Technology Unhappy Ending! Kubuntu Creator Jonathan Riddell Departs After 25 Years with KDE

[lokamoka820]

Content source

https://news.itsfoss.com/jonathan-riddell-farewell/

A clash of opinions and values results in Jonathan Riddell saying goodbye to KDE after 25 long years.

Jonathan Riddell, founder of the beloved Kubuntu, has announced that he is leaving KDE after 25 years. If you didn't know him, his work helped bring the Plasma desktop to millions and shaped the KDE ecosystem through both Kubuntu and KDE Neon.

Jonathan built Kubuntu to make KDE more accessible to everyday Linux users. After Canonical stopped officially supporting it, he turned his attention to KDE Neon. Neon allowed KDE to deliver the latest Plasma releases directly to users, becoming a platform for testing, development, and adoption. Through both projects, Jonathan ensured KDE remained relevant and approachable.

In his farewell, he explained why he felt it was time to move on. He described KDE’s direction as moving away from the cooperative and transparent model he valued. He cited examples like Igalia, a worker-owned open source consultancy, as a style KDE never adopted.

Instead, he saw decision-making increasingly concentrated, particularly under Nate Graham, whose approach emphasized centralized control.

Jonathan closed his farewell blog by sharing the following image and message:
But in the end I lost my friends, my colleagues, my job, my career and my family. What’s a spod who just tried to do the right thing for society to do? Dunno. For now, if you want me, you can find me surfing the endless wave whenever the sun sets over my digital nomad coliving paddleshack at the end of the world.

 

[Sorrento]

Obviously have a bad day of all bad days, & been there in differing circumstances - Doing what we feel is the right thing doesn't always bring us the rewards we feel it should, but for me doing the right thing in life is still rewarding long term.

 

[ForgottenSeer 114717]

Radical leftist and communist in-fighting and power struggles for ideological agendas and the appearance of not seeking profit. Furry wars. Etc. The typical FOSS Linux project progression of things.

Nate Graham (public statement): "We need more paid developers working on KDE!"