free component libraries like shadcn/ui, daisyUI, and HyperUI killed Tailwind UI’s paid component business. shadcn/ui exploded in popularity by offering free, copy-paste components with no npm installation required

… the article makes a big thing about AI being the cause, and then says “oh yeah and this other thing too”. Not obvious whether it would’ve happened without AI generated CSS as well.

They tried, and that’s admirable. Some things aren’t meant to work out though.