Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Free Software And Its Revolutionary Social Implications

Posted by timothy on from the ideas-to-argue-about-over-coffee-and-beer dept.

Jizzbug writes: "OpenFlows has an interesting interview with Stefan Merten (of Oekonux in Germany) on the implications of Free Software in regards to social change (for the better). It'd be interesting to see what kind of famous Slashdot flamewar will erupt in response to the ideas set forth in this interview. Those in the audience that are freethinking and not jingoistic should find this a very enlightening and entertaining read."

11 of 336 comments (clear)

  1. nothing really by bananaape · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I just wanted to have the first post because I get bored like that. Have a nice day.

  2. Bin Laden KILLED!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Holy SHIT - bin Laden has been KILLED by US Marines!!!

    Confirmed by the AP, see for yourself at the link below!!!

    http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20011211/ts/bin_la den_killed_166.html

    1. Re:Bin Laden KILLED!!! by Kraft · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      I the name of Jesus Christ, why was this link not caught by the link displayer!

      And for the Love of All Things Holy - quit putting that goddam image in my face.

      1-0 to the troll.

      --

      -Kraft
      Live and let live
    2. Re:Bin Laden KILLED!!! by joerg · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Because the link is in the sig. I just wondered how long it will take the trolls to find this out...

  3. I call for a new ribbon campaign by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Free Bin Laden!!

  4. Re:computer programs and other "commodities"--Bull by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    This is complete and utter nonsense. You just described the single GREATEST fallacy of capitalism, namely, that only certain things are produced because "consumers" want them. Supply itself creates demand. I would never have eaten a McDonald's hamburger in my whole life if McDonald's wasn't supplying them. It's still my responsibility to temper my wants, but suppliers have a responsibility too.

    Suppose I were in a desert where I hadn't had water for three days. If you watched me in that context, you may say that I must be drinking my own piss because that's what I want. In that case, I personally could imagine wanting something better to drink, but there was no alternative supplied.

    In the case of a Corvette, you assume that people want the whole of the Corvette, that they are perfectly aware of all of the other different possibilities if that would only not be satisfied with the level of service supplied. If people tried a little harder, maybe we could have zero-emmisions Corvettes, that have safety standards built around a 200mph accident. Competition in this case, prevents things like that from happening becaues such an invention could never compete on price points.

  5. Re:Things that mark you out as a SlashDot Prick [T by SkepTech · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Actually, it's Mae Ling Mak, Naked and Petrified but near as I can tell she must have sued the website or something because you never read that anymore. Just this revisionist Portman crap from newbies.

  6. Re:Interesting contrast with the First Monday piec by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    "leftist anarchist"

    Remind me. Is it better to be a rightist anarchist than a leftist one? :)

    I thought Anarchism went beyond right and left.

    Oh sorry. That doesn't fit into your neat little worldview. Carry on.

  7. Re:*sigh* by Icculus · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    genius... where are my +1 points when I need them?

  8. Re:computer programs and other "commodities" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Read Marx.

  9. Re:- 1 troll == article. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    A sad example of the most common definition of "troll": "stuff that might make me think". You let CNN and co. do that for you, huh?