Sandals and ponytail set cramp Linux (ZDNet) [LWN.net]

Sandals and ponytail set cramp Linux (ZDNet)

Posted Mar 28, 2006 16:01 UTC (Tue) by admorgan (subscriber, #26575)
Parent article: Sandals and ponytail set cramp Linux (ZDNet)

Why do we always need to compete with commercial applications? I use Linux because it works better for me than any other option I currently have (Actually like Plan 9 also, but try to find apps for it). I do not write my open source apps so I can compete with Company X. I write open source apps because:
a) There is not another application that does what I want it to do
b) The other version costs $$$ and I don't feel that I am getting $$$ of value from it
c) I am doing contract work for an publicly funded organization and therefore feel that the public deserves to get the most out of my work.

Those reason are listed in order of descending order of what prompts me to produce open source applications. I also do not use open source applications simply because they are open source, but because of value. I use Linux and have actually paid for a number of applications that run on top of Linux. This is because they performed a valuable service, and the cost I felt was within the value provided. I should mention that open source software does have the advantage of having the built in added value of source availability, but it still all falls under the question of value, not a question of if every commercial software provider needs to be put out of business.

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Subjective valuation

Posted Mar 28, 2006 19:42 UTC (Tue) by man_ls (subscriber, #15091) [Link]

But this "value" you mention several times is a subjective perception, not like functionality which can be more objectively assessed. Business men would tell you that this "value" depends on what else is there on the market, so Linux (by its mere existence) is diminishing their perceived value. It is a recursive definition which does not lead very far.

I guess this is why Stallman always stays away from the "value" of software and always goes to "freedom". Of course this freedom to tinker will also raise the perceived value of an application, since it becomes more flexible and less dependent; but that is a consequence.

So you might add another reason to your list, which I would put at the top:

0) You want to really own your apps, not lease them.

Sandals and ponytail set cramp Linux (ZDNet)

Posted Mar 28, 2006 22:44 UTC (Tue) by laidlaws (guest, #26237) [Link]

I think that it is fair enough that you choose Linux because you like it, but if it does not gain wide acceptance, developers won't spend time improving it.

A magazine article pointed out that Microsoft had abandoned OpenGL for a proprietary substitute (I have forgotten the details). The consequence will be that developers won't be interested in OpenGL and there will be no spinoff for Linux. Linux is Open Source, but those improving it still have to make a living.

On the question of the description "sandals and ponytail set" I agree that people shouldn't be judged by their clothing, but here no prejudice is meant, although the image it evokes with me is too young. A lot of surfing happens from business desktops. Men go directly for what they want, women surf, just as it is mainly women who window-shop. Secretaries and data-punchers are mostly women without children to keep them at home. Business desktops have computer games to let them relax. Now that most businesses are connected to the Internet, that is available as well. They are exposed to Windows all day, and may see it as the only option. The Linux user is seen as a pretty rare animal. They are the ones we need to evangelize.