Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Wouldn't the point be they're an indecent, possibly bad, actor by default since they're a business at all rather than just creating or contributing to protocols/standards to resolve the issues their product relies on to exist? The only way they could be a good actor is if they're using the money from their sales to fund that initiative with a plan to obsolete themselves.

I suppose if you follow that thread though a lot of businesses just shouldn't exist except for fulfilling the need they fill for the sake of those in need.




Companies are allowed to solve problems for a profit. People can choose to sell their time and energy or give it away. The choice is the default.

In fact, I prefer that capitalist model at this point having seen countless OSS/nonprofit efforts turn into glorified abandonware.

At least the business has an interest in remaining a going concern and maintaining the stack.


BTW the best way to make standards happen is to sell a product based on the standard. Academic standards don't go anywhere.


I have no idea what the adoption is, but this reminds me of the really nice work the buf.build people are doing with ConnectRPC.

I have a SaaS-crush on buf because they did such a good job on fixing such an annoying problem.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: