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- Think of AI like TNT, not magic
Think of AI like TNT, not magic
Who's ready to rethink AI? It's explosive and transformative, but it requires nuance, not blind trust. We're also exploring why managing your ego matters more than your architecture when building open source projects, how California's AB 1043 age verification law could reach Linux, FreeBSD, and even FreeDOS, whether immutable Linux is worth the switch, and why Don finally wrote down his definitive answer to "why Linux?"
On the podcast, Brian Muenzenmeyer shares 15+ years of open source learnings, how GitHub agent mode delivered a production-ready PR with tests and docs in 13 minutes, and the one thing every developer needs to hear about contributing upstream. This is edition #70 of the We ❤️ Open Source newsletter. Made and curated by Jason & Todd.🙂
This week we'll look at...
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Articles
 | Think your biggest challenge is writing good docs? Think again. benny Vasquez from AlmaLinux shares why managing your ego matters more than your architecture when inviting contributors. Get the checklist for handling dissent, setting realistic expectations, and building a project that doesn't burn you out. WHY WE ❤️ IT: This checklist could keep your open source project alive. |
 | California's AB 1043 age verification law was written broadly enough to apply to Linux, FreeBSD, and FreeDOS. Jim breaks down what the law requires, what's at stake for open source maintainers, and how proposed changes under AB 1856 could fix it. Here's what you can do. WHY WE ❤️ IT: Jim explains how California's AB 1043 could affect open source projects, and how you can take action. |
 | Why should you use Linux? Don breaks down the security advantages, from built-in permission systems to trusted software repositories. Discover how open source transparency, rapid updates, and user control make Linux a compelling alternative to Windows for individuals and organizations alike. WHY WE ❤️ IT: Don gets asked "why Linux?" all the time and finally wrote his answer down. |
What's in your technology toolbox?
Immutable Linux sounds restrictive on the surface. Learn Linux TV explains what immutable distros are, why they're not limiting, and how they improve security through architecture. Discover rollback benefits, real-world adoption with SteamOS, and whether switching fits your workflow.
WHY WE ❤️ IT: Jay demonstrates how rebooting an immutable system instantly restores it to a known good state, eliminating hours of troubleshooting from partial updates or compromises.
From the We ❤️ Open Source Podcast
 | AI is like TNT, explosive and transformative but requiring nuance. Brian Muenzenmeyer joins us for the podcast to share 15+ years of open source learnings, a real story of GitHub agent mode saving 13 minutes on a pull request, and the most important message: you don't need permission to contribute upstream. WHY WE ❤️ IT: GitHub agent mode was production-ready PR with tests and docs in 13 minutes. Brian would've taken longer. |
Featured podcast shorts
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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!
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