You know, the only people complaining about the dearth of community are those who have been left behind by change. I've been involved with protest and indie-music communities in the past, and it wasn't until certain friends started disagreeing with the way things were going that they began to complain that the "community" was disappearing.
Also, if seems to me that communities are independent organisms, arising at need and disappearing the moment they are no longer necessary. Unfortunately, right about the time the natural breakup is occurring, someone decides to write by-laws and elect officers...
When all is said and done, the kid will end up with something priceless -- a real education. He'll know that the forbidden is totally do-able, and authority figures are generally spineless weasles. Besides which, he's now probably swamped with job offers.
If corporate interests turn Linux into a de facto proprietary system, which I believe is semi-inevitable, that system will ossify and become less useful. Linux users will peel off, reverting to an open, standard-free version, or ditch the thing entirely. Remember, Linux is only the means; freedom is the end.
It's gross to sue your own employees, but I'm sorry, but what I really can't forgive Mac for is coming out in all those stupid colors. When it came time to upgrade, the thought of one of those ugly, ugly, ugly boxes sent me into the world of PC.
"My question to Slashdot is 'What happens when our ideals hit the real world?'"
Dude, values always hit the real world -- it's how they evolve. You make your best guess at doing what's right and see where it gets you.
Slashdot Mirror
Dude. The whole point is that you're supposed to get in there and fight for what's right. Now get to it!
Also, if seems to me that communities are independent organisms, arising at need and disappearing the moment they are no longer necessary. Unfortunately, right about the time the natural breakup is occurring, someone decides to write by-laws and elect officers...
When all is said and done, the kid will end up with something priceless -- a real education. He'll know that the forbidden is totally do-able, and authority figures are generally spineless weasles. Besides which, he's now probably swamped with job offers.
If corporate interests turn Linux into a de facto proprietary system, which I believe is semi-inevitable, that system will ossify and become less useful. Linux users will peel off, reverting to an open, standard-free version, or ditch the thing entirely. Remember, Linux is only the means; freedom is the end.
I like it here.
I think pedants call it "learning."