Question is are you using the term open source strictly as it is meant, i.e. the source is available, or as some use it, loosely, to mean both open source and free (as in beer)? [1]
[1] I ask that because all 4 possible combinations of open/closed source and paid/free software exist. But "open source" is often used loosely by people to mean both open source and free as in beer, including by well-known tech journalists or authors who should know better.
I think even closed source languages which are paid, have a chance, just maybe not very big a one. But that is not a problem as such. Not everyone is aiming to be a unicorn - more like the opposite. [ This idea of "go big or go home" (propounded by VC's) is deleterious to the public health (TM:) ] But the chance is probably big enough for a company or three (for that language) to live on - provided they get their act right (enough) on all fronts, including tech and marketing. And even big enough for an ecosystem to build around them. Such things still exist today, just that they are not so much talked/written about as much as open source and the latest "hot" trends are. Blame the media and the cool kids for that.
And I say this as a strong (though not exclusive) proponent, user and somewhat of a practitioner of open source.
[1] I ask that because all 4 possible combinations of open/closed source and paid/free software exist. But "open source" is often used loosely by people to mean both open source and free as in beer, including by well-known tech journalists or authors who should know better.
I think even closed source languages which are paid, have a chance, just maybe not very big a one. But that is not a problem as such. Not everyone is aiming to be a unicorn - more like the opposite. [ This idea of "go big or go home" (propounded by VC's) is deleterious to the public health (TM:) ] But the chance is probably big enough for a company or three (for that language) to live on - provided they get their act right (enough) on all fronts, including tech and marketing. And even big enough for an ecosystem to build around them. Such things still exist today, just that they are not so much talked/written about as much as open source and the latest "hot" trends are. Blame the media and the cool kids for that.
And I say this as a strong (though not exclusive) proponent, user and somewhat of a practitioner of open source.