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Comment by p-e-w

4 hours ago

> Many open source projects are done without any good for the public

Such as? By definition, open source projects are provided to the public, for free. That’s obviously a good for the public.

Note that in order for something to be a public service, it need not be useful for every member of the public. Most people have no interest in curling, but that doesn’t mean running a non-profit curling club that is open to everyone isn’t a public good.

3 comments

p-e-w

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jodrellblank  4 hours ago

I'm glad the last FizzBuzz-golfed-in-$esolang I put on the internet was "obviously a good for the public", although I wouldn't mind seeing your reasoning because it isn't clear to me how.

  • p-e-w  3 hours ago

    Demonstrating how it’s possible to do something is a public good. This really isn’t complicated unless you’re being deliberately obtuse.