[smolder]

> you're going to have to differentiate yourself from the folks who are also putting out winamp-alikes.

No one giving away software has to do anything. Maybe they'd get more donations as OSS or something, but it's no guarantee.

[romwell]

Yes, but nobody has to use their work.

I'd assume that people who make general-purpose open-source software with the intent of it being used by someone other than themselves.

So read the "have to" as "if you want to have people use and appreciate your work, this is a necessary step".

[dapids]

Which is definitely just that, an assumption. Some people write things just because they want to or can, and don't care whether anyone else finds it useful for their own purposes. It might just be something for a portfolio, to inspire others, etc, or again, just because. Lots of things are created "just because".

The decision is left to the end user, use it, or don't.

[romwell]

Same with "you have to" advice. The decision is left to the developer: use it, or don't.

Really don't see a problem here :)