Case Studies of Exploitation in Open Source
328 | Sun 04 Aug 4:30 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
Presented by
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Watson
@elementwatson
http://www.vulk.coop
W. Watson has been professionally developing software for 30 years. He has spent numerous years studying game theory and other business expertise in pursuit of the perfect organizational structure for software co-operatives. He also founded the Austin Software Cooperatives meetup group and Vulk Coop as an alternative way to work on software as a group. He has a diverse background that includes service in the Marine Corps as a computer programmer, and software development in numerous industries including defense, medical, education, and insurance. He has spent the last couple of years developing complementary cloud native systems such as the cncf.ci dashboard. He currently works on the Cloud Native Network Function (CNF) Certification and the Cloud Native Network Function (CNF) Test Suite.
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Brandon Smith
@mrcoleroyal
https://wealthimpactjournal.com/
Brandon Smith is a finance professional with a burgeoning interest in cybersecurity and a passion for innovation in the digital asset space. Armed with a BBA in Finance from Texas State University and a recent graduate with a BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, Brandon is on a mission to integrate financial expertise with emerging technologies.
His career includes significant experience as a Commercial Underwriter and Credit Analyst in the financial sector. Brandon's expertise encompasses industry analysis, financial analysis, credit risk management, and market research.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brandon is an enthusiastic advocate for decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology. He is dedicated to educating traditional investors on the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. As a podcast host and content creator, he simplifies complex financial concepts and makes them accessible to a broader audience.
With a keen eye on the future of finance and technology, Brandon aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of blockchain, driving innovation and fostering a deeper understanding of this dynamic field.
Watson
@elementwatson
http://www.vulk.coop
Brandon Smith
@mrcoleroyal
https://wealthimpactjournal.com/
Abstract
Open Source funding is inextricably related to how it is governed. Open source governance of mature projects can be split into four components: the project itself, the services company surrounding the project, the foundation associated with the project, and its community of users.
Contrary to popular belief, open source has “rival” assets in the form of social capital (attention, trust, a sense of belonging) and traditional assets (trademarks, donations, certification proceeds, conference proceeds). Both of these asset types need ethical governance in order to avoid exploitation.
Traditionally, donations for open source projects were in the form of direct participation e.g. code or in fiat money. More recently, open source projects such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana “mint” and issue “tokens” that can be redeemable in fiat money. This opens the door to new opportunities (non fungible ownership of digital assets, i.e. web 3.0) and new methods of exploitation (rug pulls).
We will present a case study on three open source initiatives with various sizes of projects, non profit foundations, open source services companies, communities, and funding styles. These initiatives are the CNF Test Suite, the Fedora project, and XRP. We will conclude with an analysis of the funding styles, stemming from the governance structure of the open source project.
The attendee will walk away with a useful model for critiquing open source funding which can be used for traditional as well as web 3.0 open source projects.
Open Source funding is inextricably related to how it is governed. Open source governance of mature projects can be split into four components: the project itself, the services company surrounding the project, the foundation associated with the project, and its community of users. Contrary to popular belief, open source has “rival” assets in the form of social capital (attention, trust, a sense of belonging) and traditional assets (trademarks, donations, certification proceeds, conference proceeds). Both of these asset types need ethical governance in order to avoid exploitation. Traditionally, donations for open source projects were in the form of direct participation e.g. code or in fiat money. More recently, open source projects such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana “mint” and issue “tokens” that can be redeemable in fiat money. This opens the door to new opportunities (non fungible ownership of digital assets, i.e. web 3.0) and new methods of exploitation (rug pulls). We will present a case study on three open source initiatives with various sizes of projects, non profit foundations, open source services companies, communities, and funding styles. These initiatives are the CNF Test Suite, the Fedora project, and XRP. We will conclude with an analysis of the funding styles, stemming from the governance structure of the open source project. The attendee will walk away with a useful model for critiquing open source funding which can be used for traditional as well as web 3.0 open source projects.