Introducing OpenFatigue

The definition of 'open source' is becoming diluted and requires careful scrutiny of licensing and actual availability of code and weights.

A new platform called OpenFatigue has launched, satirizing the proliferation of 'open' branding in the tech industry, particularly in AI. The platform playfully claims to be 'Open - the new closed' and offers a 'fully Open-branded platform for people exhausted by fully Open-branded platforms.' It mimics the naming conventions seen with companies like OpenAI, OpenTable, and Opendoor, even using a similar 'Open X' naming structure. OpenFatigue humorously highlights the discrepancies between the term 'open' and actual product offerings, detailing features like 'Open-ish Licensing,' where using or distributing the software requires separate legal discussions. They also mock the concept of 'open weights' by stating they are available after agreeing to a lengthy policy and user cap. The platform's pricing model, 'Open pricing,' is similarly presented with asterisks and fine print, and its 'Open Door Policy' is described as having badge access to a building where the badge reader is closed source. The site itself is genuinely static and has no tracking, with its source code available on GitHub, directly contrasting the 'open' products it parodies.

This launch highlights a growing market sentiment of fatigue with the ambiguous use of 'open' in technology marketing, especially in AI. Companies are increasingly adopting 'open' in their branding and product names without adhering to established definitions of open source, leading to confusion and user distrust. OpenFatigue's satirical approach taps into this frustration, suggesting a need for clearer communication and genuine adherence to open principles to regain user confidence.

The platform's existence and the positive reception it is likely to receive signal a potential shift in how users and the industry perceive and value true openness. As more 'open' products emerge with restrictive licenses or limited access, users may become more discerning, favoring projects that align with the Open Source Initiative's definition. This could pressure companies to either re-evaluate their 'open' strategies or risk alienating a significant portion of the tech community.