well, I don't think this is a proper way of thinking about free software. stealing livelyhood! I can't figure out how is that possible. first of all I will like to know how many computer users are programmers? how many will really look at the source code and modify it? and telling them that the source code is available is a big advantage. he knows that the software can be customised. and remember all, the bigust secter of software industry today is customised software. so even if I develop a software tailor made for an x y z company, it wont be a loss for me to give the source code. I have developed for example a very complex software for IIT Mumbai after finishing my research there. I have also given them the source code. now there is one big issue, if the software is to be modified, who knows the source code best? of course my company. so I am always called for when it is to be modified. and second aspect is what Sir Richard Stolman said in the presentation on 27th this month. "if developing a software will need 50000 and if 1000 people are interested, every one only contributes rs 50" so here chances that the customer will bargain comes less because every individual pays only 50. and I think rather free software concept creates more employment opportunities. think about the case. if the source code is free and some third party is not offering good support and taking the customer for a ride, they may perhaps go to some other software consultency (that could be me or you) and give us the contract. now, since the source code is available we have the opportunity to work on it. I hope this will take away all the clowds of uncertainty if any. thanks, Krishnakant.
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