Commoning open-source versus growth-hacking open-source (garagehq.deuxfleurs.fr)

Recent discussions in the software-defined storage community have underscored a critical distinction in open-source projects: the difference between "growth-hacking" and "commoning" approaches. While growth-hacking open-source aims to attract users with the potential for re-licensing to a more restrictive model later, commoning open-source is centered around collaboration among stakeholders to develop software sustainably. The creators of the Garage project advocate for the latter, committing to a licensing strategy that ensures all future developments remain under the same open-source license, specifically the AGPLv3, without requiring contributor ownership transfers. This philosophy is significant for the AI/ML community as it addresses growing concerns about software lock-in and the risks associated with re-licensing. By implementing a share-alike clause and avoiding Contributor License Agreements (CLAs), Garage aims to safeguard its project from being re-licensed or monopolized by a single entity. This model not only fosters community trust but also enhances stability, ensuring that the software remains a viable and accessible resource for all contributors. As the movement towards commoning open-source gains momentum, it presents a framework for creating resilient and collaborative software ecosystems contrary to the commercialization trends influencing many projects today.