<< This was posted to the 'Is FOSS ethical?' thread in response to Kaz
Kylheku's observation that FOSS subsidies could be unfair, but
probably deserves a seperate thread. Sorry for the multiple posts>>
Right; perhaps we need to campaign to change the funding model as it
exists. I think this model is out of date. Perhaps we should see
software as needing to be funded in the same way that we used to fund
the public utilities in the UK. We all use FOSS and rely on it like we
rely on piped water. Government depts are saving a bundle by using
it, so why not treat it like piped water?
Right now much of the development money is ticketed for universities.
If you're not in that system you don't get a chance to enter the
race. Grant money is doled out in closed sessions by some of the very
people who apply for it and I can tell you that the system is anything
but fair. The hidden presumption is that universities and only
universities are the engines of innovation and development and FOSS is
proof that that is not true. So maybe we should campaign for the govt
to open the coffers and give FOSS developers a chance of the same
subsidies that universities enjoy.
Mark
PS The previous comparison I made with dumping was to do with the
economic effects of FOSS - ie. the commercial destruction of a
commercial player, not the intent behind FOSS which might be noble.
(or not - sometimes with fanatical FOSS people the intent is exactly
that - whacking the commercial equivalent).