How Long Should an Open Source Project Support Users?

Ubuntu Kitten writes "Since October the community-generated database of cards known to work with Ndiswrapper has been down. This is apparently due to an on-going site redesign, but right now the usual URL simply directs to a stock Sourceforge page. Without the database, the software's usability is severely diminished but this raises an interesting question: Is an open source project obliged to provide support for its users? If so, for how long should the support last? Web servers cost money, especially for popular sites. While developers can sometimes find sponsorship, is it possible to get sponsorship simply for infrastructure and user services?"

Comments

Re:Oy vey

[story645]

Or just have Jews donate to projects. At the least, 10% of any decent salary should cover the hosting fees. ('specially if the project can get company matched 503c status.)