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📖 BOOK SUMMARY: Nadia Eghbal's book "Working in Public: The Making and Maintenance of Open Source Software" examines the evolution of open-source software development and how it has been shaped by the rise of online platforms like GitHub. The author explores the changing roles of developers, maintainers, and contributors in the open-source ecosystem, arguing that the increased participation and attention driven by these platforms can create a “tragedy of the commons” situation where maintainers struggle to manage the demands of their communities. Eghbal also examines different funding models for open-source projects, suggesting that the traditional approach of relying on community contributions is becoming increasingly unsustainable. The author proposes a new model based on the concept of a “one-way mirror,” where creators are shielded from the overwhelming demands of their users while still maintaining a public presence. The text concludes by advocating for the development of platforms that better support creators and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in a world where attention is a limited and increasingly scarce resource.

✨ AI DISCLOSURE: This podcast episode was created with AI assistance and, while I strive for accuracy, it may contain unintentional inaccuracies or hallucinations despite my best efforts to verify information. Always cross-reference critical information.

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