In open source software, there is the concept of the BDFL. The most famous BDFLs of recent times are probably Linus (Linux), Guido (Python), Ma.tt (Wordpress), and Vitalik (Ethereum). The purpose of the BDFL is less to rule than to manage an open source project to become a self sustaining community. A BDFL is a steward of the project, and given the nature of open source, if part of the community doesn’t agree with the strategic direction, they can fork the source code.

Ultimately, the role of the BDFL is to help lay the rails and get the train on the track.

It’s not an easy job. Guido “retired” from being the Python BDFL in 2018.

Sometimes, there seems to be the need for someone to be a visionary to steward a project. Perhaps a better acronym would be BDFN? Benevolent Dictator For Now. Moderators in Clubhouse rooms are BDFNs for a few hours. The world is becoming more decentralized and open.

We need some strong and wise BDFNs to get the train on the tracks for the Open Metaverse that is coming. I’m watching a live conversation about this now. Tim seems to be one of them.