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2025

November

On the left side, depicting a proprietary vendor, is a lush, manicured garden surrounded by towering walls and security cameras. Inside, users are picking fruit, each fruit labeled 'Feature', 'Update', or 'Security Fix', while a gatekeeper demands coins for each piece. Outside the wall, on the right side, a vast open meadow stretches endlessly, where diverse people plant seeds together under a sign reading 'Open Fields: Grow Anything You Want'.
Rethinking Proprietary Technology in an Age of Digital Sovereignty
Reclaiming digital sovereignty through open-source technology.
Read Article

October

On the left side, an 'orchestra' where chaos reigns. The conductor waves erratically, sheet music is being swapped mid-performance, a violin bursts into jazz while the cellist receives a new instrument mid-bar. Some players look confused, others frozen mid-note. Above them, a proud banner reads 'The Future Is Now (Update 11.4 in Progress)'. On the right, an open-air ensemble of musicians, each tuning carefully, exchanging nods, following a consistent single score under the shared banner 'Community Arrangement'. Their music is harmonious, deliberate, and flowing.
Commercial Pain Points: Unpredictable Update Cycles
When constant change devolves into chaos, only discipline and diligence can bring technology back to order.
Read Article
On the left side, one gardener stands in a 'Proprietary License' garden plot where every plant is behind padlocked glass cases, each labeled with different rules and price tags. The gardener is frustrated, holding a watering can, but can't reach the plants because every case requires a separate key. On the right side, another gardener tends an open, flourishing 'Open-Source' garden, where seeds are freely available in baskets. The plants grow abundantly, and the gardener waters them with ease, smiling as the whole space thrives.
Commercial Pain Points: Inflexible Licensing
Proprietary licensing models create hidden costs in operations, while open-source offers a more empowering alternative.
Read Article
On the left side, a flashy shoe store with only one model of shoe on display, a shiny but uncomfortable boot. The clerk insists 'One size, one style, fits everyone!'. Customers look miserable as they try to squeeze in. On the right side, an open workshop where people are joyfully making and painting their own shoes. Everyone has footwear suited to their needs, like sandals, sneakers, hiking boots, and they look comfortable and happy.
Commercial Pain Points: Rigid Deployment Options
How rigid vendor deployment models trap users, while open-source offers the flexibility and control to break free.
Read Article
On the left, the 'proprietary' house looks like a grand, polished mansion with high walls and a locked gate. But the walls are cracked, the gate is ajar, and a burglar dressed in black is quietly walking out the front door with valuables in hand. Meanwhile, the owner, who is coincidentally wearing a black glove and holding a black bag, is scolding the guests lined up outside with 'Triple-check your shoe laces before coming in!'. On the right, the 'open-source' house is a modest cottage with large windows and its blueprints pinned to a noticeboard out front. A diverse group of neighbors is gathered around, painting the fence, fixing the roof, and nailing boards over gaps. A sign by the door reads If you see a leak, grab a hammer. All hands welcome.'.
Commercial Pain Points: Security as a Secondary Concern
Why closed-door security practices leave us exposed, and how openness offers real protection.
Read Article

September

On the left side is a character looking into a gleaming 'Proprietary Mirror'. Instead of his own reflection, the mirror is showing a salesperson jotting down his every move into a notebook labeled 'User Data'. Meanwhile, the main character looks baffled. On the right side, another character gazes into an 'Open-Source Mirror' and sees himself, smiling, free, no-one else lurking in the glass.
Commercial Pain Points: Unclear Data Ownership
Proprietary technology clouds data ownership while open-source empowers creators to reclaim their digital sovereignty.
Read Article
On the left side is a businessman proudly holding a giant suitcase labeled 'Your Data' but it's sealed shut with absurdly oversized padlocks. He jingles a key chain that only has fake decorative keys. On the right side, depicting open-source, a cheerful mechanic has a wide-open toolbox with all the tools neatly labeled 'JSON, CSV, XML, APIs'. Signs read 'Help yourself' and 'Instructions inside the lid'.
Commercial Pain Points: Data Portability Issues
Proprietary vendors restrict data portability, while open-source alternatives restore transparency, control, and user sovereignty.
Read Article
On the left side, depicting proprietary technology SLA behavior, a house is clearly on fire. The firetruck is parked outside, but the firefighters are standing around with their arms crossed. A giant price list is posted on the side of the truck: 'Basic Package: No Response - $. Bronze: Hose rental - $$$. Platinum: Actual water - $$$$.'. The homeowner is frantically pointing at the flames while the firefighters calmly gesture to the menu board. On the right side, another house has a small kitchen fire. Here, the neighbors are already working together, where one spraying water from a garden hose, another is handing over a bucket, kids are forming a bucket brigade, and someone else is reading aloud from a visible 'How to Put Out Fires' manual. The scene is collaborative, resourceful, and effective, even without fancy gear.
Commercial Pain Points: Limited or Tiered SLAs
Proprietary technology suppliers restrict timely support behind costly service-level agreements, while open-source promotes ethical, inclusive service.
Read Article
On the left side is a clockmaker having to use a vendor's proprietary process. He is frazzled, and hunched over a half-assembled clock, surrounded by oddly shaped gears and springs that clearly don’t fit together. The parts are labeled with little tags like 'Sparse Documentation', 'Opaque Design', and 'Vendor Lock-In'. On his workbench sits a sealed box stamped 'Internal Knowledge: Do Not Open'. The clockmaker scratches his head, sweat dripping, while a stern 'Vendor Hotline' phone on the wall flashes 'On Hold Forever'. Meanwhile, on the right side, a cheerful, open-source clockmaker sits at a tidy bench, smiling while consulting a large, open book labeled 'Clock-Making Manual - Community Edition'. His parts are clearly labeled 'Transparent Design', 'Community Support', and 'Shared Standards'. Behind him, a small group of fellow clockmakers are chatting, pointing, and laughing, and clearly engaged in collaborative learning. The nearly finished clock ticks happily, showing progress.
Commercial Pain Points: Lack of Self-Support Resources
How commercial technology vendors bury user feedback while open-source communities turn it into collaboration and progress.
Read Article
On the left side, a customer stands, looking up at a huge, ornate, castle-like service desk labeled 'Tech Vendor Support'. The desk stretches impossibly high, and has no noticeable access. A sign posted nearby says 'We value your feedback. Expect to wait.'. On the right side is a picnic table under a tree, with a hand-lettered sign overhead 'Open-Source Help'. A handful of developers and users are seated together with laptops, tea mugs, and sketchpads. One user leans over to show another their bug report, and a maintainer has already scribbled 'Fixed in version 1.2.3!' on a page that is ready to be distributed.
Commercial Pain Points: Slow or Ineffective Support
How commercial technology vendors bury user feedback while open-source communities turn it into collaboration and progress.
Read Article
On the left side is a scene in a fancy restaurant where a smug vendor-waiter in a tuxedo plops down a plate with one tiny pea in the center. The menu hanging behind him reads 'Subscription Dinner - $29.99/month. No substitutions. Chef's choice only'. Across the table, the customer sits bewildered, holding a knife and fork much too large for the tiny meal. On the right side is a scene where another table shows a group at a lively potluck-style open-source picnic, where people are sharing big, colorful dishes labeled 'collaboration' and 'respect'.
Commercial Pain Points: Vendors Subjugating Customers
How technology vendors erode customer trust through control, while open-source offers a collaborative path to self-empowerment.
Read Article
On the left, an escalator with a sign across reading 'Proprietary Upgrades', with discarded signs at the bottom reading 'Features' and 'Compatibility', and carrying a number of weary passengers trying to exit. On the right, a meadow with open paths, along which are posted the signs 'Open Source' and 'Choose your Route'.
Commercial Pain Points: Forced Migrations
How forced migrations erode trust in proprietary technology, and why the open-source model offers a user-first alternative.
Read Article
On the left, a wild teacup carnival ride being operated by a vendor holding and posting signs that read 'New Rules!', 'Terms Updated', and 'No Refunds', while on the right, a couple is having a nice, quite picnic near a tree where a sign is posted reading 'MIT / GPL, APACHE. Free use area. Same rules every time.'
Commercial Pain Points: Shifting Terms of Service
How shifting proprietary contracts erode trust, contrasted with the clarity and stability of open-source licensing.
Read Article
Two halves of a bridge designed to meet in the middle of the river. On the left is a bridge made of balloons and duct tape. Some of the ballons have titles like 'Trust Bridge', 'AI Features', and 'Productivity Suite'. A carnival-barker type of individual is standing at the left shore yelling through a megaphone: 'Guaranteed to carry all your weight - now with extra glitter features!'. The right bridge is much more plain, made of a general purpose wooden structure. Near the right bridge is a sign reading 'Free to cross. Bring your own ideas.'. Over the right bridge, the caption of a female passer reads 'Not pretty, but it won't drop you in the river.'
Commercial Pain Points: Diminishing Trustworthiness
Commercial technology vendors are eroding trust while open-source communities are strengthening it.
Read Article
Two tables at the support potluck. At one table is a dish labeled $niffs, call now for a taste!. At the other table are several dishes having labels like free refills forever and try some, it's delicious.
Commercial Pain Points: Paywalls For Critical Support
Commercial vendors trap customers behind paywalls for critical support, while open-source offers true ownership and freedom.
Read Article
Two fruit stands side-by-side. A sign on the proprietary fruit stand announces that these apples are now 20% more expensive while the operator glares at the other fruit stand. At the second fruit stand, the sign announces that you can take one, leave one, or just enjoy.
Commercial Pain Points: Surprise Price Increases
Profiteers take with surprise hikes, while open-source gives without strings.
Read Article
An agressive seller holding a credit card reader and offering only a basic package, while the open-source seller offers a box of tools at no charge.
Commercial Pain Points: Aggressive Upselling
Aggressive upselling puts profit before productivity, while open source restores the balance.
Read Article
Commercial software as a larger man, riding in an elephant saddle on the back of a smaller man representing small business.
Commercial Pain Points: Monetization Over Customer
Commercial software vendors always prioritize monetization over customer value, in stark contrast with the user-first ethics of the open-source community.
Read Article
Two computers are racing on a running track. The computer on the left is weighted down with extra cables, discs, and gadgets of all kinds, and is struggling to make any headway at all. Signs on the left computer read 'bloatware' and 'updates'. The right computer, wearing only a light backpack, is ahead of the left computer, has time to slow down to greet the left computer, and is not at all weary.
Commercial Pain Points: Performance Degradation
How commercial software's creeping bloat erodes performance and burdens the environment, contrasted with the open-source principles of efficiency, longevity, and sustainability.
Read Article
The customer is playing Whack-a-Mole while the Quality Assurance professional looks on in amusement.
Commercial Pain Points: Regression Errors
Regression errors reveal how vendors trade stability for speed, making customers pay for problems that should have stayed solved.
Read Article
On one side, a refrigerator with the title 'COMMERCIAL BRAND', with a login panel on the front door expressing a caption that reads 'Feature update installed sucessfully' and signs on the ice maker that read 'beta crushed ice' and 'experimental frozen cubes'. The owner is standing next to the left refrigerator trying to read the owner's manual with a confused look on his face. On the right side is a normal refrigerator with no strange extensions. The owner on the right is having a pleasant time looking at the contents in the open door like fruit, vegetables, and milk.
Commercial Pain Points: Feature Creep Over Stability
Why today's constant cycle of updates leads to fragile systems and disrupted work, and how open-source offers a steadier path.
Read Article
On the left side, commercial software illustrated by mansion with new features at the top floor, bugs spilling out of a window at the main floor, and old bugs leaking out of a spigot underground. On the right side, open-source illustrated by the well-formed structure of a new building, based on a fresh design, being built that includes the use of a large beam titled 'community fix'. The open source community smiles while they watch over the activity.
Commercial Pain Points: Old Bugs Never Get Fixed
How commercial software accumulates unresolved bugs and technical debt over decades, contrasted with the open-source community's capacity to rebuild, renew, and evolve.
Read Article
Two highways. On the left, proprietary. A man stands next to the road holding a sign titled 'Trust Us. We know where you're going.'. The traffic around him is unsure as to which direction to drive, and further down the road, there is an unannounced outage. On the right, an open-source highway, where multiple people are signaling for traffic direction and helping to set signs that read 'Bridge upgrade in 2026' and 'Next turn in 6 months'.
Commercial Pain Points: Opaque Roadmap
Why proprietary software keeps you in the dark and how open source shines a light on the future.
Read Article

August

On the left, a corporate store where only the prescribed combinations and products are available. The customer is holding a tomato, asking 'Can I get this without preservatives?' To which, the clerk responds with 'That's a customization. Please contact sales'. On the right, an open-source farmer's market, where a sign is posted that reads 'Arrange your own. Pay only if you need help'. Customers are freely mixing and matching their fruits and vegetables to arrange exactly the combinations they need.
Commercial Pain Points: Limited Customization
Commercial software is strictly limited by design, while open-source is limited only to the imagination.
Read Article
On the left, people float helplessly on rafts around an island with the title 'Closed Ecosystem Software Co'. The front-person asks 'Hey, can we at least connect to our calendar?'. On the right, in the distance, a super-modern spaceship with the title 'Open Source Collaboration' flies past.
Commercial Pain Points: Closed Ecosystem
Closed ecosystem is one of the most persistent and frustrating pain points in commercial software, while open-source promotes integration by default.
Read Article
On the left, a character sits in a gloomy medieval dungeon cell, their laptop chained to the wall. The vendor is dressed like a pompous guard, jingling keys, saying: 'No exit. No refunds. No satisfaction.'. On the right side, next door, in bright daylight, people are in a lively open workshop, with their laptops out, freely building, sharing, swapping parts. A big welcoming banner says 'Forks Welcome.'
Commercial Pain Points: Vendor Lock-In
Open-source software not only drastically reduces the pain of vendor lock-in but entirely eliminates the lock-in mechanism.
Read Article

 

Entries by Category

 

Digital Sovereignty

On the left side, depicting a proprietary vendor, is a lush, manicured garden surrounded by towering walls and security cameras. Inside, users are picking fruit, each fruit labeled 'Feature', 'Update', or 'Security Fix', while a gatekeeper demands coins for each piece. Outside the wall, on the right side, a vast open meadow stretches endlessly, where diverse people plant seeds together under a sign reading 'Open Fields: Grow Anything You Want'.
Rethinking Proprietary Technology in an Age of Digital Sovereignty
Reclaiming digital sovereignty through open-source technology.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Control and Ownership

On the left, a character sits in a gloomy medieval dungeon cell, their laptop chained to the wall. The vendor is dressed like a pompous guard, jingling keys, saying: 'No exit. No refunds. No satisfaction.'. On the right side, next door, in bright daylight, people are in a lively open workshop, with their laptops out, freely building, sharing, swapping parts. A big welcoming banner says 'Forks Welcome.'
Commercial Pain Points: Vendor Lock-In
Open-source software not only drastically reduces the pain of vendor lock-in but entirely eliminates the lock-in mechanism.
Read Article
On the left, people float helplessly on rafts around an island with the title 'Closed Ecosystem Software Co'. The front-person asks 'Hey, can we at least connect to our calendar?'. On the right, in the distance, a super-modern spaceship with the title 'Open Source Collaboration' flies past.
Commercial Pain Points: Closed Ecosystem
Closed ecosystem is one of the most persistent and frustrating pain points in commercial software, while open-source promotes integration by default.
Read Article
On the left, a corporate store where only the prescribed combinations and products are available. The customer is holding a tomato, asking 'Can I get this without preservatives?' To which, the clerk responds with 'That's a customization. Please contact sales'. On the right, an open-source farmer's market, where a sign is posted that reads 'Arrange your own. Pay only if you need help'. Customers are freely mixing and matching their fruits and vegetables to arrange exactly the combinations they need.
Commercial Pain Points: Limited Customization
Commercial software is strictly limited by design, while open-source is limited only to the imagination.
Read Article
Two highways. On the left, proprietary. A man stands next to the road holding a sign titled 'Trust Us. We know where you're going.'. The traffic around him is unsure as to which direction to drive, and further down the road, there is an unannounced outage. On the right, an open-source highway, where multiple people are signaling for traffic direction and helping to set signs that read 'Bridge upgrade in 2026' and 'Next turn in 6 months'.
Commercial Pain Points: Opaque Roadmap
Why proprietary software keeps you in the dark and how open source shines a light on the future.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Data and Privacy

On the left side is a businessman proudly holding a giant suitcase labeled 'Your Data' but it's sealed shut with absurdly oversized padlocks. He jingles a key chain that only has fake decorative keys. On the right side, depicting open-source, a cheerful mechanic has a wide-open toolbox with all the tools neatly labeled 'JSON, CSV, XML, APIs'. Signs read 'Help yourself' and 'Instructions inside the lid'.
Commercial Pain Points: Data Portability Issues
Proprietary vendors restrict data portability, while open-source alternatives restore transparency, control, and user sovereignty.
Read Article
On the left side is a character looking into a gleaming 'Proprietary Mirror'. Instead of his own reflection, the mirror is showing a salesperson jotting down his every move into a notebook labeled 'User Data'. Meanwhile, the main character looks baffled. On the right side, another character gazes into an 'Open-Source Mirror' and sees himself, smiling, free, no-one else lurking in the glass.
Commercial Pain Points: Unclear Data Ownership
Proprietary technology clouds data ownership while open-source empowers creators to reclaim their digital sovereignty.
Read Article
On the left, the 'proprietary' house looks like a grand, polished mansion with high walls and a locked gate. But the walls are cracked, the gate is ajar, and a burglar dressed in black is quietly walking out the front door with valuables in hand. Meanwhile, the owner, who is coincidentally wearing a black glove and holding a black bag, is scolding the guests lined up outside with 'Triple-check your shoe laces before coming in!'. On the right, the 'open-source' house is a modest cottage with large windows and its blueprints pinned to a noticeboard out front. A diverse group of neighbors is gathered around, painting the fence, fixing the roof, and nailing boards over gaps. A sign by the door reads If you see a leak, grab a hammer. All hands welcome.'.
Commercial Pain Points: Security as a Secondary Concern
Why closed-door security practices leave us exposed, and how openness offers real protection.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Deployment and Operations

On the left side, a flashy shoe store with only one model of shoe on display, a shiny but uncomfortable boot. The clerk insists 'One size, one style, fits everyone!'. Customers look miserable as they try to squeeze in. On the right side, an open workshop where people are joyfully making and painting their own shoes. Everyone has footwear suited to their needs, like sandals, sneakers, hiking boots, and they look comfortable and happy.
Commercial Pain Points: Rigid Deployment Options
How rigid vendor deployment models trap users, while open-source offers the flexibility and control to break free.
Read Article
On the left side, one gardener stands in a 'Proprietary License' garden plot where every plant is behind padlocked glass cases, each labeled with different rules and price tags. The gardener is frustrated, holding a watering can, but can't reach the plants because every case requires a separate key. On the right side, another gardener tends an open, flourishing 'Open-Source' garden, where seeds are freely available in baskets. The plants grow abundantly, and the gardener waters them with ease, smiling as the whole space thrives.
Commercial Pain Points: Inflexible Licensing
Proprietary licensing models create hidden costs in operations, while open-source offers a more empowering alternative.
Read Article
On the left side, an 'orchestra' where chaos reigns. The conductor waves erratically, sheet music is being swapped mid-performance, a violin bursts into jazz while the cellist receives a new instrument mid-bar. Some players look confused, others frozen mid-note. Above them, a proud banner reads 'The Future Is Now (Update 11.4 in Progress)'. On the right, an open-air ensemble of musicians, each tuning carefully, exchanging nods, following a consistent single score under the shared banner 'Community Arrangement'. Their music is harmonious, deliberate, and flowing.
Commercial Pain Points: Unpredictable Update Cycles
When constant change devolves into chaos, only discipline and diligence can bring technology back to order.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Profit-First Practices

Commercial software as a larger man, riding in an elephant saddle on the back of a smaller man representing small business.
Commercial Pain Points: Monetization Over Customer
Commercial software vendors always prioritize monetization over customer value, in stark contrast with the user-first ethics of the open-source community.
Read Article
An agressive seller holding a credit card reader and offering only a basic package, while the open-source seller offers a box of tools at no charge.
Commercial Pain Points: Aggressive Upselling
Aggressive upselling puts profit before productivity, while open source restores the balance.
Read Article
Two fruit stands side-by-side. A sign on the proprietary fruit stand announces that these apples are now 20% more expensive while the operator glares at the other fruit stand. At the second fruit stand, the sign announces that you can take one, leave one, or just enjoy.
Commercial Pain Points: Surprise Price Increases
Profiteers take with surprise hikes, while open-source gives without strings.
Read Article
Two tables at the support potluck. At one table is a dish labeled $niffs, call now for a taste!. At the other table are several dishes having labels like free refills forever and try some, it's delicious.
Commercial Pain Points: Paywalls For Critical Support
Commercial vendors trap customers behind paywalls for critical support, while open-source offers true ownership and freedom.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Quality and Stability

On the left side, commercial software illustrated by mansion with new features at the top floor, bugs spilling out of a window at the main floor, and old bugs leaking out of a spigot underground. On the right side, open-source illustrated by the well-formed structure of a new building, based on a fresh design, being built that includes the use of a large beam titled 'community fix'. The open source community smiles while they watch over the activity.
Commercial Pain Points: Old Bugs Never Get Fixed
How commercial software accumulates unresolved bugs and technical debt over decades, contrasted with the open-source community's capacity to rebuild, renew, and evolve.
Read Article
On one side, a refrigerator with the title 'COMMERCIAL BRAND', with a login panel on the front door expressing a caption that reads 'Feature update installed sucessfully' and signs on the ice maker that read 'beta crushed ice' and 'experimental frozen cubes'. The owner is standing next to the left refrigerator trying to read the owner's manual with a confused look on his face. On the right side is a normal refrigerator with no strange extensions. The owner on the right is having a pleasant time looking at the contents in the open door like fruit, vegetables, and milk.
Commercial Pain Points: Feature Creep Over Stability
Why today's constant cycle of updates leads to fragile systems and disrupted work, and how open-source offers a steadier path.
Read Article
The customer is playing Whack-a-Mole while the Quality Assurance professional looks on in amusement.
Commercial Pain Points: Regression Errors
Regression errors reveal how vendors trade stability for speed, making customers pay for problems that should have stayed solved.
Read Article
Two computers are racing on a running track. The computer on the left is weighted down with extra cables, discs, and gadgets of all kinds, and is struggling to make any headway at all. Signs on the left computer read 'bloatware' and 'updates'. The right computer, wearing only a light backpack, is ahead of the left computer, has time to slow down to greet the left computer, and is not at all weary.
Commercial Pain Points: Performance Degradation
How commercial software's creeping bloat erodes performance and burdens the environment, contrasted with the open-source principles of efficiency, longevity, and sustainability.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Support and Responsiveness

On the left side, a customer stands, looking up at a huge, ornate, castle-like service desk labeled 'Tech Vendor Support'. The desk stretches impossibly high, and has no noticeable access. A sign posted nearby says 'We value your feedback. Expect to wait.'. On the right side is a picnic table under a tree, with a hand-lettered sign overhead 'Open-Source Help'. A handful of developers and users are seated together with laptops, tea mugs, and sketchpads. One user leans over to show another their bug report, and a maintainer has already scribbled 'Fixed in version 1.2.3!' on a page that is ready to be distributed.
Commercial Pain Points: Slow or Ineffective Support
How commercial technology vendors bury user feedback while open-source communities turn it into collaboration and progress.
Read Article
On the left side is a clockmaker having to use a vendor's proprietary process. He is frazzled, and hunched over a half-assembled clock, surrounded by oddly shaped gears and springs that clearly don’t fit together. The parts are labeled with little tags like 'Sparse Documentation', 'Opaque Design', and 'Vendor Lock-In'. On his workbench sits a sealed box stamped 'Internal Knowledge: Do Not Open'. The clockmaker scratches his head, sweat dripping, while a stern 'Vendor Hotline' phone on the wall flashes 'On Hold Forever'. Meanwhile, on the right side, a cheerful, open-source clockmaker sits at a tidy bench, smiling while consulting a large, open book labeled 'Clock-Making Manual - Community Edition'. His parts are clearly labeled 'Transparent Design', 'Community Support', and 'Shared Standards'. Behind him, a small group of fellow clockmakers are chatting, pointing, and laughing, and clearly engaged in collaborative learning. The nearly finished clock ticks happily, showing progress.
Commercial Pain Points: Lack of Self-Support Resources
How commercial technology vendors bury user feedback while open-source communities turn it into collaboration and progress.
Read Article
On the left side, depicting proprietary technology SLA behavior, a house is clearly on fire. The firetruck is parked outside, but the firefighters are standing around with their arms crossed. A giant price list is posted on the side of the truck: 'Basic Package: No Response - $. Bronze: Hose rental - $$$. Platinum: Actual water - $$$$.'. The homeowner is frantically pointing at the flames while the firefighters calmly gesture to the menu board. On the right side, another house has a small kitchen fire. Here, the neighbors are already working together, where one spraying water from a garden hose, another is handing over a bucket, kids are forming a bucket brigade, and someone else is reading aloud from a visible 'How to Put Out Fires' manual. The scene is collaborative, resourceful, and effective, even without fancy gear.
Commercial Pain Points: Limited or Tiered SLAs
Proprietary technology suppliers restrict timely support behind costly service-level agreements, while open-source promotes ethical, inclusive service.
Read Article

Disadvantages of Proprietary Technology: Trust and Relationships

Two halves of a bridge designed to meet in the middle of the river. On the left is a bridge made of balloons and duct tape. Some of the ballons have titles like 'Trust Bridge', 'AI Features', and 'Productivity Suite'. A carnival-barker type of individual is standing at the left shore yelling through a megaphone: 'Guaranteed to carry all your weight - now with extra glitter features!'. The right bridge is much more plain, made of a general purpose wooden structure. Near the right bridge is a sign reading 'Free to cross. Bring your own ideas.'. Over the right bridge, the caption of a female passer reads 'Not pretty, but it won't drop you in the river.'
Commercial Pain Points: Diminishing Trustworthiness
Commercial technology vendors are eroding trust while open-source communities are strengthening it.
Read Article
On the left, a wild teacup carnival ride being operated by a vendor holding and posting signs that read 'New Rules!', 'Terms Updated', and 'No Refunds', while on the right, a couple is having a nice, quite picnic near a tree where a sign is posted reading 'MIT / GPL, APACHE. Free use area. Same rules every time.'
Commercial Pain Points: Shifting Terms of Service
How shifting proprietary contracts erode trust, contrasted with the clarity and stability of open-source licensing.
Read Article
On the left, an escalator with a sign across reading 'Proprietary Upgrades', with discarded signs at the bottom reading 'Features' and 'Compatibility', and carrying a number of weary passengers trying to exit. On the right, a meadow with open paths, along which are posted the signs 'Open Source' and 'Choose your Route'.
Commercial Pain Points: Forced Migrations
How forced migrations erode trust in proprietary technology, and why the open-source model offers a user-first alternative.
Read Article
On the left side is a scene in a fancy restaurant where a smug vendor-waiter in a tuxedo plops down a plate with one tiny pea in the center. The menu hanging behind him reads 'Subscription Dinner - $29.99/month. No substitutions. Chef's choice only'. Across the table, the customer sits bewildered, holding a knife and fork much too large for the tiny meal. On the right side is a scene where another table shows a group at a lively potluck-style open-source picnic, where people are sharing big, colorful dishes labeled 'collaboration' and 'respect'.
Commercial Pain Points: Vendors Subjugating Customers
How technology vendors erode customer trust through control, while open-source offers a collaborative path to self-empowerment.
Read Article