pissy when they do exactly that. We're all grateful for OpenSSH and PF, and you've got every right to ask for donations, but Jesus. Don't be such a fucking prick.
Comments
I think he has a right to be miffed
It's one thing to be bitching and moaning about your userbase, but it's another thing to be complaining that multi-million dollar companies can spare a dime to continue funding what could cost them gobs of cash to develop commercially.
Of course, it's Theo, did you expect him NOT to complain? Come on. :)
Re: I think he has a right to be miffed
It's understandable that he's miffed, but the point is that OpenSSH is released under a BSD-style license that begins with the sentence "As far as I am concerned, the code I have written for this software can be used freely for any purpose".
Releasing software under that license and then whining about getting nothing in return is like an author donating books to a library and then later demanding that the library pay him to continue writing books.
No...
This is nothing like donating a book to the library, this is like someone releasing a book under amendable terms and a bunch of publishers publishing the book and at the same time having the writer of the book be the one forced to mail them.
Ha...
The script for this is pretty bad in Opera, it doesn't do anything to the page when you his Post Comment.
Re: Re: I think he has a right to be miffed
I think, while he would prefer a good chunk of change (I mean, who wouldn't?) I think some kind of "Thank you" or such would be welcome as well.
IBM dumping a customer problem onto a private development list? Say what now? That's a slap in the face and I fully support any pissant comment he will make in response. That's just downright rude.
No title
De Raadt is known for his, errm, excellent social skills and totally logical way of reasoning. Just look up any mailing list.
Hard to donate...
The problem with donating to Open?S? is is that you have to make a check out to Theo. There's no oversight, no tax deductability, no guarantee he's not gonna blow it on a beer blast. But Sun and IBM should give money? Get real.
wow
Mark the calender, I accually agree with Wonko on something
You'll pay one way or another
What's most likely to happen if the big corporations don't help out: Theo will continue to lead the OpenBSD/OpenSSH projects but the development team will be smaller, there will be no hackathons, releases will be fewer, there will be fewer new features, etc.
As for Theo being a dick about Sun... think about it. He's trying to make a point. My point, actually: Sun (and their users) will pay for it one way or another.