Am Dienstag, den 04.03.2008, 11:25 -0800 schrieb Ron Garret:
> Not that I really want to fan these off-topic flames, but this is just
> factually incorrect. People generally do not write open-source software
> out of altruism.
Partly true, but the reasoning is a bit shaky.
> They do it because they are hoping for some form of
> compensation, like the ability to use other people's open-source
> software,
This reason explains why people use FOSS, but not why they write it.
> professional recognition and respect, or monetary compensation
> in the form of employment, contracts, or investments in some commercial
> venture.
Agreed.
Though the financial rewards aren't worth it. If Linux Torvalds had been
compensated appropriately, he'd be at least a millionaire, probably even
a billionaire. I'm pretty sure he is neither.
> Whether this motivation is wise or ethical is a separate
> question, but the fact is that most open-source developers do have a
> profit motive, even if only indirectly.
Not financial profit though.
More along the lines of safety - if you made a name as a FOSS
programmer, your job will be a little bit safer than otherwise.
But not profit in the sense of earning a reward that's proportional to
services provided to the public.
There *is* a strong altruistic motive behind FOSS.
Regards,
Jo