On July 30, 2002 01:26 am, Evan Leibovitch wrote: <snip> > > The door is open to Linux. Linux ought to be the cure for Klondike > > Fever - not the carrier of a new strain of the disease. Free software > > is about bits and brains not bits and bucks. > > It could be both. If use of free software makes a company more efficient > (and more profitable) than its competitors using proprietary technology, > is that not a win? > > I think that many who take the pragmatic approach suggest that Linux's > appeal to greed (its lower cost to own, maintain and copy) gets the foot > in the door. Having made the entrance, the other benefits of software > freedom can be much more easily explained and demonstrated. > > Is this approach unethical? I certainly don't think so.
Well you had me till the last para. If I understand the orginal authors point which parallels my own its simply this, OSS regardless of how you cut it is more about a revised business methodology than purely an alternaitve developement method/process. If anything, the last three years have demostrated how succeptable our community is to traditional business methods and models that perpetuate some of the worst aspects of corpratism and capitalism. I remember standing in New York at the Zavitz, whatching the hullabaloo on CNN, and VC's pumping X millions of dollars into one young lads firm (he was sixteen I believe) without the requirement of a business plan, without the need for business experience, and without the expectation of profitability. They were many other cases that week. I just shook my head as quieted my self with the realization that this was all going to blow up, similar to the realestate boom in TO in the mid 80's when I left. On a personal basis, one which I rarely advocate vocally as its not my place, I decided after that experience and observations that for linux (however you slice it and regardless of who supports it) to succeed it will also require considerable courage by its advocates and sponsers to not only provide alternative development strategies but also more importantly alternative business processes. As the last year has demostrated "openess" must extend accross business functions and legitimacy of effort requires examination and reflection on a regular basis other wise regardless of the fruits that are being delivered they are easily spoiled by how they are cared for or brought to market. This is of paritcular importance during the advocacy phase of exposure too or presentation of linux to new clients or new audiances. Too often the validity of the message is nullfied by blind and non critical adherance to dogmatic viewpoints that for better or worse and independant of the authors intend end up in the bowels of hypocracy regardless of how innocent the propents. Critical self reflection is equally important I would argue more important in the OS community but is rarely practiced IMHO. It is not enough to have and support klller technology without consideration of the social and ethical consequences of its support and promolgation. I am right and you are wrong/evil is not the basis for a mature business ethic, nor is it reflective of a viable and sustainable business practice. Now more than ever given the past and recent history, linux advocacy at any level requires relfective and critical thought processes that begin with client requirements ( rather than focus on self or the correctness of the message or messenger) and are translated into viable and "ethical/sustainable" business practices. Best Chris H. --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
