Why Do People Write Open Source Software?

M.Broil writes "Two interesting articles try to answer this question. One's at NewsForge, the other's at Cybernaut.com. The two writers reach conclusions that are almost exactly opposite. Which one is right? Or is it possible that different open source coders have different motivations? (That's what I think, anyway.)" I suspect as well that each developer has their own reason, ranging from ego to malcontent to benevolence.

The better question is..

[Anonymous Coward]

Why do they only half write it?

When?

[Blaine Hilton]

Wonder when the local collage will be offering "Open-Source Psychology 101"...

Go calculate [webcalc.net] something

Simple...

[SpaceLifeForm]

Just to piss off Microsoft.

Simple

[Anonymous Coward]

Cause they can't get a job with Microsoft.

Re::O

[Blaine Hilton]

Hmmm also a good thing to do while waiting for the next job.

Because its a conspiracy?

[Anonymous Coward]

Its a conspirary to bring down microsoft. All these "open source" developers are employees of SUN Microsystems, IBM and HP in an attempt to bankrupt Microsoft. GNU is just another department of SUN. SCO was in it too.

There are no more that 500 "open source" programmers...

Linus Torvalds was an agent initially working for KGB and then CIA when the wall went down in Finland. Alan Cox is part of MIT and the Israeli intelligence service.

Or is it possible that different open source coder

[jasonditz]

Or is it possible that different open source coders have different motivations?

No... its been my experience that every human being thinks and acts exactly the same.

HAHAHAHAHA

[JoeGee]

Don't forget the fame. The late night stints on Letterman and Leno. The crazy autograph signings. The lucrative pizza and soft drink sponsorships. Sure, the groupy hax0r-chicks chasing you to your hotel room every night are great, but you gotta keep those other perks in mind too.

-Joe G.

Re:Or is it possible that different open source co

[addaon]

No... its been my experience that every human being thinks and acts exactly the same.

Me too!