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The Life of Linus
madHomer writes "There is a good article in the SJ Mercury-News that talks about Linus' life here in the US. It even includes a blurb from his father about raising him. " Interesting coverage, although once again, I think we get closer to the hero-worship complex that seems to clash with others ideals of the 'the movement'. In any case, however, an interesting read.
Right, I noticed this but I think that this was the only really obvious error. Overall, I thought the overview on Linux was pretty clueful. I think its far more important that they stated things like recent tests show windows is faster in *some* specific circumstances, and other balanced statements like that. I've seen a lot worse and on the whole I felt the article was well written and not half-bad for having been in mercurynews (maybe not the most tech-oriented pub, no?).
I can't believe I read the whole thing! ;)
Funny how Linus understands the proprietary software business better than many people in data centers who've been immersed in it for years. His comments about IBM's (and the seven dwarfs') historical business model was so understatedly right on the money that it ranks as the best (and shortest) description I've heard. I guess from his diametrically opposed niche he has perspective that others don't.
All in all, an excellent slice of Linus' life story.
Geeky modern art T-shirts
Then he adds, "Even if you're the best technology person at Microsoft, your goal isn't to make the best product possible.
I see this comment from Torvalds and I have to stop and think. You know, he's right. Your goal at Microsoft is to make the company money, not make the best thing around. Sometimes the two agree, but a lot of times they don't.
Very wise man, that Mr. Torvalds. He's got an insight that I think is lost on many people.
Okay, I admit I only read the first page. That was as much as I could stomach really. Where do these guys get their intro fluff? I suppose from previous articles of similar journalists.
/. as a gauge of what their readers think, please don't use your colleagues articles for fluff info. Go to the official web page of whomever you're canonizing for the day and get the real story. Use email and the phone, both work within our subset of society. And consider target audiences fairly, yes many of these "tech sites" are run for the LCD of techies and PHBs (amazingly enough, the LCD = PHB for that). But, I'm going to jump out into the middle of the fire here and say that I'd be impressed if my PHB knew the real story behind Linuz or any of the Open Source news that he reads.
I really enjoyed the statement that it was pointless to send Linus an email cause he gets 200+ daily and doesn't respond. Nice fallacy actually, and I'm certain that if a poll hasn't been done it should. I usually use email to communicate more frequently than I use the phone. Just so much easier. Takes less time than a phone conversation would.
I digress, and just ask any journalists who use
ALL HAIL BRAK!!!
Sounds like something that the Monty Python crew might put together.
I can see it now, with "Always look on the bright side of code" for a theme song playing in the background, young Linus ventures forth into the world to herd penguins.
Along the way, he has many misadventures, one of which results in Microsoft Centurions forcing him to write a complete Linux kernel on the walls of their Redmond facility - in correct Hungarian notation.
He is eventually killed on live television, by being crucified on a podium during his keynote at an industry trade-show, as the music fades out.
"He's pining for the fjords!"
-- What you do today will cost you a day of your life.
The gist of the article was the opposite, getting rich wasn't that important, or really a meassure of success. I think it come from growing up in a Nordic country will a working wellfare system. When being poor isn't that bad (being poor doesn't mean you will starve at an old age, lack proper health care, or be unable to afford a good education for your kids), getting rich is no longer so all important.
He also fasted the whole time. Please get your facts straight before posting these stories! ;-)
Of all the comments I've ever posted, this is definately one of them