Sometimes I don't think people realize how much the success of these open source technologies depend on the patronage of the extremely successful.
Discussion
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?
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.