OpenBSD Project in Financial Danger 610
DieNadel writes "In an entry to the OpenBSD Journal, Marco, from the OpenBSD project, warns about the somewhat disturbing financial situation in which they are now. The OpenBSD team is the one that also develops the OpenSSH suite, used nowadays almost everywhere. From the entry: 'What I want to point out what a lot of people don't seem to realize is that OpenSSH development is paid from the same pool of money as OpenBSD. OpenSSH is in use by millions around the world however the revenue stream just simply isn't there. This is where other projects could help. Without naming entities or projects by name there are others out there that are sitting on some cash. It would be wonderful if these entities could share some of the wealth to keep us going.'"
Just waiting (Score:4, Funny)
BSD is dying... (Score:5, Funny)
How you can help (Score:5, Funny)
Unfortunately, they know that the best value they can give to the tools they provide is to make them free. But as long as the tools are free, there will always be those parts of society that do not contribute to the costs of their creation. And, unfortunately, that's not a minority of people. When was the last time YOU gave money to OpenBSD?
This quagmire of people being unable to develop that that should be free will not disappear by itself. Resources need to be devoted, and unless people are prepared to actually act, not just talk about it on Slashdot, nothing will ever get done. Apathy is not an option.
You can help by getting off your rear and writing to your congressman [house.gov] or senator [senate.gov]. Tell them that critical free software is important to you. Tell them that you appreciate the work being done by the OpenBSD and GNU teams to support you with the software you need in your life but that if cheapskates keep refusing to contribute to the projects, ensuring people like Theo are not forced to hold down proper jobs, you will be forced to use less and less secure and intelligently designed alternatives. Explain the concerns you have about freedom, openness, and choice, and how a lack of money for Free Software harms all three. Let them know that this is an issue that effects YOU directly, that YOU vote, and that your vote will be influenced, indeed dependent, on their policies on funding Free Software.
You CAN make a difference. Don't treat voting as a right, treat it as a duty. Remember, it was thanks to ordinary people like YOU that we are now seeing such innovations as SMP in OpenBSD. Keep informed, keep your political representatives informed on how you feel. And, most importantly of all, vote.
Old Joke (Score:5, Funny)
"At Microsoft, we always wash our hands when we've been to the toilet!" said Bill, smugly.
"I'm sure all the Linux developers wash and dry their hands when they've been to the toilet!" said Linus, determined to outdo Bill.
"Fuck off, the pair of you," said Theo, "OpenBSD people don't piss on their fingers!"
Hmm.... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Their community (Score:5, Funny)
And yet, here you are on Slashdot. How does that work?
Obligatory Monty Python aside (Score:3, Funny)
[a man puts a body on the cart]
Man: Here's one.
The Dead Collector: That'll be ninepence.
OpenBSD: I'm not dead.
The Dead Collector: What?
Man: Nothing. There's your ninepence.
OpenBSD: I'm not dead.
The Dead Collector: 'Ere, he says he's not dead.
Man: Yes he is.
OpenBSD: I'm not.
The Dead Collector: He isn't.
Man: Well, he will be soon, he's very ill.
Just joking, here's to hoping OpenBSD gets better (financing) soon. (and you can change "Linux Zealot" to "Man" if you're so inclined...)
Re:Do what you can. (Score:5, Funny)
Momma always said... (Score:3, Funny)
-Rick
Re:Sad (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Sad (Score:4, Funny)
Yeah, someone ought to do something about that
(Note to Americans with mod points: that's sarcasm, kthxs)
Re:Sad (Score:3, Funny)
>FreeBSD, Mozilla, and OpenOffice are mere "pockets" of success and OpenBSD's
>perennial financial trouble is the "overall" situation?
Redmond?
Re:Sad (Score:3, Funny)