tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post1443674076336270134..comments2024-03-22T12:20:48.920+00:00Comments on open...: Why Free Software is a Con-TrickGlyn Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-74369471305487237062008-11-22T13:26:00.000+00:002008-11-22T13:26:00.000+00:00As others have pointed out, my headline is itself ...As others have pointed out, my headline is itself something of a con. I merely wanted to draw attention to the interesting similarities at a very fundamental, biological level - not in terms of underlying motivations.Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-70153643407941916342008-11-22T13:22:00.000+00:002008-11-22T13:22:00.000+00:00Surely this is a bad analogy. The motivation and p...Surely this is a bad analogy. The motivation and purpose of conmen is cheating, they ask for help for their own good. Is there anybody believing that contributors and users don't benefit from free software?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-90770835361577020262008-11-20T16:18:00.000+00:002008-11-20T16:18:00.000+00:00I agree. But did you feel better at the end?I agree. But did you feel better at the end?Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-2879823144665023152008-11-20T16:17:00.000+00:002008-11-20T16:17:00.000+00:00I have to note that the article is something of a ...I have to note that the article is something of a "con". It leads you to believe you in for some Open Source bashing and turns the corner to present a praise of the Open Source model. Nice hook to get the OSS haters to read, but a "con" none the less.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13848544626576229909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-30210279299290833712008-11-20T09:21:00.000+00:002008-11-20T09:21:00.000+00:00Absolutely: it begins as a con-trick predicated on...Absolutely: it begins as a con-trick predicated on altruism, and then magically turns into the wonder we know as an open source project where everyone benefits.Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-32998375096867098652008-11-20T09:20:00.000+00:002008-11-20T09:20:00.000+00:00@Jose_X: Indeed - this wasn't an entirely serious ...@Jose_X: Indeed - this wasn't an entirely serious post....Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-32153005444055274252008-11-20T02:50:00.000+00:002008-11-20T02:50:00.000+00:00Ask Linus if he thinks altruism powers free softwa...Ask Linus if he thinks altruism powers free software. He's on record as saying it's really enlightened self interest at work: few, if any, people contribute to a project they aren't going to use themselves. Altruism implies self-sacrifice; doing something from which you gain no benefit, or even incur some loss.<BR/><BR/>An open source app (or an entire OS) may begin with a call for help, but that call is answered by people who want that app themselves. It may not be greed exactly, but it definitely isn't altruism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-4619095027733723712008-11-19T23:35:00.000+00:002008-11-19T23:35:00.000+00:00We give away the goods! It's not a con. It lasts.A...We give away the goods! It's not a con. It lasts.<BR/><BR/>Attempts to imitate will only help point out the difference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-24061071614607655102008-11-19T23:11:00.000+00:002008-11-19T23:11:00.000+00:00Well, as you can tell from the other posts on this...Well, as you can tell from the other posts on this blog, I don't disagree. But I thought the similarities between the two situations warranted a slightly exaggerated headline - if only to make people sit up and take notice.Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-9237959129127439042008-11-19T22:55:00.000+00:002008-11-19T22:55:00.000+00:00Not a con, IMHO.A con happens when one is led to b...Not a con, IMHO.<BR/><BR/>A con happens when one is led to believe in a false fabricated reality context; there's a swindle involved.<BR/><BR/>Free software is , OTOH, very clear: give your time, dedication (and sometimes also resources) and we'll all create something, which is rewarding process in itself. That is the very clear message for developers: if you find it fun, and you are willing to play, then welcome. Nobody says you have to play.<BR/><BR/>Also, what users expect is by no means guaranteed (as stated in the GPL). This is clear as daylight.<BR/><BR/>Contrast this with vague promises of "total support" by proprietary software vendors, which in truth never materializes. Who's the conman then?<BR/><BR/>Sorry if I don't get into the joking mood, but I'm really p** off with "professional" people lying about their lousy software and how "free software" is so much inferior (another lie) -- and with the idiots who believe them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-27138506900857566472008-11-19T14:37:00.000+00:002008-11-19T14:37:00.000+00:00I agree, it was a bit of a con....I agree, it was a bit of a con....Glyn Moodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04436885795882611585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19798349.post-68804354753273153812008-11-19T14:36:00.000+00:002008-11-19T14:36:00.000+00:00I am not sure if I would use the word 'con' since ...I am not sure if I would use the word 'con' since it generally has negative connotations. But, you did get my attention with the title and the point you make about the effect of free software is valid, so I guess it works out in the end.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com