Have you published the answer to the RH8/Apache2 issue? Seems you found it indenpendently and could do so.
Basically, I agree that simple how to use info should be available. This is all bound up in the definition of Open Source. If the souce is to be 'open', it seems it should include some basic level of use documention -- code with no documention at all is completely useless -- more like a virus. It is NOT professional behavior. HOWEVER, support that requires addtional effort is a different thing -- and can be charged for.
The problem in this case seems to be more of a contrivence by the company to force the expense to join the official support group. You don't have to -- could start your own and publish your findings -- for free it you want (or charge is you want).
However, I do agree that the company behavior is very short-sighted. It would seem to me that in the long run they would rather have happy customers. Happy customers are generally more willing to buy new products. More likely they are adopting the M$ model where they want to control the market to the point that the customer must buy the product anyway even if they don't like the company.
Best way to fight this is to publish your results.
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Have you published the answer to the RH8/Apache2 issue? Seems you found it indenpendently and could do so.
Basically, I agree that simple how to use info should be available. This is all bound up in the definition of Open Source. If the souce is to be 'open', it seems it should include some basic level of use documention -- code with no documention at all is completely useless -- more like a virus. It is NOT professional behavior. HOWEVER, support that requires addtional effort is a different thing -- and can be charged for.
The problem in this case seems to be more of a
contrivence by the company to force the expense to join the official support group. You don't have to -- could start your own and publish your findings -- for free it you want (or charge is you want).
However, I do agree that the company behavior is
very short-sighted. It would seem to me that in the long run they would rather have happy customers. Happy customers are generally more willing to buy new products. More likely they are adopting the M$ model where they want to control the market to the point that the customer must buy the product anyway even if they don't like the company.
Best way to fight this is to publish your results.
Anyone ever read this old sc-fi book? It's more to the point than where this discussion has gone.