Remove all commercial/non-owasp-projects logos from OWASP.org
This move has a log of advantages:
- it is generic so it doesn't single out anybody
- it can be done since there are no 'real' contractual obligations for OWASP to put company's XYZ logo on the OWASP site
- note that OWASP can change the contents of any content/text hosted on owasp.org , as long as the changes are released in an compatible license :)
- in fact anybody can start the http://owasp-without-logos.org site with all content from owasp.org, expect the 3rd party logos
- it will push the cases where sponsor-logos are expected to exist, to be placed in separate/dedicated 3rd party websites (like what happens with AppSec conferences)
- and if there ARE execptions, they should be treated as one-of exceptions (and be fully documented)
- it will stop the current 'F1/NASCAR logo parade' that is the OWASP main page, and some of its projects
- it will stop the nasty and non-productive "hey that company shouldn't have their logo in that project" threads
- it will send a strong message that OWASP is about sharing information and all information/tools/projects that are 'donated' to owasp are supposed to be shared in a no-strings/logos attached mode
- it will clarify that the OWASP logo, name, tools and content CAN be used in commercial situations, as long as it is done outside of OWASP.org
- it shows a sign of maturity for OWASP, where OWASP doesn't need (anymore) to sell a bit of its soul in exchange for good content and tools
- it shows that OWASP's value to the corporate sponsors, is NOT a logo on owasp.org, but the amazing value provided by the multiple OWASP activities, events and projects.
- it shows that OWASP can learn from others, and in this case, follow (as Jim recommended) the Apache foundation example (see http://www.apache.org/foundation/marks/responsibility.html )
There are a couple disadvantages:
- Some OWASP leaders and supporting companies will be annoyed and fell that 'OWASP changed the value-added they would get by contributing to OWASP'
- Some OWASP corporate sponsors might even be so angry that they don't renew their anual membership
- Some OWASP leaders might be so annoyed that they stop contributing at all to OWASP
- This is one of those issues that has the potential to generate a gazilion of emails, with lots of opinions and no decisions in the end. Btw, the faster 'a' decision is made the better (Yes or No).
I believe that OWASP today (April 2013) is in the perfect situation to make this move. There is enough money to sustain any financial loss (which I don't think will happen) and the OWASP projects are still in a state where a drop of a couple OWASP leaders wouldn't have a dramatic effect (which again i don't think will happen)
So what do you say, fellow OWASP friends, should we make this jump?
My vote is YES, lets get rid of the commercial logos in OWASP and start a new generation of OWASP content and tools
Dinis Cruz
