Does this give them any actual control over Blender development or is it just one of many groups saying “We like what you’re doing, keep at it”?
Not saying there isn’t the possibility of pressure because “If you don’t do what we want, we’ll pull our funding”… but again, if they’re just one of many patrons at that level (amongst many at a smaller level) so that’s not necessarily going to make that big a difference.
Well, those donating time and resources often get extra consideration. But Ton has been fiercely independent for decades. And even though he’s stepped down from his leadership role. I think the board he helped put in place has things in good hands. They, KDE etc have forged their own path and shown the viability of their models. They’d be fools to abandon that or relinquish control after 30 years.
Tons have come and gone with little fan fair. Blender OTOH has quietly made inroads into industry and the hearts of many many people. I have used blender since the mid 90s. Where it is today compared to back then is unimaginable. I can’t wait to have my mind blown by where they go in the future. Nodes and simulation are really shaping up. Who knows, between them and the love the NLE editor has been getting. Adobe, Houdini, and even Nuke might get some competition.
Does this give them any actual control over Blender development or is it just one of many groups saying “We like what you’re doing, keep at it”?
Not saying there isn’t the possibility of pressure because “If you don’t do what we want, we’ll pull our funding”… but again, if they’re just one of many patrons at that level (amongst many at a smaller level) so that’s not necessarily going to make that big a difference.
Well, those donating time and resources often get extra consideration. But Ton has been fiercely independent for decades. And even though he’s stepped down from his leadership role. I think the board he helped put in place has things in good hands. They, KDE etc have forged their own path and shown the viability of their models. They’d be fools to abandon that or relinquish control after 30 years.
Tons have come and gone with little fan fair. Blender OTOH has quietly made inroads into industry and the hearts of many many people. I have used blender since the mid 90s. Where it is today compared to back then is unimaginable. I can’t wait to have my mind blown by where they go in the future. Nodes and simulation are really shaping up. Who knows, between them and the love the NLE editor has been getting. Adobe, Houdini, and even Nuke might get some competition.
Doubt it
But there are other large companies sponsoring too
Incl meta, BMW, nvidia, amd etc