From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Mathew Gray
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 5:19 PM
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Subject: RE: [Open_Gaming] Consolidated Remarks
<< I was just making the point that giving things away doesn't even happen
in
the computer world all the time. Open source in the software industry is
more an unusual circumstance, and less of the "norm" . . . that's all. >>
Right. Don't forget:
1. When Stallman first pioneered the GNU concept, he was the beneficiary of
a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant for a whole PILE o' money. That gave him
more freedom to experiment. He also had (has) a lucrative consulting
business (where, to his credit, he does rigorously adhere to his
knowledge-must-be-free principles).
2. When Torvalds first created Linux, he was a student, with relatively
large amounts of free time and low financial constraints. He kept the effort
going long past his student years, of course; but now he's also working on
proprietary code (at that six-figure rate, clearly) for former Microsoft
honcho Paul Allen.
3. Some of the best open source code comes from folks in the sheltered
groves of academe. With less pressure of the Dreaded Deadline, they can
really pour themselves into the work.
Quality work takes time and effort, open or not. Talent and inspiration and
discipline as well. There is often a small group of people who can afford to
spare these scarce resources simply for fun or for acclaim. But I see no
reason to exclude from Open Gaming those people who can only justify the
effort if there's some chance to recoup their investment and maybe bring in
a little profit.
Martin
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