First, I really like the idea of LINUX that everyone can participate in developing the OS as mentioned in the reading. The only thing that I think really slowed the development of LINUX is because it is free. Although I like to have free things, I think the developments of software would not be as developed as today if it was free service. Actually, we can see that first we have a software that Microsoft for example wrote and made available to buy, then after that people write another software that does the something that the Microsoft’s one does.
I wish that the anyone improve LINUX get some benefits or something in return for his time and effort by selling the OS for small portion of money.
I would like to connect my thoughts with what Marc A. Smith said in Smart Mobs book about collective action dilemma page 32. He gave an example that not every one watches public television sends a check. I wish it goes this way in free software or open sources style that not everyone pays for the service but at least someone is helping by donating or advertising for their services in these programs. Still I think providing the service for small portion of money would really help the development of such projects.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
At some point I could agree with you about the slow development of Linux OS because it is available for free usage.
However,wouldn't you say that the "Free" here is the free-version they are providing as a way to utilize their marketing strategy of attract more consumer to try their products?
Since, I believe in the ideology and know once the company comes out with the new product on the market, they need to test it out and find out if it's making profit. The way to do it, is to offer a sample, or in this case a free-version. Once the consumers try it out and like it they would be willing to spend the money for it. One example, I had in mind aside Linux OS, is Quick books.
I'd actually like to add to what Benjamin was saying. By putting out free software, the people who are really into this have a chance to look at the product and see how to improve it. This goes along with the whole public good thing that Rheingold's friend Smith was talking about. If a random person makes it better, it is an improvement for him/herself along with the rest of society. That is why it is good to allow people to take a look at free software for some of the newest innovations. On the other hand, it is true that money is a surefire motivation to innovate, especially if your job is on the line. But if that pressure is not put on a person, especially a person who examines operating systems as a leisure activity, the chance of something good resulting is fairly high.
Ben You are absolotly right. I think it is good idea to give free virsion of new sofware or program. But the thing is that you need to get something in return at one point of time. Free is great I love this world :) but I still think pating little sometimes is good.
Anna, It is really cool and great to let people participate in anything. This should really improve it . I would like to give an example of "Lost". I think there are doing great job cause they have blog and getting some ideas from people and put it in the show.
I also remmeber a programm in my country. They ask people to write stories and send it to them. they choose some stories and make it as short movie or setcom. They pay some money to the people who wrote these stories and they may also hire them to write more stories to the show. A lot of people send a lot of stories to the show because they would have something in return. I think if it is free less people wpuld participate in such event.
Post a Comment