The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source The dawn of sponsorware (Interview)
Feb 17, 2020
Caleb Porzio, the mind behind Livewire and AlpineJS, talks about his intriguing 'sponsorware' model that turned heads in the open-source community. He shares the journey from a conventional job to pioneering this innovative approach, highlighting the importance of sustainability in open-source development. The conversation dives into sponsorship strategies, balancing monetization with community benefits, and the transparent dynamics that make software valuable. Expect insights on fostering meaningful sponsor relationships and evolving the landscape of software support!
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Livewire's Origins
- Caleb Porzio quit his job to take a sabbatical from programming.
- He quickly got drawn back in by a project that became Livewire.
Open Source Sustainability Struggle
- Many companies profit from open-source software without financially supporting its maintainers.
- Maintainers often struggle to monetize their work, resorting to methods like donations or selling educational materials.
Sponsorware Model
- Keep projects private for sponsors until reaching a sponsorship threshold, then open-source them.
- This 'sponsorware' model ensures sustainability and rewards early supporters while upholding open-source values.