02-03-2009, 12:20 AM
(02-02-2009, 06:00 PM)Ali Quadir Wrote: Is this a model that we're going to see more of? Not just in the open software movement? But is it possible to get most of the people on the planet to participate in open projects that serve the long term benefit of mankind and the small term benefit of being part of a community with a bigger purpose?
A planet full of people who stand side by side
Yes, I think it is. Just look at this website -- I believe it's put together entirely out of open-source packages, combined with love and devotion by Bring4th_Steve on an entirely voluntary basis. (Steve, correct me if I'm wrong about any of that.)
As a linux user, I'm always surprised that more people don't use it. It's free! And good! And software updates are free! On everything I use!
But I have to admit that even though I use open source software every day I have not released the web applications I've written. Mostly I think that may be out of shyness -- I'm not quite ready to let anybody else see my underwear. Partly it's out of a sense that managing an open-source project well takes a lot of time, and I have other, compelling demands on my time at the moment. And partly it's out of a desire to retain some degree of (possibly illusory) autonomy. It's like open source is a river rushing by and I'm using it to power my water wheel, but I haven't decided to swim in it yet.