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Author Topic: Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?  (Read 1771 times)

dynaweb

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Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?
« on: November 23, 2005, 06:44:10 PM »
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?
« Last Edit: December 03, 2005, 08:52:35 AM by dynaweb »
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zelo

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Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2005, 10:17:54 PM »
You would think Open-Source would be thought of as "Democratic" and Micro$oft as Communist... hmmm weird how they can brainwash their employees so well.

sargek

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Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2005, 08:48:51 PM »
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?!

dynaweb

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Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2005, 02:29:37 PM »
When RedHat makes a dollar, that dollar is not split up and re-distributed amongst all other companies; so labeling as \'socialism\' is not at all accurate.  \'Open source\' source is exactly as the name implies, the source code is open for all to see.  Now consider Micor$oft.  They are NOT as their name implies.. not at all MICRO!  LOL
Maybe we should spin it 180 and label M$ as \'Totalitarian\' :)
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Jesters8

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Is Open-Source \'Socialism\' of Intellectual Property?
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2006, 10:12:50 PM »
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.

dynaweb

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Open source is a brand new framework
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2006, 05:02:32 PM »
Quote from: Jesters8
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.

Well stated. As a business graduate, the idea of Open Source has both thrilled and intriugud me. Trying to relate it to anything in the past ... I cannot. I believe the difference is that only in modern times do we have Media (or software medium as we know it) -- I mean the ability to store valuable information for later use retrieval. We are in the information era and that is well named since never before has mankind had access to information and media on such a worldwide level.
 
In past eras, objects could be stored and even reproduced, although it took much time and energy to do so, thus a model such like open-source could never exist fairly (someone would always lose out, be ripped off, exploited, etc...). But today, information moves at the speed of light and on-demand. Times are changing indeed.
 
Open source is a brand new framework based upon freedom of ideas and building idea upon idea for the common betterment. Yes, open-source DOES mesh well with capitalism since there will always be need for design, development, support, and other custom services.
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. -- Linux learns.

 

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