Daniel Robbins, the visionary behind Funtoo Linux and the original creator of Gentoo Linux, has made a surprising decision to steer Funtoo Linux towards what he terms as “Hobby Mode.”

“Opting to continue Funtoo Linux in a more limited capacity, it will be moving into what I call “Hobby Mode.” Essentially, it will remain a personal undertaking of mine, curated solely for my interests. Users can still perform ego sync and receive intermittent updates, allowing continued utilization for those inclined.”

Earlier last month, Robbins had declared plans to discontinue the project, but as of three weeks post that announcement, a change of heart has transpired.

So, what does this shift to “Hobby Mode” entail? In essence, Robbins will continue to provide personal oversight and maintenance for Funtoo Linux. Users can still update their systems, ensuring operational functionality and modernity despite the downscaled approach.

However, notable alterations are on the horizon for the Funtoo community’s framework. The bug tracker and community code repositories are set to be phased out, with the forums and wiki transitioning to read-only status.

This transition indicates a move away from active community engagement, steering users towards platforms like Reddit for self-assistance and discourse rather than the established Discord channel.

For individuals deeply embedded in the Funtoo ecosystem, particularly those utilizing Funtoo containers, Robbins has extended support. He is willing to uphold specific container hosting services and is devising fresh infrastructure to back upcoming ventures.

Considering this context, it appears that we are witnessing a single-entity-driven operating system, delineated as a personal project, with the discontinuation of official community avenues. Frankly, it seems more like “Coma Mode” than “Hobby Mode” in my perspective.

Given the current uncertainties surrounding the project’s trajectory and the founder’s erratic decisions, the reliance on Funtoo going forward seems dubious. Nevertheless, these fluctuations are a norm in the realm of open-source software. In any case, we extend our gratitude to Funtoo for its contributions!

For additional details, please consult Robbins’ official declaration.