But now we have “AI” and everyone can generate some code. That might work. Or might mine some crypto or give your laptop an STI. Decades of collective work proving that “open source” is not less but at least as secure as commercial offerings now slowing going down the drain. Because a bunch of men – and it is always all men – just don't want to be responsible for their actions. Which is fine if you are 5. But after 18 it gets old really fucking fast.
We deserve good software in a world where participation is often connected to having access to a computer, to software, etc. We should push towards more reliable software, more secure software, software that is accessible, that protects people against misuse and allows them to be as safe as possible in doing what they want to do.
What do we get? Slop. Slop generated by guys who – when called out for their irresponsible behavior – just start crying about how they only wanted to “share” or “inspire” or “educate” while handing out running chainsaws to kids.
And that was what makes me fucking furious. Not just these dudes being spineless but the disrespect to those who have run serious projects for decades to build a more humane stack.
And it reminds me that “Open Source” is not enough. Open source code can still be harmful to you and your digital existence, can put you in danger without you realizing it. We need something better. Something more.
We need to be willing to take responsibility for and care of one another. “AI” generated software is the opposite of that.
Coda: Never forget. Nothing only men like is cool.