Linked by David Adams on Mon 16th Aug 2004 17:44 UTC
I read something in one of the comments for an OSNews posting a couple weeks ago that sent me thinking. It wasn't an original or profound thought. In fact, it's a rather commonly-held opinion that happens to be quite misguided. It's an opinion summed up by the "open source = communist" meme that gets thrown around in thousands of flamewars all over the internet. In this essay, I will explore why this idea is wrong and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of economics.
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The idea that the GPL is communistic in any way is rediculous! Viral, maybe, but not communism.
The GPL is a way for software authors to protect their code FROM communistic ideals. It is a way to be sure ones code is kept in the software industries most extream example of capitolism: free and open source software.
Why are there still so many people that don't see the parallels between the current proprietary software industry and communist Russia? They want to be the sole producers. They will provide the goods, and the consumer will accept them. FOSS on the other hand allows anyone to participate. As in the capitolist economy, everyone has the oportunity to make great software and reap the benefits. We can all be producers and consumers. Code changes hands like money being invested and just like that money, has the oportunity to bring great returns in the form of additons and improvments from the rest of the community.
Communism: Everyone gets the same thing, want it or not.
Capitolism: You get out what you put in.
Think about it.