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Lessons Proprietary Software Can Teach Open Source

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the learning-from-each-other-while-we-do-our-thing dept.

cdlu writes "Kris Shaffer at Newsforge argues that just because software is open source doesn't mean it should be unpopular. What lessons, he asks, can open source projects learn from popular proprietary software?" From the article: "In the absence of a monopoly, there are three traits that are likely to make an application popular: it is cool or attractive in some way, it provides easy entry, and it is addictive. Barring these things, most average users will stick with the status quo. In fact, many users never use a program on their computer that did not come pre-installed. However, by creating an attractive, easy to set up, addictive application, a developer can motivate the average user to break this barrier and try something new. And several such applications can generate strong popular interest in the open source movement in general."

2 of 359 comments (clear)

  1. It's no Analogy by uberdave · · Score: 3, Informative

    It's not a metaphor. Many people exhibit symptoms of adictive behaviour towards their computers.

    --
    "I'm not impatient. I just hate waiting." - My Dad
  2. The problem actually is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    that most open source projects are made by self prclaimed experts in software design that do NOT understand the common computer user.

    When I attempted to upgrade my workplace to OpenOffice after fielding complaints about Microsoft Office -- suffice to say we are back to Microsoft.

    NEVER underestimate the value of user friendly GUI's and software design. Then again...