1. Good caller tools shouldn't depend on a single person.
Some software is more than just a program. Over time, it becomes a tool that people rely on. That's exactly how I see it. Callers Caddy.
Many years ago, there was an initial version. Then life got in the way: parental leave, a long break from square dancing, other priorities. And so something happened that I consciously want to avoid this time: the software stalled, even though the need for it certainly didn't.
That's precisely why I'm taking a different approach with the new Callers Caddy.
I want the features that a modern square dance caller needs on their laptop to be available., permanently available to stay. Not just as long as I personally have time. Not just as long as I'm actively developing. But also when my life changes again.
The new Callers Caddy is therefore intended to independent of me become.
Open source is not a technical gimmick for me. It's a decision for resistance, community and Future security.
Because I believe that our square dance scene is too valuable for important tools to simply disappear just because a single developer takes a break.
2. What does Open Source mean – and what does the GPL specifically mean?
Open Source initially means: The Source code The software is openly accessible. Others can see how the program works, learn from it, fix bugs, and contribute improvements.
But not all open source software is created equal. There are different licenses – and they differ significantly in what is allowed and what is not.
One point is particularly important to me regarding the Caller's Caddy:
If someone uses, modifies, or extends my code and shares the result, then this new version should also remain open.
That's exactly what it's for. GNU General Public License, short GPL, known. It is a so-called Copyleft license. In simpler terms, this means that anyone who redistributes GPL-licensed code in derivative versions must also release these derivatives under the GPL. This is precisely what prevents someone from taking open-source community code, improving it, and then turning it into a closed, proprietary product.
The GPL ensures that the User freedoms and the open access to the source code will be retained when the program is passed on.
That perfectly matches my stance.
I don't want someone to take Callers Caddy, change a few things, and then turn it into an expensive, closed product that is then withdrawn from the community.
Because ultimately, the software should serve the scene — not create new dependencies for it.
For those who would like to read more, here is a good overview of the GNU GPL on Wikipedia:
GNU General Public License (Wikipedia)
3. This is how I understand the practical use of the GPL for the Caller's Caddy
For me, the GPL at Callers Caddy means four specific things:
1️⃣: The code should be publicly viewable.
Anyone who wants to understand how something works should be able to do so.
2️⃣: Others are allowed to further develop the code.
If I don't have time, if someone has a good idea, or if another developer can solve a problem faster, then it shouldn't fail because of closed doors.
3️⃣: Improvements should be retained for the benefit of the community.
If something new is created and redistributed based on Caller Caddy, then this new version should also be openly available. This is precisely where the GPL demonstrates its strength as a copyleft license.
4️⃣: The entry fee for new callers should remain low.
I don't want to create a hurdle where someone has to dig deep into their pockets just to be able to work with modern tools.
Square dancing, in particular, requires passion, practice, musicality, timing, courage, stamina, and stage presence. The software should provide support in the background—not slow things down.
The caller's caddy is therefore intended to help clear your head for what really matters:
- creative choreography
- strong singing calls
- good music selection
- Clean showmanship
- and a confident presence at the microphone
The software should support, not dominate.
4. My desired impact on the square dance scene
I am releasing the new Callers Caddy as open source under the GPL because I want to make a positive contribution to the scene.
My wish is that modern caller tools not by chance, not in the short term and not exclusive not only remain, but can develop in the long term.
The next generation is particularly important to me.
Today's new call center operators need more than just good training and practical experience. They also need tools that support them in their daily work. Tools that are affordable or, even better, freely accessible. Tools that don't fail due to licensing costs or closed systems.
If the caller's caddy can help a new caller get started more easily, become more confident, be better organized and enjoy their work more, then it serves a real purpose for me.
And if experienced callers are also relieved of some of the burden as a result, all the better.
I hope that something bigger than just a single software project will come from this decision:
a tool,
that can continue to live.
A tool,
that is allowed to grow with the scene.
A tool,
that doesn't disappear just because a developer's life changes.
This is my understanding of sustainable software for square dancing.
Conclusion
The new Callers Caddy will be used as Open Source under the GNU GPLv3 I published this because I want to prevent useful caller software from becoming dependent on a single person or stage of life again. The GPL ensures that further developments based on this code and shared with others must also remain open. This is precisely what protects the idea behind the project: modern, free, and collaboratively usable tools for callers.
My goal is clear:
More freedom, more future security and better tools for the square dance community — especially for new callers.