This Isn't a Battle

[stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

This Isn't a Battle

After reading a post describing the FreeBSD community as 'toxic', I share a different perspective. This isn't a battle. It's a reflection on coexistence, the original Open Source spirit, and the quiet richness of taking a different path.

https://my-notes.dragas.net/2025/11/14/this-isnt-a-battle/

#MyNotes #IT #SysAdmin #FreeBSD #NetBSD #OpenBSD #Linux #OpenSource

[nuintari@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@stefano The BSDs change, but never just for change's sake itself. New ideas are carefully vetted before consideration for inclusion. A new idea has to pass a test that goes beyond, "this shit stuck to the wall," before it has any chance at acceptance.

[Guest]

@stefano

Reading your article, I was able to identify the type of character depicted in the other article you cited.

Unfortunately, for some time now, a segment of the Linux community—let's call it the "mainstream"—has been increasingly espousing this "if it's new and shiny, it's good; if it's old, it's therefore bad and no longer efficient" sentiment (I won't mention which community; those who want to know will understand).

"They don't want to accept the new" is now used by these individuals as a synonym for "you're forced to accept this new software because we've decided it's better, and that's it." It's no longer a question of being able to decide whether or not to use this or that software; you're forced to accept it, the communities of these "old software" or those who merely fork it are being denigrated and censored.

Right below your article, I was offered this other article from this summer that connects well with this one and sums up the current situation nicely.

https://my-notes.dragas.net/2025/06/19/from-collaborators-to-consumers-have-we-killed-the-soul-of-open-source/

[pki@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@stefano My personal reflection on the [Free]BSD community is that it is mature, friendly and not very "noisy". I guess it's in the eye of the .... and so on. 😍

[raven@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@stefano Great article Stefano!

[contaminase@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@stefano The mere fact that recurrently it's necessary to state that the OS/tech is not a religion is somehow boggling.

Though, 10 years ago I'd loved schooling my peers that you are a brainlet unless you run Linux.

[angel@triptico.com]

I totally agree with you: I've found the BSD community welcoming and peaceful, and I also don't consider it adverse to innovation and change (or maybe the "level of desire to change" matches mine).

[stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@raven thank you!