diff --git a/docs/_sidebar.md b/docs/_sidebar.md index b61be5c4b..01cdf780d 100644 --- a/docs/_sidebar.md +++ b/docs/_sidebar.md @@ -28,6 +28,12 @@ - [Development](development.md) +- Other + + - [FAQ](faq.md) + - [License](license.md) + + - Links - [![Website](https://n8n.io/favicon.ico ':size=16')n8n.io](https://n8n.io) diff --git a/docs/faq.md b/docs/faq.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..999555256 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/faq.md @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +# FAQ + +## Integrations + + +### Can you create an integration for service X? + +You can request new integrations to be added to our forum. There is a special section for that where +other users can also upvote it so that we know which integrations are important and should be +created next. [Feature Request](https://community.n8n.io/c/feature-requests/nodes) + + +### An integration exists already but a feature is missing. Can you add it? + +Adding new functionality to an existing integration is normally not that complicated. So the chance is +high that we can do that quite fast. Simply post your feature request in the forum and we will see +what we can do. [Feature Request](https://community.n8n.io/c/feature-requests/nodes) + + +### How can I create an integration myself? + +Information about that can be found in the [CONTRIBUTING guide](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md) + + +## License + + +### What license does n8n use? + +n8n is licensed under [Apache 2.0 with Commons Clause](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/blob/master/packages/cli/LICENSE.md) + + +### Why does n8n has the Commons Clause attached to the license? + +I love Open Source and the idea that everybody can use and extend what I wrote for free. But as much +as money can not buy you love, love can sadly literally not buy you anything. Especially does it not pay for rent, food, health insurance, and so on. +And even though people can theoretically contribute to a project are the main drivers which push a project +forward the most time very few and normally the creators or the company behind the project. So to make sure that +the project improves and stays alive long term did the Commons Clause get attached. That makes sure that +no other person/company can make money directly with n8n. Especially not in the way it is planned +to finance further development. For 99.99% of the people it will not make any difference at all but at +the same time does it protect the project. + +As n8n itself depends on and uses a lot of other Open Source projects it is only fair and in our interest +to also help them. So it is planed to contribute a certain percentage of revenue/profit every month to these +projects. How much exactly is not decided yet. + +Started already with the first very small monthly contributions via [Open Collective](https://opencollective.com/n8n). It is not much yet as revenue is zero and profit in minus but it is at least a start. I hope to be able to ramp that up substantially over time. + + +### Is n8n really Open Source? + +No, according to the definition of the [Open Source Initiative (OSI)](https://opensource.org/osd) +is n8n currently not Open Source. The reason is that [Commons Clause](https://commonsclause.com) which takes away some rights got attached to the Apache 2.0 license. +The source code is however open and people and companies can use it totally free. +What is however not allowed is to make money directly with n8n. So you can for example not charge +other people to host or support n8n. + +The support part is mainly there because it was already in the license and I am not a lawyer. So to make it simpler do I hereby grant anybody the right to do consulting/support without prior permission as long as it is less than 30.000 USD per year. + +If you have bigger things planned simply write an email to [license@n8n.io](mailto:license@n8n.io). + + +### Why do you call n8n Open Source if the Open Source Initiative (OSI) says it is not? + +Because it is the best description and people know what Open Source is. It explains the best and fastest +what can be done with the license n8n uses. + +If you ask people what it means when a project is Open Source they will mention things like: + + - The source code is open + - Everybody can use it for free + - It can be extended + +Those are the things people associate with Open Source and what they care about most. And all of the +above can be done with n8n. So there is currently simply no better term to explain it fast and simple. + +It is however also very important to me to not mislead anybody. That is why I try to mention everywhere +directly that the [Commons Clause](https://commonsclause.com) got applied. So that the 0.01% of the people +who care about that difference know about it. diff --git a/docs/license.md b/docs/license.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6ca2d9261 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/license.md @@ -0,0 +1,5 @@ +# License + +n8n is licensed under [Apache 2.0 with Commons Clause](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/blob/master/packages/cli/LICENSE.md) + +Additional information about the license can be found in the [FAQ](faq.md?id=license).