Mirko Swillus

Defätistischer Zweckoptimist.

Engineering Consulting: https://swillus.eu

Last Notes

2026-09-19 15:31:08 GMT

"Unrunden", my little light installation is now contributing its colors to #datenspuren.
It was great fun building it the last weeks, actually the first time I built something just for the sake of art & beauty.
Some photos from the shop in the thread. 🧵
https://assets.chaos.social/media_attachments/files/117/298/416/693/239/941/original/ecb00e31822efa88.mp4

2026-05-11 09:04:50 GMT

Important heads-up to FOSS maintainers by Daniel from curl:
"Any project that has not scanned their source code with AI powered tooling will likely find huge number of flaws, bugs and possible vulnerabilities with this new generation of tools."
Since I'm working for Alpha-Omega currently, please reach out to me if you could use some support regarding this. We're setting up various programs to help FOSS maintainers in the times of "high-quality chaos".
https://daniel.haxx.se/blog/2026/05/11/mythos-finds-a-curl-vulnerability/

2026-03-06 09:37:34 GMT

This week the European Commission published the draft for a guidance document for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). It is 70 pages, but contains some helpful examples and flowcharts, like this one, making it accessible even to Open Source folks with limited time.
Here: Quick guidance for the question if your FOSS component is in scope for the CRA, and if so, wether you're deemed a steward or manufacturer in regards of the component.
#opensource #cra
https://assets.chaos.social/media_attachments/files/116/181/529/566/041/923/original/7cd54c6a6627e5b9.png

2026-02-09 12:27:51 GMT

Dear FOSS maintainers,
here’s a list of funding programs currently accepting proposals for maintenance work:
Codeberg: https://codeberg.org/mechko/awesome-maintainer-funding
GitHub: https://github.com/mechko/awesome-maintainer-funding
Thanks to everyone who helped crowdsource it! I’ll keep it updated, issues and PRs are very welcome :)
#opensource #funding #maintenance #foss

2026-01-19 16:02:38 GMT

Dear FOSS Community 👋,
I’m researching Open Source funds and support programs that directly pay FOSS maintainers or contributors (not just offering mentorship), similar to the Fellowship program by @npub1yng…nhrk
I’m especially looking for programs that:
- are aimed at FOSS maintainers or contributors (not only students),
- focus on paid support and
- offer funding for at least 3 months.
If you know of any funds, organizations, or initiatives like this, please comment (or boost). Thanks :)

2025-12-30 14:54:27 GMT

“Software is a liability, not an asset.”
Somehow this statement from Cory Doctorow’s talk on Day 1 stuck with me.
On the one hand, it’s very close to my engineer’s heart: every line of code you don’t write - or can delete - is a relief. On the other hand, it shifts the spotlight to the real asset: the people behind the code (whether in Open Source or commercial software).
#39C3 @npub1fdr…lvhs

2025-12-27 23:14:24 GMT

Clearly: It‘s the most wonderful time of the year. #39c3
https://assets.chaos.social/media_attachments/files/115/794/068/162/316/664/original/be14095ef933eb09.jpeg

2025-08-11 17:02:45 GMT

Surprise. GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke resigned today and GitHub will be integrated in Microsofts AI devision. ^^ https://www.theverge.com/news/757461/microsoft-github-thomas-dohmke-resignation-coreai-team-transition

2025-03-24 07:29:00 GMT

Die BSI-Strategie: Wir investieren weiter in die Hyperscaler, um die Technologie besser zu verstehen 🙃.
Das ist fatal, denn: Jeder Euro dafür fehlt in europäisch-kontrollierten Open Source Initiativen, wo wir durchs Machen lernen können, nicht durchs Zuschauen.
@npub1vcj…5y37 https://social.bund.de/@bsi/114215996591204127

2024-12-29 11:57:33 GMT

Looking for a new job? Want to work on supporting the global Open Source community? The Sovereign Tech Agency is hiring for different roles: Technologist, Cybersecurity Program Lead and more. Find the job openings here, and don't hesitate to approach me at #38C3 if you wanna chat:
https://www.sovereign.tech/jobs
@npub1yng…nhrk #FediHire

2024-10-20 11:14:37 GMT

Quick reminder for the brave Open Source maintainers out there: The Sovereign Tech Fund is still accepting applications for our paid Fellowship program until the end of *today*.
Find all the information and the links to the application form here (both freelance and internal employment with the STF):
https://www.sovereigntechfund.de/programs/fellowship
(boosts welcome 🙏)