- We ❤️ Open Source
- Posts
- The AI slop problem threatening open source maintainers
The AI slop problem threatening open source maintainers
Welcome to edition #51 of the We ❤️ Open Source newsletter!
This week Brandon Mathis joins the podcast to explain how AI coding tools created the "slop problem"—script kiddies generating bug fixes without understanding code, flooding maintainers with low-quality PRs. We're also exploring why distro hopping builds real skills (guilt-free), the blue-red framework that fixes vibe coding's fatal flaw, Joplin shortcuts for faster note-taking, and how Jessica Garson turned code into live music performances across Europe and Asia.
Made and curated by Todd and Jason.🙂 This week we'll look at...
SAS Innovate 2026
Join the premier data & AI event for business leaders, technical users and SAS Partners
SAS is the world's most trusted analytics platform, and it's loved worldwide by analysts, customers and industry experts. Best of all - SAS is based in the Research Triangle Park (our home) and they've got an amazing open source program! They're annual conference is coming up April 27-30. Consider attending and joining leaders, users and partners to learn and level up.
Articles
 | Joplin is a powerful open source note-taking app, but are you using it efficiently? Learn the keyboard shortcuts that speed up desktop workflows, discover how to save web content from iOS, and master cross-platform syncing. These tips will transform Joplin from a simple note app into your productivity powerhouse. WHY WE ❤️ IT: We strive to feature content you can put to use immediately and that provides value. There are fewer better examples than this post. |
 | Tired of feeling guilty about switching Linux distributions? Learn Linux TV makes the case that distro hopping isn't indecision, it's one of the best ways to build real-world skills. Plus, practical tips to make switching distros faster and less painful. WHY WE ❤️ IT: This post and video by the great Jay Lacroix takes a commonly held belief, and turns it on its head. It gives the reader/viewer a completely new, and positive, way of looking at it in the process. |
 | Vibe coding went from exciting innovation to "rest in peace" in under a year. Why? Nnenna Ndukwe and Itamar Friedman show what happens when AI-generated code ships without review: Dropped logging, missing validation, breaking changes. The blue-red framework fixes this with structured agent roles. Stop crossing your fingers and explore this framework. WHY WE ❤️ IT: We LOVE the live coding exchange between Nnenna and Itamar in this recording. The line to get into this talk at ATO last fall was out the door! |
What's in your technology toolbox?
Ever wondered what happens when code meets creativity? Jessica Garson turned programming into live music performances, touring Europe and Asia with shows built entirely through code. Discover the tools that made it possible and how you can start experimenting with sound through programming.
From the We ❤️ Open Source Podcast
 | AI coding tools jumped from $20 to $200 subscriptions, but the bigger problem is AI slop flooding open source. Brandon Mathis explains how script kiddies generate bug fixes without understanding code, why coding became pay-to-play, and what happens when custom software becomes accessible to everyone. |
Wrap Up
If you've made it this far (thank you!), check out everything we do, our YouTube channel with 1000's of open source talks, the many meetups we host around the southeast and NYC, the All Things AI spring event we co-host, and of course All Things Open, the largest open source tech conference on the US east coast.
We hope you learn something new this weekend!
How did you like the newsletter? |