Open Source Definition
Different people mean different things when they use the word "open source", wikipedia has at least 2 separate pages:
However, the most popular and literal meaning of the word OPEN is used when we definite "open source":
- the source is "opened" for people to ACCESS (as oppose to being "closed" when people cannot access)
Making source code OPEN (so others have full access) is not the same as making the source code FREE.
Having access does not mean it is FREE access, the source may not be provided free.
We do not support the hijacking of the word OPEN and using it to mean FREE - whether FREE as in "freedom" or FREE as in "money" is up to individual interpretation, but the word OPEN cannot be used in place of the word FREE in either of those cases.
Problems with FREE
We are supporters of FREE software movement, we just don't believe the movement should use the word OPEN instead FREE.
In most use cases, FREE is actually a good distribution model for OPEN hardware and software, but not in all use cases:
- How many Cloud software started off using the ideas and code from the free and opened sourced software (e.g. XMPP for messaging) and change over to closed source after many users have been locked in ?
When resources (like source code) are FREE, those with the wealth and skill can generally take advantage of and benefit from them much MORE than those without. Hardly the outcomes that some free software proponents wanted.
Just look at Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Twitter etc. all build they businesses on turning originally FREE software into NON-FREE software.
Our use of the word OPEN
Thus the personal console license is an open source license:
Most of our hardware and software are open sourced, giving users the ability to inspect for security holes, ability to customise to their needs, ability to continue operating if we disappear . . . the possibilities are endless.
Do we still need licenses ?
Citizen Synergy Exchange enables anonymous tracking of production and consumption for both physical and digital products and services. Giving producers and consumers unprecedented visibility while protecting their privacy.
Licenses are too broad, too static and too difficult to enforce in the online world where time and distance are no longer barriers to interaction between producers and consumers.
For the first time in history, producers and consumers can control exactly how they want to exchange resources on a per transaction level with unlimited flexibility e.g. enforcements can be built-in, rewards can be retrospective.