Winamp's Open-Sourcing Attempt Fails as Owners Delete Entire Repository! 🚫

News & Articles
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Summary:

  1. Repo Deletion
    The owners of Winamp have deleted their entire GitHub repository just a month after releasing the source code, raising concerns about the open-sourcing effort.

  2. Inclusion of Unlicensed Code
    The deletion followed inquiries about the presence of Shoutcast DNAS code and other proprietary codecs from Microsoft and Intel within the repository.

  3. License Controversies
    The initial release came with a restrictive license that prohibited forking, violating GitHub’s terms. Although the license was later revised to allow forking, it still limited distribution of modified versions.

  4. Mixed Response from Community
    Original co-developer Justin Frankel criticized the licensing terms, indicating that they hindered genuine open-source collaboration.

  5. Legacy and Future
    Despite the setbacks, the release attracted interest in the old media player, highlighting the complexities and challenges of open-sourcing legacy software.

Read more at: The Register