Open Source, Open Mind: The Cost of Free Software

Explore the complex world of free software in this thought-provoking talk from NDC Oslo 2024. Delve into the history of the free software movement, from its origins in MIT's Artificial Intelligence lab to the modern era of GitHub and package managers. Examine the motivations behind giving away code for free and the potential consequences when creators change their minds. Investigate the legal aspects of software licensing and discover intriguing edge cases that have arisen in the free software ecosystem. Critically analyze the sustainability of open source and contemplate potential models for a truly sustainable open source future. Gain insights into the ethical implications and economic realities of free software in the tech industry, from small-scale volunteer projects to multi-million dollar corporate endeavors.