Re: [tlug] Re: Why Vista Sucks (was: linux: it's becoming ubiquitous)

["Josh Glover" <jmglov@example.com>]

On 28/03/2008, Attila Kinali <attila@example.com> wrote:

> I strongly disagree. It's the currently used bussines model
>  that demands a closed and well controlled distribution system
>  for software. If you choose a different bussines model you can
>  still make money even if you give away the software for free
>  if the product you sell is not the software itself.

How is that "strongly disagreeing" with Gernot's statement? I assume
his friends are mainly tied into the shrinkware business model, which
blinds them to the utility of giving away the source code. But he did
not say that is the way it has to be.

> I hope you don't expect people thinking further than just for their
>  own profit? People are 1) lazy and 2) egoists. They will not do
>  something for the benefit of someone else unless they get somewhen
>  later something back of equivalent value (or at least expect to do so).

I assume you are being a bit tongue-in-cheek here, but I'll bite. Like
Larry Wall says, laziness and hubris are virtues, if they motivate
people to be efficient and take pride in their work. Ultimately, what
is good for all of us is good for me too. I'd much rather act in a way
that benefits me little to none, or even hurts me, if it benefits
humanity in the long term, because humanity in the long term == my
genetic material.

If you really are a pessimist, send me your postal address, and I'll
be happy to mail you a copy of Jeffrey Sachs's excellent "Common
Wealth", provided you promise to a) read it, and b) pass it on to some
other pessimist when you are done. :)


-- 
Cheers,
Josh