[kwlug-disc] Let's Encrypt out of beta

[B.S.]

>________________________________
> From: Paul Nijjar <paul_nijjar at yahoo.ca>
>To: KWLUG discussion <kwlug-disc at kwlug.org> 
>Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 11:06 PM
>Subject: Re: [kwlug-disc] Let's Encrypt out of beta
> 
>
>On Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 08:21:28AM +0000, B.S. via kwlug-disc wrote:
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> 
>> > Huh. This tells me that the project is dangerous, because it depends on
>> > continued corporate sponsorship for its existence. Once our "friends"
>> > at the big companies drop their sponsorships, it will fall apart.
>> 
>> What is the basis and justification for spreading such fears?
>
>The Software Freedom Conservancy fiasco. 
>
>I have no reason to believe that any sponsor or group of sponsors will
>leave imminently. I do have a reason to believe that any
>organization that depends on our corporate friends for its continued

>existence is beholden to those friends. 

Fair enough, but that is the norm.

Any product that loses it's corporate sponsorship, which is to say, isn't revenue positive to keep the ship afloat, lives that same reality.

Imagine if Microsoft disappears. Or Google. Although we might in theory not really regret the loss, such would definitely leave a gaping hole in our electronic world, if not for us, then for those with whom we are surrounded, and thus impacted by. At least until some phoenix rises from the ashes. (Think Netscape.)

Imagine if Google didn't fund so many other things, at a loss, even. Such as Android. Consider the impact of Rim's troubles.

Or abandoned FOSS. (e.g. TrueCrypt.)

Something has to pay the bills. Be it proprietary, or sponsored, or ... nothing. What you describe is the norm.

Even the the Yahoo/DKIM change has impacted this list and yourself/ourselves (in the time and energy and eyespace required to deal with change).

Things are certain and dependable, until they're not - but not until they're not.

FUD without basis imposes its own wide counter-productive swath, too.


The only constant is change.