I'm not saying they can't succeed or haven't. Plenty of open source projects have survived many, many years due to a small cadre of passionate volunteers. However, for every one that does, how many did not?
Discussion
How many people have used and benefited from FOSS but never donated? I think this is most people. And, listen, I'm no saint. I seldom donate either. All of what I am saying is as much for me as it is for the one or two who might be swayed by my words.
I get being suspicious and being angry at billionaires. I've been there, hell I am still there. I recently replied to a note on here saying Musk is a fraud. What the hell do I know?
I know he's attempting to preserve free speech, or at least that is what he claims. That's good, I mean if not him, who else? I don't have any power to sway or seduce. I don't have the wealth to build power. That's true for a lot of people on any social media type application opining about this or that.
I do think you can't be choosey about the patrons that help move some of these tools and technologies along. All that being said, I don't think it's all in his hands or people like him.
There are a lot of people who aren't billionaires who really try to live by their principles. It's these types that I find truly inspirational, because they are giving every ounce of themselves to further what they believe to be beautiful, true, and good.
I guess the thing that I find so irksome about Musk-types is the blind hero worship they get.