I was browsing through the Linux News today and found this article http://www.slate.com/id/2130798/ stating how some people (particularly Micro$oft insiders) associate the open-source movement to socialism/communism of software!

 
 
 
 


Well, this issue really sparked my interest. :eek: From the article:[indent]"The philosophy behind open-source software is simple. Instead of zealously protecting source code (the blood and guts of any computer program), open source encourages any programmer to tear apart the code and build it back up again. The theory is that this collaborative process encourages innovation and decreases bugs by increasing the number of people with a stake in the project."

 

[/indent]Very well stated I believe. Additionally,



[indent]"Gates\' thinking: You wouldn\'t expect Coca-Cola to share its recipe with Pepsi, and you shouldn\'t expect Microsoft to share its secret formula, either."

 

[/indent]So what do you think? Is Open-Source code like Socialism or are these people simply throwing poo cuz they are jealous of the success and market share of GNU-Linux, Apache, and so many others?

Typical M$ propaganda. M$ is worried about GNU/Linux and the Free/Open source movement because it dips into their cash-cow. I think of M$ as the Borg - remember, Star Trek - Next Generation?!

I must say, as a student of economics and political science, this topic interests me immensely. Really, open-source has very little to do with communism or socialism as the words are typically used. When they are used, they typically denote forced collectivism, where people are forced to give to others what they have made and earned.

Open source, on the other hand, fits into a purely capitalistic model, because everyone who makes something open source voluntarily gives what they make to the community. There is all the difference in the world between forced collectivism and voluntary collectivism.