---
title: open
alignment: chaotic
---

{% block examples -%}

"This [work](/work) is openly available on the Internet"

"This [work](/work) is open, available under [CC BY-NC-ND](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)"

{%- endblock %}



{% block usage -%}

In different meanings by different actors in different contexts

In opposition to closed models of distribution of cultural works

Sometimes to blur the lines between [free](/free) (as in [freedom](/freedom)) and non-free [licenses](/license)

{%- endblock %}



{% block recommendations -%}

Be careful of the context in which this word is used

Where possible, talk about [users'](/user) rights and freedoms instead of using the word "open"

Always differentiate between [free](/free) [licenses](/license) and open licenses

{%- endblock %}