I think the problem with "programming for the self" has mainly to do with the fact that people not wearing enough hats... no, I mean, people who don't say enough "thank you" to the developers who kindly provide what it is for you to take for granted. Most free software or open source projects are started for the programmer to solve his/her own itch. The audience is narrow, and features are biased. There is much for improvement. However, many users don't express gratitude, yet continue to demand if something doesn't quite work for them. The developers really aren't asking much, but a nice simple, "thank you." After you say that magic word, then you may ask, "but if you don't mind, could you also improve the software in this way or that?" I'm sure the person will be more than happy to do it for you. Remember that nobody is working for you, not even for free. This is not what free software is all about.
Before I posted this comment, I did a search on Slashdot on the word "thank" but found no stories or comments. I'm a bit curious as to why people don't recognize the importance of expressing gratutide.
I'd like to say to all of you, thank you all for creating free software for us to use. And thank you those who created Slashdot.
I'd much like to see that one day, courtesy will become the main driving force behind free or open source software.
Slashdot Mirror
I think the problem with "programming for the self" has mainly to do with the fact that people not wearing enough hats ... no, I mean, people who don't say enough "thank you" to the developers who kindly provide what it is for you to take for granted. Most free software or open source projects are started for the programmer to solve his/her own itch. The audience is narrow, and features are biased. There is much for improvement. However, many users don't express gratitude, yet continue to demand if something doesn't quite work for them. The developers really aren't asking much, but a nice simple, "thank you." After you say that magic word, then you may ask, "but if you don't mind, could you also improve the software in this way or that?" I'm sure the person will be more than happy to do it for you. Remember that nobody is working for you, not even for free. This is not what free software is all about.
Before I posted this comment, I did a search on Slashdot on the word "thank" but found no stories or comments. I'm a bit curious as to why people don't recognize the importance of expressing gratutide.
I'd like to say to all of you, thank you all for creating free software for us to use. And thank you those who created Slashdot.
I'd much like to see that one day, courtesy will become the main driving force behind free or open source software.