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Open Source Could Learn from Capitalism

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the don't-give-it-away-for-free dept.

ukhackster writes to tell us that Sun's Simon Phipps challenged many open source ideals at a recent open source conference in London. Urging the open source community to look to the lessons of capitalism, Phipps called for "volunteerism" to be replaced with "directed self-interest" and denounced the perceived legal issues surrounding open source. From the article: "Phipps took time out to take a swipe at some of the exhibitors at the conference who were selling professional advice on negotiating the open source 'legal minefield'. 'I disagree with those who say who say open source is a legal minefield,' he said as he threw from the stage a brochure from one firm of lawyers. 'If you think open source is a minefield you're doing it wrong.'"

2 of 385 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Missing the point by susano_otter · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    It's somewhat amusing that a Jewish Communist drew his rhetorical inspiration from the Christian New Testament.


    Certainly more amusing than what happened whenever somebody tried to implement his ideas without the faith-based component...
    --

    Any sufficiently well-organized community is indistinguishable from Government.

  2. Re:From each according to his ability... by Psyonic · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I'm no fan of Ayn Rand, but I think that was a little harsh. Ayn Rand wasn't the very source of evil upon the earth, as Ann Coulter has taken upon herself to be. You didn't see Ayn arguing that women should be denied the right to vote, ex-soldiers should be "fragged", and whatever insane babble comes out of that terrible woman's mouth or pen.

    --
    A man walks into a bar. The bartender says, "What is this, some kind of joke?"