FUSE for macOS is no longer open source (colatkinson.site)

Article summary

The FUSE for macOS project, previously open source, is no longer open source due to its maintainer Benjamin Fleischer's decision to change the license. The project's code is now closed source, and companies that want to use it in commercial software need to contact Fleischer for permission. This change has significant implications for companies that rely on FUSE for macOS, as they will need to either pay for the commercial license or find alternative solutions. The maintainer's decision is reportedly due to the lack of financial benefits and the high maintenance costs of the project.

Main themes

• open source sustainability
• license changes
• commercial use of open source
• maintainer burnout
• permissive licenses
• community responsibility

What commenters say

• The maintainer of the project is justified in closing the source code because they were not receiving any financial benefits despite their significant contributions.
• Closing the source code is not a suitable solution and the maintainer should have considered alternative options, such as dual licensing or seeking community support.
• The use of permissive licenses like BSD can lead to situations where companies exploit the work of open source maintainers without giving back.
• The decision to close the source code is a result of the unsustainable nature of open source development, where maintainers are expected to work for free indefinitely.
• Companies that use open source software in commercial products have a responsibility to contribute back to the project, either through code or financial support.
• The maintainer's decision to close the source code is a clever business move that can help them generate revenue from their work.
• The lack of transparency and communication from the maintainer about the license change has caused confusion and frustration among users and contributors.