[dwaltrip]

> at least with the free tools available today.

This problem is potentially solvable by creating better tools that allow people to have control over their data and still gain the benefits and convenience of the closed functionality on offer today.

Or perhaps the solution, at least in some cases, is at the protocol / standards level -- email is my favorite example of this.

The question is, in the general case, whether development of the tools that are designed to give users all of the power can keep up with that of closed tools managed by for-profit companies? It seems difficult to compete with products that are produced by the likes of FAANG.

Important clarification: this is not about profit vs not-for-profit. It's about control, flexibility, and lock-in.