Re: The Lifecycle of Software Technology

Thanks Stanley, an interesting attempt to explain and predict but faulty
analysis as a result of a faulty historical perspective.

Software is a 20th Century phenomenon. Initially all software was FOSS,
although it would be foolish as well as incorrect to attempt to force
the current definition for FOSS on the way software was distributed in
the late 50's and early 60's. In any case, one should read the GNU
Manifesto http://www.fsf.org/gnu/manifesto.html by Richard M. Stallman
and followup with the overview of the GNU Project
http://www.fsf.org/gnu/gnu-history.html

My understanding is commercial shrink wrapped software, the focus of Mr.
James's essay, is an anomoly. Stallman was the first to recognize this
anomoly and took action against it.

<hrumpf>(curmudgeon grumps off to bed)</hrumpf>

On Sun, Jan 02, 2005 at 09:51:15PM -0900, Stanley Long wrote:
> THE CARE AND FEEDING OF FOSS
> (or, The Lifecycle of Software Technology)
>
> Craig James
> http://www.moonviewscientific.com/essays/software_lifecycle.htm
>
> Contents:
>
> * Introduction
> * The Software Lifecycle
> * A Step Back: Other Industries
> * Free Open-Source Automobiles?
> * More about the Maturity Stage: The Cathedral and the Bazaar
> * The Error of Hard-Core FOSS Advocates
> * The Error of Commercial Enterprises
> * Linux: Another Look at the Software Lifecycle
> * Commerce in a FOSS World
> * Concluding Remarks
> * Acknowledgments
>
> ... There is a natural "lifecycle" to software technology, which
> includes both commercial periods and FOSS periods. Those who understand
> this pattern can work with it and thrive. Those who don't understand the
> pattern, or who choose to fight it, are in for a lot of frustration.
>
> Free Open-Source Automobiles?
> Did you ever sign a license agreement that banned you from
> reverse-engineering your car? No. It's the difference between
> information and bricks: Information costs essentially zero to copy, ...
>
> --------------------------------------------
> You are free:
>
> * to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work
> * to make derivative works
>
> under the following conditions:
>
> * You must give the original author credit.
> * You may not use this work for commercial purposes.
>
> For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license
> terms of this work. Any of these conditions can be waived if you get
> permission from the copyright holder. Your fair use and other rights are
> in no way affected by the above.
> ---------
> To unsubscribe, send email to <aklug-request@aklug.org>
> with 'unsubscribe' in the message body.
>
>
>

-- 
Fielder George Dowding, Chief Iceworm        .^.   Debian/GNU Linux
dba Iceworm Enterprises, Anchorage, Alaska   /v\   "Sarge" Testing
Since 1976 - Over 25 Years of Service.      /( )\  User Number 269482
                                            ^^-^^  "Seth" 186667
---------
To unsubscribe, send email to <aklug-request@aklug.org>
with 'unsubscribe' in the message body.