An open letter to the Linux Foundation
Summary
Robert C. Martin criticises the low representation of developers in the Linux Foundation and calls for technical communities to have a stronger say. Robert C. Martin addressed Jim Zemlin directly. The Linux Foundation is a non-profit organisation.
Ideas
- Corporate memberships fund a large part of the foundation.
- Funding organisations and code contributors have different interests.
- Governance determines which groups influence strategic decisions.
- Open source code does not guarantee balanced institutional representation.
Insights
- Technical openness and organisational openness are separate properties.
- Sustainable projects need legitimate decision-making paths alongside reliable funding.
- Governance conflicts become visible when economic success changes the original community.
Recommendations
- Publish the composition and election procedures of all governing bodies.
- Reserve transparent representation for active technical communities.
References
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