On Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 10:41 AM Eric S. Raymond <[email protected]> wrote:
> The members of this list are, I think, much more aware tham most that > a lot of critical Internet software is maintained by unfunded > volunteers, and of the systemic risks that result from this. > > I'm attacking the problem at the root, applying what the Internet has > taught us about decentralization and avoidiing single poimts of > failure. In part because I'm currently struggling with medical bills > (nothing life-threatening, just ankle surgery) but I've been worrying > about the larger problem for a decade. > > Please read http://loadsharers.net > > Of course I would like everyone on here to take the pledge and spread > the word in technical communities where they have influence. But > beyond that, there are several members of this list who are clearly > qualified to join as advisers. We're going to need that as the > Loadsharers network scales up. > Interesting concept, and seems like a good idea. What's the end goal look like? Encouraging folks to contribute to specific individuals directly may be a little more difficult though, compared to, say, getting a legitimate organization going that provides (likely objectively-determined merit-based) payouts to the sort of folks you're talking about. Is that on the table, or is the goal more to just encourage direct payments from one individual to others? I think many of us assume that doing the sort of work you're referring to will definitely result in the regular receipt of many prestigious, high-paying job offers. If that's not the case, maybe something else we can do is to help find full-time employment/funding for folks who contribute and need it. Hope your ankle's feeling better soon!
