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🧵 THREAD: Why open source devs are still struggling to get paid in 2025 - and how I am fixing it.

The open source ecosystem powers 90% of the web, yet most maintainers work for free. Let's explore the problem and a simple solution:

Creator of the Eliza framework
Founder of Eliza Labs
Partner @ ai16z

README to tips, in minutes. The easiest way for developers to receive cryptocurrency tips through a simple markdown button. Create yours at https://www.tip.md

1/ The open source paradox: Projects like ElizaOS (powering AI agents - MC reached $2B+) are built by devs working nights and weekends

"This is @shawmakesmagic - $100k in debt 70 days ago. Coding till 3am every night to pay rent. Turns a crazy idea into $2B+ AI project."

2/ "Having an incentive mechanism while being open source is quite challenging - it's a balance between 'community' and 'value capture'"

This is the core problem: How do we fund public goods without paywalls that limit adoption?

3/ Contribution-based systems show promise but have limitations:

"On-Chain Contribution Tracking: Use verifiable logs (GitHub commits, forum posts) to measure actual work done."

The problem? Complex to implement and maintain for smaller projects.

4/ Micropayments have always been the dream for web monetization, but high fees and friction killed most solutions.

Some like using tip_cc bot on Discord, you can send money gas-free with just their username

But what about supporting devs directly in their repos?

5/ That's why I built http://tip.md - a dead-simple way to add crypto tipping to any GitHub README, website, or markdown content.

It supports ETH, SOL, and BTC Lightning with direct-to-wallet payments. No middleman, no platform lock-in.

6/ How it works:

1. Connect your wallet (ETH/SOL/BTC)
2. Get your markdown button
3. Paste into your README
4. Receive tips directly

We take just 4% on tips to keep the lights on, we make money when you do & it's lower than Patreon, Ko-fi, or GitHub Sponsors.

7/ "Shaw is optimistic about using Agents to reduce friction in all payment scenarios, especially DeFi (lots of money but high barriers to entry)"

We're making this reality with our MCP service - connect your AI assistants for seamless crypto tipping.

Our #MCP Server is now live !

Now @tipdotmd has an agentic interface alongside the web app, unlocking composability with other MCP server for pure tipping agentic workflows.

Ex: Couple this with the @github MCP and you can have an agent code reviewer that tips your contributors https://t.co/wcz560L5jW

tip.md | Crypto tip button

7/ "Shaw is optimistic about using Agents to reduce friction in all payment scenarios, especially DeFi (lots of money but high barriers to entry)"

We're making this reality with our MCP service - connect your AI assistants for seamless crypto tipping.
https://x.com/tipdotmd/status/1921210506800439440

9/ The future of open source funding isn't just about money - it's about removing friction.

When supporting a project takes 10 seconds instead of 2 minutes, more people do it. When devs get paid directly, more keep building.

8/ What makes this different from other donation tools?

- Multi-chain support
- Instant payout to wallets, no waiting for a wire
- Works anywhere markdown or HTML is supported
- Frictionless for donors, only need a wallet
- No application for devs, sign up & get button <1min