The Peaceful Transfer of Power in Open Source Projects
Most of the people who run Open Source projects are mortal. Recent history shows us that they will all eventually die, or get bored, or win the lottery, or get sick, or be conscripted, or lose their mind. If you’ve ever visited a foreign country’s national history museum, I guarantee you’ve read this little snippet: King Whatshisface was a wise and noble ruler who bought peace and prosperity to all the land. Upon his death, his heirs waged bloody war over rightful succession which plunged the country into a hundred years of hardship. The great selling point of democracy is that it allows for the peaceful transition of power. Most modern democracies have rendered civil war almost unthinkable. Sure, you might not like the guy currently in charge, but there are well established…
