Re: Software as society (was: Re: Documentation Standards was Re: [ox-en] UserLinux)
- From: Casimir Purzelbaum <quasi utopix.net>
- Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2003 12:19:10 +0100
* Ref.: »Software as society (was: Re: Documentation Standards
was Re: [ox-en] UserLinux)«
* Niall Douglas (2003-12-11 19:34)
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1
On 11 Dec 2003 at 11:28, Russell McOrmond wrote:
I will easily grant you the truth that "software
manufacturing" business models based on collecting
royalties are incompatible with the GPL. This is like
saying that business models based on the making of candles
are incompatible with the electric light bulb. You seem to
be suggesting that the problem is the GPL rather than
recognizing that the real problem are legacy royalty-based
"software manufacturing" business models.
Ah, the old "the world is bad let's all do this this better
thing" fantasy. People will do what they think is best for
them.
"Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can
change the world, are the ones who do."
--Apple Computer Advertisement (!)
But seriously, why are you saying this was a fantasy thing??
People tend to think about what they do, don't they?
And then there are other people who think about what people do,
what is good for it and what not. Those are called politicians,
economists, philosophers etc.
There are inescapable business reasons why the GPL is a
bad idea and no shortage of engineering ones too. Of course,
economists have been saying these ad nauseum for ages...
Yes, economists have been saying so and continue to say so.
About whom? And which economists? They say it about *business*
people. Because they think in terms of *business interests*.
Why should there be no other economists -- thinking differently?
I, for one, am an economist too, and I say differently, when I'm
talking about free software. I would, however, say the same,
when I restricted myself to talking about business. That's the
whole point. In other words: Is SW-production there for the
business or is the business there for making ends meet, i.e.
fulfilling needs and requirements?
...but the
GPL cult does not want to hear. They need to believe that the
GPL will save the world
No, they can also simply observe that the GPL is better suited to
meet certain needs/requirements than the principles of business
are.
and anything not confirming that
doesn't exist.
No: "anything not confirming that" indicates a clash of
interests. And where interests clash, they should be discussed.
Not just proclaimed as if they were eternal truths, as those
economists do that you read.
Best Regards,
Casi.
_______________________
http://www.oekonux.org/