Cooperative Software
jeferson.me
What if the apps we use were owned by the people who use them? A dive into platform cooperatives, the internet we could have, and why open source and open protocols alone aren't enough.

This is a general view on the topic. I think open-source isn’t enough, we need also governance for the software we use, and create small pockets of freedom.

All feedback is welcome.

    • Gorgritch_Umie_Killa@aussie.zone
      2·
      2 hours ago

      I’m not sure they have.

      Your idea is good. I’m, slowly, trying to develop an idea for a foundation/association that acts in support of user/developer projects like the ones you suggest. Like you, I think one of the issues holding back the fediverse/social web is a coordination problem. Lots of fabtastically talented people here, but its a herd of cats at the best of times! :p

      From your article,

      Nick Srnicek (eeewwww Linkedin!) argues that even if every platform were open sourced tomorrow, it wouldn’t matter, because Facebook has the data, the network effects, and the resources to fight off any co-op that shows up. Evgeny Morozov points out that a co-op of drivers in a small town can absolutely beat Uber locally, but it will never build a self-driving car. Rufus Pollock warns that co-ops can’t raise venture capital, move too slowly, and can even go bad, becoming an exclusive club where the drivers exploit the passengers instead of the other way around.

      I’d previously thought about these issues with any small development and found a un-tethered tier system could help. The individual projects owned by the users and developers involved and a, or series of, Foundations with values missions of their own support individual projects that align with that mission.

      Its a format that could be loosely based on the Climate 200 political movement supporting independent parliamentary candidates in Australia.

      I feel like the two ideas gel well.