Beyond Open Source, a New Model

Posted Oct 2, 2016

Imagine a software project model beyond open source, combining the collaboration and distribution of open source with the paid license model of commercial software.

This is what we're working on with Super Source.

Instead of relying on voluntary donations, Super Source projects charge companies a licensing fee. With Super Source, the code should be available online, with easy distribution (ideally a git pull command). You should be able to make modifications to the software if they help you use it better. And you should be able to collaborate, submit code upstream, and report issues, like we expect with open source.

Why bother? Because open source isn't going to solve its funding problem by having companies voluntarily donate. By charging companies to use the software, you have a way to financially support the software. It can still be licensed for free to individuals or nonprofits, and should probably have a free trial too.

It's time companies value their project maintainers with substantial funding. It's time for Super Source.

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Great projects deserve more than charity. See your project earn meaningful financial support with Super Source.