The mantra “Separate The Art From The Artist” does not work for Open Source Software.
The philosophies that developers hold will always have a direct effect on the future of the software they develop.
This is why Codes of Conduct are so important.
ALWAYS research the people leading the development of FOSS products you use, and decide carefully what you choose to work with.
This overwhelmingly applies to social software, where people will be the most directly affected by the software.
With art, traditionally, once the artist finishes their work, the piece is complete. They can go on to produce less admirable art, and their past art remains static.
With software, a lead developer will remain involved to influence future versions of the software. They are an integral part of the project, tasked with informing those who develop and use it.
Their leadership attracts like-minded contributors who will remain even if they are ousted.
They have the power to control and corrupt.
