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Hamish CampbellTalking About the #geekproblem in Funding Funding the #openweb is a political act, yet most funding decisions today are framed in technical terms only, dominated by what we call the #geekproblem – a worldview where infrastructure is king, user needs are secondary, and social context is largely ignored. Let’s unpack this with real-world examples and look at how we keep falling into this trap, and what we could do to climb out. The call-out for funding is phrased in social language, to build privacy-preserving tools, improve the […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/talking-about-the-geekproblem-in-funding-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/talking-about-the-geekproblem-in-funding-2/</a>

Hamish CampbellWhy most #geekproblem software fails: Trust vs. control Almost all of our #geekproblem software fails because it’s built with a mindset of control. Control over users.Control over systems.Control over outcomes. But all good societies, and all durable communities, are based on trust. When we ignore this, we don’t just write bad code, we produce #techshit that nobody uses, that burns out developers, and that confuses users. Then we start over… and call it “innovation.” That’s #techchurn.Control-driven projects: Examples of […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/why-most-geekproblem-software-fails-trust-vs-control/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/why-most-geekproblem-software-fails-trust-vs-control/</a>

Hamish CampbellThis view is not arrogance, I should know, having worked at the heart of this mess for 30 years With the growing influx of #EU funding into the #openweb we will see an increase in #techchurn due to the #geekproblem being feed by #mainstreaming #stupidindividualism of most of the #fashernista who can jump through the bureaucracy gatekeeper hoops. Hoping for a balance of good vs damage, though the shear blinded arrogance of the vertical crew push us to the damage side. #NGI do not want to see this problem, we as a community need to push back on this for a better outcome Some examples […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/this-view-is-not-arrogance-i-should-know-having-worked-at-the-heart-of-this-mess-for-30-years/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/this-view-is-not-arrogance-i-should-know-having-worked-at-the-heart-of-this-mess-for-30-years/</a>

Hamish CampbellBy focusing, we can make a tangible difference in the <a class="hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://bsky.app/search?q=%23openweb" target="_blank">#openweb</a> space and reduce the noise of pointless <a class="hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://bsky.app/search?q=%23techchurn" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> that currently wastes time, focus and resources. The pushing of doomed projects <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-...</a> <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The pushing of doomed projects...</a>

witchescauldronBy focusing, we can make a tangible difference in the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/openweb" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> space and reduce the noise of pointless <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techchurn" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> that currently wastes time, focus and resources. The pushing of doomed projects <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/</a>

witchescauldronWe compost now. That means naming the problems clearly — with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/4opens" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#4opens</a>, with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/nothingnew" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#nothingnew</a>, with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techchurn" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> — and using simple, shared language to build trust again. Not trust in apps or brands, but in each other. The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Fediverse" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Fediverse</a> gives us a foundation. The hashtags give us a narrative. The compost gives us soil. It’s time to stop pretending we’re building something while we’re really just stacking junk. Stop chasing bling. Start seeding roots. Speak simply, act clearly, hashtag with intention. We've wasted a decade. Let’s not lose another.<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com</a>

Hamish CampbellBy focusing, we can make a tangible difference in the <a class="hashtag" href="https://bsky.app/search?q=%23openweb" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> space and reduce the noise of pointless <a class="hashtag" href="https://bsky.app/search?q=%23techchurn" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> that waste time, focus and resources. The pushing of doomed projects <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-...</a> <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The pushing of doomed projects...</a>

witchescauldronBy focusing, we can make a tangible difference in the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/openweb" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> space and reduce the noise of pointless <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techchurn" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> that waste time, focus and resources. The pushing of doomed projects <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/</a>

Hamish CampbellAre there spaces where trust can be built at scale, or do we need to create them from scratch? The tension between control vs. trust in tech and society is a core issue that defines the success or failure of grassroots, open projects like #OMN and the #fediverse. The problem isn't just technical, but deeply social: a struggle between hierarchical control (power over) and distributed, democratic trust (power within).The #geekproblem keeps repeating, open projects fail because devs build control-based systems rather than trust-based ones. This results in endless cycles of #techchurn, […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/are-there-spaces-where-trust-can-be-built-at-scale-or-do-we-need-to-create-them-from-scratch/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/are-there-spaces-where-trust-can-be-built-at-scale-or-do-we-need-to-create-them-from-scratch/</a>

Hamish CampbellBuilding a #4opens Alternative to the #Deathcult We live in a system that worships consumption. It’s not just about meeting needs, it’s about feeding an economy that only grows when people buy more, waste more, and replace instead of repair. This is one of the core tenants of the #deathcult, the #neoliberal ideology that tells us there is no alternative to endless growth, even as it drags us toward #climatechaos. What if we build something different, something that values community over consumption, reuse over replacement, and DIY […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/building-a-4opens-alternative-to-the-deathcult/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/building-a-4opens-alternative-to-the-deathcult/</a>

Hamish CampbellLet’s try a #spiky view of #fluconf Am sure these are all "nice people", but they are also the parasite class https://fluconf.online/program/ events like this are as much problem as solution - likely more so in the current mess. Nice as a facade, hiding small-minded, petty, nasty, invisible rot of the commons as a community. What a mess we keep making. Yeah, it's the same old cycle—polite, well-meaning polishing the surface while the rot spreads underneath. These kinds of events always present themselves as solutions, but […] <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/lets-try-a-spiky-view-of-fluconf/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/lets-try-a-spiky-view-of-fluconf/</a>

Hamish CampbellWe need real and sharp critique’s of the current state of <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> in the <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> and tech-for-good spaces. The challenge is of cutting down obviously pointless projects from 99% to 90% which is a both realistic and necessary path. How can we achieve this shift, focusing on impactful subjects, better implementation, and strategic approaches in coding development.The developing of alternatives to corporate platforms is a first step we have taken in the <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Fediverse</a>, with most of the <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> projects simply replicate corporate models while branding themselves as “ethical” or “decentralised.” The next step is to create genuine alternatives, by focusing on “native”tools for community governance, people-first design. Then it’s key to mediate the many <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ngo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NGO</a> tech projects that keep reinventing the wheel instead of tools for the change and challenge we actually need and use.We need to rethink funding paths for <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> projects, as the current funding ecosystem mostly drives pointless or doomed <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> and <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernista/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fashernista</a> projects. Many of these projects are designed to chase grant money, not solve problems. To mediate this, we need to push for more cooperative grassroots funding pools.A persistent issue is the disconnect between what developers think people need and what people actually need. Shifting away from the current paths can be done by testing ideas in real-world environments before scaling them, ensuring they’re practical and usable. Stop chasing the startup-style obsession with scaling at all costs. Building federated systems designed to thrive in small, resilient communities. Encourage slow, thoughtful growth that prioritises depth of engagement over breadth of reach. Simplifying over-engineered solutions and avoiding adding complexity for its own sake; the simpler the tool, the more likely it is to succeed. How do we achieve the 9% Difference? Getting from 99% pointless projects to 90% will require, stronger public scrutiny to slow the pushing of doomed tech projects. This path needs to focus on realistic, grounded ideas, focus on doing, not talking by encourage people to start small and prove themselves through action, not the normal empty big <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ngo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NGO</a> promises.By focusing, we can make a tangible difference in the <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> space and reduce the noise of pointless <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> that waste time, focus and resources. It’s not about erasing failure altogether, that’s impossible. It’s about creating a culture where thoughtful, practical grassroots work has the space to thrive and grow <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/the-pushing-of-doomed-projects/</a><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernista/" target="_blank">#fashernista</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" target="_blank">#fediverse</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank">#KISS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ngo/" target="_blank">#NGO</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank">#openweb</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank">#techchurn</a>

Hamish CampbellEmbracing “messiness” as a feature, not a bug, in creating humane and effective tech solutions. Why messiness matters, real-world social paths are inherently messy. Attempting to design tech solutions that are rigid, “perfect” systems leads to failure because they cannot adapt to human complexity and unpredictability. Projects that actually work in messy environments prioritize flexibility, openness, and adaptability over strict control and rigid frameworks.Wikipedia is a messy, decentralized project that thrives because it prioritizes community and collaboration over technical perfection. The <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Fediverse</a>, with its federated nature, allows for diverse approaches and experimentation, embracing a level of messiness to resist centralization and foster creativity.Code is a tool, not the goal, the value of software lies in its social impact—how people use it—not in the technical complexity or “cleverness” of the code itself. Over emphasizing code at the expense of social “use” creates <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> and decay. Projects without meaningful use end up abandoned, despite the sometimes impressive technical work. The practical path we argue for, is to prioritize designing for social utility, not only technical performance.The <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> we need to mediate is the churn of <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techshit</a>, of developers focusing too heavily on technical aspects, ignoring the social context and long-term utility of their work. This results in churn—continuous cycles of development with little lasting value—adding to the pile of decaying, unused code.What are <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> paths to avoid this, a simple first step is involving non-technical voices early in the process to ensure social relevance and usability. Use iterative development methods that prioritize real-world feedback over technical perfection. Embracing the #4opens: Open Data, Open Source, Open “industrial” standards, Open Process. Build for use, not show, with simplicity and usability over technical complexity. Engage people in testing and iterating early and often. Embrace the mess, imperfections and unpredictability are part of the process.Strategies to build messy, human-centric projects: Start with the “Why”, clearly define the social purpose of the project before writing any code. What problem are you solving? Who benefits, and how?<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/embracing-messiness-is-a-feature-not-a-bug-in-creating-humane-and-effective-tech-solutions/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/embracing-messiness-is-a-feature-not-a-bug-in-creating-humane-and-effective-tech-solutions/</a><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/4opens/" target="_blank">#4opens</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" target="_blank">#fediverse</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank">#KISS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" target="_blank">#techshit</a>

Hamish CampbellIn a world spiralling deeper into “post-truth,” we’re bombarded by complexity, much of it fuelled by <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> and the hollow distractions of <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernist/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernist/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fashernist</a> culture. To cut through noise, we need clarity, that starts with defining basic terms. From the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> (Keep It Simple, Stupid) path, for a tech-focused lens:<ul><li>Left = Open/Trust</li><li>Right = Control/Fear</li></ul>This division isn’t only simple dogmatic political; it’s a foundational question of values. Do we build from paths rooted in trust and openness, or do we fall into the normal fear-driven hierarchies of control? The current complexity, without clear values, becomes a swamp, where movements stagnate, progressive progress collapses, and meaningful change evaporates. The mess we have been in for the last 20 years.Complexity is a dead end, without <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> clarity, much of the tech world, and by extension, in a world shaped by <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dotcons</a>, society, is locked in loops of “common sense” failure. Vertical hierarchies, even well-meaning ones, tend to falter when addressing horizontal, community-driven efforts. It’s less a question of structure and more about values. Without shared trust and openness, even the best technology will fail to create anything lasting or transformative.Post-truth “common sense”, control and fear, feeds directly into the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#deathcult</a> of neoliberalism—a system that thrives on exploitation and reinforces itself as the ONLY viable path. This is the comfort zone for many: worshipping growth, power, and profit as if there’s no alternative. Building away from this with social truth, grounded in shared values and trust, is hard work, but it’s the only viable counterbalance. Without it, we’re just digging ourselves deeper into the pit of stinking social and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techshit</a>. The <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OMN</a> needs a crew with shovels, not worshippers, to work to compost this mess. To reboot the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a>, we need tools, not temples. The Open Media Network (<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OMN</a>) is such a shovel. It’s a framework for creating fertile ground where horizontal values can thrive. Verticals often resist this because they’re entrenched in control structures. Yet, history has shown that without horizontal integration—grassroots participation, open governance, and shared ownership—movements fail to achieve meaningful, lasting impact.We’ve spent too many years building on complexity, expecting it to fix the very problems it creates. Instead, let’s simplify. Define values clearly, prioritize openness and trust, and focus on practical tools like <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OMN</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OGB</a>. Yes, this is a messy process—shovelling always is—but it’s the only way to compost the “shit” of the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#deathcult</a> into something that can grow.It’s time to stop chasing the distractions of <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernist/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernist/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fashernist</a> thinking. Pick up the shovel, embrace <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a>, and start digging. The future of the <a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a>—and, frankly, the planet—depends on it.<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/a-compass-for-the-openweb/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/a-compass-for-the-openweb/</a><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" target="_blank">#deathcult</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank">#dotcons</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernist/" target="_blank">#fashernist</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank">#KISS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank">#OGB</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" target="_blank">#OMN</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank">#openweb</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" target="_blank">#techshit</a>

witchescauldron<a href="https://todon.eu/@MediaActivist" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@MediaActivist</a> <a href="https://mstdn.social/@kathimmel" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@kathimmel</a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/@ophiocephalic" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@ophiocephalic</a> There is a project people have been working on for the last ten years that does this is <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/KISS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> and soughted <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OMN" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OMN</a>There have been quite a few, mostly funded projects, that have failed to do this over the last 20 years.<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techchurn" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> is a real problem, we need to compost the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techshit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techshit</a> as much as make more :)

Hamish CampbellA lot of our public discourse has reached the stage where it might be worth thinking about it as a mental health issue, and that after the “common sense” worshipping of the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#deathcult</a> for 40 years, this becomes escalating hard to mediate. This post is about a summing up of this thread <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/foss/comments/1e5vhif/crisis_of_governance_in_foss_medieval_politics/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/foss/comments/1e5vhif/crisis_of_governance_in_foss_medieval_politics/</a> on Reddit where I posted the text of one of a blog posts on <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/foss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/foss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FOSS</a> and the need to move away from medieval governance.The is very little if any constructive dialogue, instead we have #blocking, simply ignoring, participants selectively address certain points while neglecting others. This creates an incomplete dialogue and fails to engage with the actual scope of the argument. Example: If someone ignores the historical context and current challenges within FOSS governance structures, they miss why the proposed changes are necessary. Belittling involves dismissing or undermining arguments or concerns, which shuts down dialogue and discourage participation. Example: Dismissing the discussion of governance in FOSS as “unreadable” or “spammy” without engaging with the substance or argument. Nitpicking, focusing on minor details and errors rather than engaging with the main points, derails the conversation and prevent meaningful discussion. Example: focusing on correcting typos or minor factual errors without addressing the argument for the need for governance changes in FOSS projects. StrawMan, misrepresenting the argument to make it easier to attack, distorts the discussion and leads to unproductive debate. Example: Suggesting that advocating for more structured governance in FOSS is equivalent to demanding strict corporate-like control, which misrepresents the argument for more democratic and community-driven governance.Reasons for these messy behaviours: Ideological Differences: People have strong beliefs about what is “common sense” and react defensively to suggestions that change/challenge this. This misunderstanding grows the lack of understanding of the historical context and the specifics of the proposed changes that feedbacks misinformed critiques that that keeps building resistance to change. Yes, change is uncomfortable, and people resist it by dismissing or undermining new paths, ideas please? Communication Style: The style of communication can be off-putting and confusing for in and out groups, leading to reactions that focus on form rather than addressing any substance.Why this matters: There is a crisis of governance in <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/foss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/foss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FOSS</a>, Aristocratic Hierarchies and Monarchical Leadership pushes the concentration of power among a few maintainers and leaders, this lowers community building and buy in. Medieval Governance structures are medieval political systems, It’s obviously unfit for the modern world, let’s look at why we have this mess: <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/neoliberal/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/neoliberal/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Neoliberal</a> individualism and its failures, <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/stupidindividualism/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/stupidindividualism/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#stupidindividualism</a> breeds the focus on individualism, which undermines collaboration and community-driven efforts in FOSS. This fixation with market-driven development rather than community needs result on one hand in less innovative and user-friendly software, and on the other in <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dotcons</a> control and exploitation. Feeding the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> insular and exclusionary culture.Addressing issues of ignoring, belittling, nitpicking, and straw man arguments push back productive dialogue. Solutions to this current path, democratizing decision-making, the path of transparent and inclusive governance models like the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OGB</a> to build community-concentric approaches, like <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/indymediaback/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/indymediaback/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#indymediaback</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/makeinghistory/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/makeinghistory/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#makeinghistory</a>. To make this work, let’s try shifting to focus on to community needs over individuals ambition and market demands. Cultivate an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and considers different social, cultural, and economic paths.<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/bad-conversations-in-foss-and-tech/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/bad-conversations-in-foss-and-tech/</a><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/blocking/" target="_blank">#blocking</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/deathcult/" target="_blank">#deathcult</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank">#dotcons</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/foss/" target="_blank">#FOSS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/indymediaback/" target="_blank">#indymediaback</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/makeinghistory/" target="_blank">#makeinghistory</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/neoliberal/" target="_blank">#neoliberal</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank">#OGB</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/stupidindividualism/" target="_blank">#stupidindividualism</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank">#techchurn</a>

witchescauldronThis is needed as a "common sense" existing path out of pointless <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techchurn" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> to give our lost <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/fahernistas" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fahernistas</a> something real to work for/to/on. The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/4opens" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#4opens</a> is simply the foundation of open-source development "socialized" for change/challenge. We need this to escape the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/techshit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techshit</a>

Hamish CampbellThe <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernista/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernista/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fashernista</a>-driven path pushes aside grassroots and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> movements due to misalignment agendas. The <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernists/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernists/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fashernists</a> are driven by <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> agendas that end up co-opt grassroots initiatives, then systematizing them in ways that dilute their “original native” paths, intent and value. This mess leads to <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> and a continuous cycle of superficial innovation that does nothing to address real issues at all.This <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/blocking/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/blocking/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#blocking</a> of communication leads to a lack of awareness of people involved in these movements, understanding of the history and principles underlying the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> grassroots and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> paths. With the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fediverse</a>, decentralization is a core principle, though it often leads to difficulties in coordination and collective decision-making. This in hand with the “common sense” <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> people resistances to adopting new models of governance and cooperation like the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OGB</a> pushes the current mess and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techcurn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techcurn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techcurn</a> mess we live in.Proposed solutions to this path, build and support authentic projects, like the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OMN</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OGB</a> etc. To foster collaborative governance and inclusive decision-making, start with small-scale pilot projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative governance and build “test” decentralized development. Then use these projects (with federation) as models for larger initiatives, rinse and repeat, it’s a <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#KISS</a> path. This leads to the cultivation of a community of resilience and nurtures infrastructure that is robust and adaptable, capable of withstanding pressures and disruptions. Part of this path needs to challenge <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> narratives with alternative progressive media (<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/indymediaback/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#indymediaback</a>) providing a counter-story, pushing this feedback loop to highlight successes and innovations within the grassroots and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> movements. Also using the <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/4opens/" target="_blank">#4opens</a> as a path to encourage critical engagement with <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#dotcons</a> projects, questioning their alignment with grassroots values and pushing for accountability and transparency to move people off these paths.Let’s start embracing the composting of <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#techshit</a> to turn the current mess into fertile ground for new <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#openweb</a> growth and innovation. Let’s pick up our shovels and building the change and challenge that is so obviously needed, and please try not to be a prat, thanks.“The work of the anarchist is above all a work of critique. The anarchist goes, sowing revolt against that which oppresses, obstructs, opposes itself to the free expansion of the individual being.” — Emile Armand<a href="https://hamishcampbell.com/communication-barriers-lead-to-a-lack-of-awareness/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hamishcampbell.com/communication-barriers-lead-to-a-lack-of-awareness/</a><a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/4opens/" target="_blank">#4opens</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/blocking/" target="_blank">#blocking</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/dotcons/" target="_blank">#dotcons</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernista/" target="_blank">#fashernista</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fashernists/" target="_blank">#fashernists</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/fediverse/" target="_blank">#fediverse</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/geekproblem/" target="_blank">#geekproblem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/indymediaback/" target="_blank">#indymediaback</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/kiss/" target="_blank">#KISS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/mainstreaming/" target="_blank">#mainstreaming</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/ogb/" target="_blank">#OGB</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/omn/" target="_blank">#OMN</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/openweb/" target="_blank">#openweb</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techchurn/" target="_blank">#techchurn</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techcurn/" target="_blank">#techcurn</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hamishcampbell.com/tag/techshit/" target="_blank">#techshit</a>

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