> Open-source software is not directly interesting for most individuals. The software engineering crowd is often strongly, politically, and emotionally involved in open-source<p>This is something that has to be kept in mind when advocating open source. I'm fortunate enough to work on an open source product now, so the business culture gets it, but I've tried & failed in the past to advocate for open source where it didn't work out<p>When PointerWare (now defunct) was clearly on its way out, I suggested making the code open source in case anyone wanted to continue it. Of course, I made this suggestion while being laid off, so didn't expect that to happen<p>Another company started working on a CMS. I suggested we make it open source. People were confused: why would we work for free? why would we let other people change our code?<p>You can't tell people anything. Explaining growth gained by providing people the value of open source wasn't working. Tried going the "code is a liability" angle but that didn't seem to register. Referencing existing successful open source companies is a good way to try demonstrate a point, but then it starts seeming like you're suggesting the business become a charity