Metaphors can not only be useful as rhetoric in explaining your position (e.g. software should be copied freely) but in coming up with new and useful solutions to problems. One I would like to see used more often is the metaphor of a private library. Development groups often act like these. When there was no public support for the production and public availability of books, private libraries made them available to those willing to pay a fee. Book producers could be rewarded by usage, but library members could use whatever they liked after the initial fee. It seems to me that this model could be used to solve many of the current problems with production and distribution of digital intellectual property.
I work for several non-profits, all in the same building. Most good non-profits are desperate for technically savvy assistance. If you really want to help, get a job with one or several where you can make a long term commitment to understanding their needs, resources, and providing onsite help. This beats occassional drop in help hands down. For specific groups that could use help, check out http://www.iccnow.org, http://www.worldfederalist.org, http://www.haguepeace.org and post your news on http://www.earthdot.org, the only charity oriented site based on SLASH code. cicctech@somethingcleverabout.spam.igc.org
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Metaphors can not only be useful as rhetoric in explaining your position (e.g. software should be copied freely) but in coming up with new and useful solutions to problems. One I would like to see used more often is the metaphor of a private library. Development groups often act like these. When there was no public support for the production and public availability of books, private libraries made them available to those willing to pay a fee. Book producers could be rewarded by usage, but library members could use whatever they liked after the initial fee. It seems to me that this model could be used to solve many of the current problems with production and distribution of digital intellectual property.
I work for several non-profits, all in the same building. Most good non-profits are desperate for technically savvy assistance. If you really want to help, get a job with one or several where you can make a long term commitment to understanding their needs, resources, and providing onsite help. This beats occassional drop in help hands down. For specific groups that could use help, check out http://www.iccnow.org, http://www.worldfederalist.org, http://www.haguepeace.org and post your news on http://www.earthdot.org, the only charity oriented site based on SLASH code. cicctech@somethingcleverabout.spam.igc.org