Published on December 7th, 2024
Introduction: A Quiet Transition
If you’ve been visiting Opensource.com lately, you might have noticed that it’s been relatively quiet. However, behind the scenes, there is an exciting new project in the works. While specific details are still under wraps, there’s already much to talk about, and it all starts with something fundamental to the internet itself — the network.
This article explores the evolving role of open source within the broader digital ecosystem, focusing on the internet, top-level domains (TLDs), and the shift at Opensource.com that is set to make a significant impact. We’ll also discuss how the open source community functions as its own dynamic network and what you can expect in the near future.
The Internet and Top-Level Domains: A Brief Overview
The internet, at its core, is a vast network of interconnected networks. It’s not just a collection of websites but rather a complex web of information and communication that links countless systems together. The term “internet” itself is derived from a portmanteau of “interconnected” and “network,” emphasizing its role in connecting disparate systems.
When the internet first expanded beyond its military and academic roots, it became clear that it needed a way to differentiate various types of websites and organizations. This led to the creation of top-level domains (TLDs).
TLDs are the suffixes we see in web addresses, such as .com, .org, and .edu, and they help to categorize the purpose of the website. For example, a .com domain typically represents a commercial entity, while a .org domain is reserved for non-profit organizations. Over time, the number of available TLDs has grown exponentially, offering even more specific categories to help identify different types of online entities.
Open Source as a Network of People
While TLDs categorize websites, open source is a network in a much broader sense. Open source isn’t just about software; it’s about people coming together to collaborate and share ideas. Open source projects can span across various sectors—commercial, academic, non-profit, cultural—and it thrives as a community of people, regardless of the specific form it takes.
This community of people is what drives open source forward. Whether they’re meeting in-person at conferences, collaborating in online forums, or discussing code in chat rooms, open source is built upon collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity.
For 12 years, Opensource.com has served as a hub for this community, fostering conversations, sharing knowledge, and providing resources for open source enthusiasts around the world. However, the site itself has been supported by a commercial entity. The goal of Opensource.com, though, has always been to serve the people who make up the open source community, rather than corporate interests.
The Upcoming Shift: Resolving the Bug
In just one month, Opensource.com will resolve a significant “bug” in its operations, marking a major shift. For the first time, the website will transition into a new model that will better align with the community it serves. Although the exact details are still under wraps, this change will move Opensource.com closer to its roots—embracing its identity as a network of people rather than as a commercial entity.
This upcoming shift signals a renewed focus on the community-driven nature of open source. The changes will likely reflect the growing desire for decentralized control and more direct involvement from the people who make open source what it is: a collective effort to innovate, share knowledge, and collaborate.
Conclusion: The Future of Opensource.com
As the open source landscape continues to evolve, so too will Opensource.com. With the upcoming changes, the site will move toward a more community-centered approach that mirrors the values of open source itself: collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. By resolving the “bug” and transitioning to a hybrid model that reflects the true spirit of open source, Opensource.com is setting the stage for a more inclusive, people-driven future.
Stay tuned, because big things are coming to Opensource.com — and they’re coming from you, the community. With this shift, the future of open source looks brighter, more collaborative, and more exciting than ever.
