this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2023
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Free and Open Source Software

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Today FUTO released an application called Grayjay for Android-based mobile phones. Louis Rossmann introduced the application in a video (YouTube link). Grayjay as an application is very promising, but there is one point I take issue with: Grayjay is not an Open Source application. In the video Louis explains his reason behind the custom license, and while I do agree with his reason, I strong disagree with his method. In this post I will explain what Open Source means, how Grayjay does not meet the criteria, why this is an issue, and how it can be solved.

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[–] Maestro@kbin.social 20 points 1 year ago (2 children)

If it's not OSI approved then it's not open source. I hate it when companies try to dilute the open source moniker. This is "source available"

[–] rwhitisissle 19 points 1 year ago (2 children)

If it’s not OSI approved then it’s not open source.

OSI as an organization did not invent the concept of Open Source software. They just appointed themselves the arbiters of the term. There are other organizations and individuals that disagree with their definition.

[–] Maestro@kbin.social 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Most organisations and individuals that disagree with their definition are trying to sell you source available software as open source.

[–] rwhitisissle 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Cool. Somebody should let Richard Stallman know, I guess.

[–] Maestro@kbin.social 1 points 1 year ago

RMS doesn't disagree with OSI about the open source definition. He just thinks his Free Software definition is better. But RMS would most certainly not call "source available" software "open source"

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[–] wildginger@lemmy.myserv.one 9 points 1 year ago (10 children)

Why does OSIs definition matter over any other definition?

[–] Maestro@kbin.social 8 points 1 year ago

Because the OSI has been defining and stewarding open source for 25 years. It is the de facto definition and has been recognised as such by multiple governments around the world. Anyone trying to muddy the waters is probably trying to sell you their "source available" software as open source.

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