Re: [Discussion] GitHub as the canonical source or not

On Sun, Jan 28, 2024 at 07:25:03AM -0800, Sukima wrote:
> Recently there has been a percolating trend to be concerned over GitHub.
> Specifically the
> Give up GitHub <https://sfconservancy.org/GiveUpGitHub/> plea.
>
> Since Vim is a FOSS project I was curious what the community thought about
> this.
>
> 1. Pros/Cons?

Noce to see this discussion on GitHub, but IMHO a bit late. Far Too
Late.

GitHub is owned by Microsoft, they bought the platform several years
ago. Technically GH might be practical for developers, but the owner
can be a problem. In several ways.

Microsoft says to `<3` Linux, but anyone who remembers their quite
agressive proprietary way can smell the threat for the freedom of your
code.

What when they pull the plug? By cutting the cables or --more realistic
in this part of the software world-- ask growing fees for using, up- and
downloading code.

What does Microsoft with all the code? In the past they nicked parts to
implement and sell. Maybe part of some GPL or BSD license accepts that,
but it feels somewhat strange. Sooner or later people pay for
proprietary software based on FOSS code. That ain't fair.

Trust is good, trust in a (former) opponent is brave. But don't be naiv.

The other thing about GitHub and all the alternatives is that a parallel
universe of software sources and repositories seems to grow. This brings
practical (where can I find it) and security concerns (who can change
code, fork it with nasty features, present it as a decent fork). The
latter is a very big risk for computer and software safety. I expect the
formal repositories in Linuxes and *BSD do security checks on the code.
In de Microsoft-realm we all know the spreading of virusus and malware
made possible by this cowboy way of software distribution.

My thoughts on the plea. Find a common, secure and independent place for
it!

KR

//meine

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