Of course Red Hat's moves are selfish - but that's the nature of altrusim. For every altruistic act, there is an equal an opposing selfish counter-act. Altruism is meant to set up symbiosis, where both parties invoived are better off than each party alone. I'd rather have RedHat giving back to the community rather than Microsoft obliterating the community.
And think before you post: how much would the FSF be getting if RedHat *didn't* make this move? Far less than they would with it - the FSF doesn't have the advertising, marketing, or political muscle to get this kind of support on their own, so RedHat's move gets both them and their philosophy a platform for expression, as well as validating the reasons for their existence.
As for red hat, well, with this move they enforce the development community, which translates to faster turn-around and quicker products. Its just a little more complex than a PR manoeuver. So kudos for them and their move - I think it was brilliant.
Ed
(PS: you think that contributions for Free Software are 'totally altruistic?' BS: in this case the payment for the contributor is knowledge, skills, ability to use good software products, etc. I doubt that there are many developers out there toiling in the dark under total anonymity. They've got to get *something* out of it - they wouldn't be doing it if they didn't.)
First of all, congrats to all of the people who got the investment letter - from what I know, this is a damn good opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that may do extremely well.
Second, to all of those who are naysaying this offer and saying 'RedHat is EVIL', I say get a life. Making money is not evil - and from what I've seen so far, you are hallucinating that RedHat even has a hope of a prayer in becoming the 'next microsoft' in terms of tactics.
So that out of the way, I'd like to make *my* following offer. If you got the letter and can't invest (for monetary reasons, or whatever) I'd love to 'stake' you in some way (such that the risk is all mine, and I would get a share of any potential profits). And I've got some fairly significant money I'd be willing to risk on this IPO in such a manner. I'm THAT sure that this IPO will be a blow out.
Anyways, I'm not sure about exactly how kosher this would be (legal wise and such), so I guess I'm going to be making some phone calls tomorrow.
And I think it would be really cool if a pool of money could be made in this way in the linux community - but I guess that would be something for Bob Young and RedHat to allow.
Ed
( PS: thanks to redhat - you took the this 'allowing developers to invest in the IPO' idea right out of my mouth. I appreciate how redhat helps linux - and appreciate the risks of the business that you are in after reading your business plan in preparation for this IPO. Best of luck. )
Slashdot Mirror
One day, some idiot is going to come up with the name 'indigent', and then I'll laugh...
whoa, wait a second, they have. Here
Ed
Of course Red Hat's moves are selfish - but that's the nature of altrusim. For every altruistic act,
there is an equal an opposing selfish counter-act. Altruism is meant to set up symbiosis, where both
parties invoived are better off than each party alone. I'd rather have RedHat giving back to the
community rather than Microsoft obliterating the community.
And think before you post: how much would the FSF be getting if RedHat *didn't* make this
move? Far less than they would with it - the FSF doesn't have the advertising, marketing, or
political muscle to get this kind of support on their own, so RedHat's move gets both them and their philosophy a platform for expression, as well as validating the reasons for their existence.
As for red hat, well, with this move they enforce the development community, which translates to
faster turn-around and quicker products. Its just a little more complex than a PR manoeuver. So
kudos for them and their move - I think it was brilliant.
Ed
(PS: you think that contributions for Free Software are 'totally altruistic?' BS: in this case the payment for the contributor is knowledge, skills, ability to use good software products, etc. I doubt that there are many developers out there toiling in the dark under total anonymity. They've got to get *something* out of it - they wouldn't be doing it if they didn't.)
First of all, congrats to all of the people who got the investment letter - from what I know, this is a damn good opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that may do extremely well.
Second, to all of those who are naysaying this offer and saying 'RedHat is EVIL', I say get a life. Making money is not evil - and from what I've seen so far, you are hallucinating that RedHat even has a hope of a prayer in becoming the 'next microsoft' in terms of tactics.
So that out of the way, I'd like to make *my* following offer. If you got the letter and can't invest (for monetary reasons, or whatever) I'd love to 'stake' you in some way (such that the risk is all mine, and I would get a share of any potential profits). And I've got some fairly significant money I'd be willing to risk on this IPO in such a manner. I'm THAT sure that this IPO will be a blow out.
Anyways, I'm not sure about exactly how kosher this would be (legal wise and such), so I guess I'm going to be making some phone calls tomorrow.
And I think it would be really cool if a pool of money could be made in this way in the linux community - but I guess that would be something for Bob Young and RedHat to allow.
Ed
(
PS: thanks to redhat - you took the this 'allowing developers to invest in the IPO' idea right out of my mouth. I appreciate how redhat helps linux - and appreciate the risks of the business that you are in after reading your business plan in preparation for this IPO. Best of luck.
)