Is Open Source Recession Proof?

DaMan writes "ZDNet asks Is open source recession proof? 'So, how might a recession affect open source software? Well, first off, I think that any business model that relies on volunteers could certainly see interest decline if times get tough. There are a lot of businesses that rely on people working for them for free because they get a pay check somewhere else, and I think that a recession would make people question working without getting any dollars in return.'"

Comments

Slow news day much?

[DeeQ]

somebody-submit-a-better-story-please This made me laugh

Re:Slow news day much?

[ultranova]

No kidding. When even the editors are calling it a slow news day, it's pretty bad.

Maybe someone could dig up some dirt on Intelligent Design people and post it on Slashdot ? Then we could once again have a flamefest about whether or not God exist or atheism is a religion.

Maybe we could tie it up with Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition and Jack Chick for good measure ?

Or a flamewar to end all flamewars: heartless Rayndian let the poor starve on the streets -style Libertarianists vs. Socialists who steal every last penny which you have righfully earned with your very own hands to build a Gulag and lock you there for your own good with a robotic nanny named "State".

Or just type random queries to Google and post an equally random summary which links to the first hit. No matter what it's about, the discussion will naturally turn to the topics mentioned.

Re:Slow news day much?

[mrdarreng]

The problem with a recession is that everyone just sits around doing nothing with no direction, not that the money supply dried up. It's a testament to the power of sheeple. So...I should go spend? Thank god I already applied for this Gucci credit card!

Re:They just don't get it.

[OptimusPaul]

That's gotta suck, bringing down 3 companies like that must really depress you. You should try and get a job with a company to take a job at their competitor. But seriously, I agree, I think that a lot of people will move to support OSS when times are tough. That kind of thing can really beef up a resume, especially if you can prove yourself on these projects.

Re:Ways a recession could affect Opensource

[at_slashdot]

3) Folks who are depressed are not every productive. In a deep recession there will be a lot of fear, anxiety, and depression.

I bet most of the people program in their free time exactly because they are depressed, otherwise they would just waste their free time screwing the prom queen.

Re:Ways a recession could affect Opensource

[AuMatar]

You know, I tend not to do that anymore at my age. The word jailbait comes to mind.