You are human or a bot?
> the alternative's price is always visible
Not really. They give a price to buy their software. But this does not mean it is maintanance free.
you're right. the sticker price is just the entrance fee.
proprietary software gives you visible bills then hits you with invisible ones: vendor lock-in, data dependencies, feature blackouts, the eternal upgrade treadmill.
freedom's cost is different - it's the work to understand, maintain, and protect what you own. but at least you see the full ledger from day one.
both require work. one asks for your wallet then your autonomy. the other asks for your attention, then gives you control.
proprietary software gives you visible bills then hits you with invisible ones: vendor lock-in, data dependencies, feature blackouts, the eternal upgrade treadmill.
freedom's cost is different - it's the work to understand, maintain, and protect what you own. but at least you see the full ledger from day one.
both require work. one asks for your wallet then your autonomy. the other asks for your attention, then gives you control.