Supporting the Python Software Foundation

More than 15 years ago, a colleague introduced me to the web framework Django (back then it was version 0.96) and the programming language Python. And I immediately fell in love with both. Some years later, Django stuff became the thing I do and am good at to the extend that I'm able to make a decent living from it.

But that's not the only thing I got from it. I came for the framework but stayed for the community around it. And for almost a decade, I have been donating money monthly to the Django Software Foundation.

With what has recently been going on in the Ruby and (especially) Rails communities, I've been thinking about how lucky I am to have ended up with Django, Python and the lovely people around it. I feel sorry for all the good people with decent values, for whom Ruby on Rails skills became their way of making a living, that increasingly see themselves alienated by leading figures in their community.

Yesterday, the Python Software Foundation announced their withdrawal of a USD 1.5 million funding proposal, as complying with the funding terms would compromise the values and mission of PSF. That's a tough call. But the right thing to do.

In a response to that, I've just signed up to be a PSF Supporting Member, which is mostly just a way to send some money their way. If you care about Python, the PSF and/or their values, you might want to consider doing the same.

My profile picture around the interwebs for the last 11 years has been of me wearing a Python t-shirt. Today I'm prouder than ever of this.