Most inspirational article on the open source movement

[Gamma Point]

Hi, does anyone have a link (or want to write something out here) that they think is the most inspirational message for the open source movement (and why people should contribute, join, etc)?

I'd love to read it and pass it along to others.

[kakariko81280]

It's quite a read and a bit dated these days, but I found this very entertaining

"In the Beginning Was The Command Line" - by Neal Stephenson | Mirror Site

And this is often cited in discussions of open source philosophy

http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/ca...hedral-bazaar/

I look forward to seeing what other people post.

Chris...

[questio verum]

Some of the most inspirational moments for me have come when reading about or observing the champions of the open source movement ; the obvious being the "alpha geeks" of yore; like Richard Stallman, Linus Torvalds, Ian Murdock, et al. But champions aren't limited to those who were innovating a decade or more ago. There are a few right here and now, on linuxforums. Seeing personalities who are in the trenches, furthering the cause of linux and open source by dealing with one of the largest obstacles of all -minds damaged by a lifetime of using broken software; now that's inspirational. It's not always a pretty job, but there are those here who have taken up that gauntlet and elevated the rehabilitation of the windows refugee to an art form.

It's quite a read and a bit dated these days, but I found this very entertaining

"In the Beginning Was The Command Line" - by Neal Stephenson | Mirror Site

A classic. And yes, you're right; it is entertaining. You're also right about it being a 'read' and a bit dated. (Quite dated in a few passages) But I'm not sure if I would consider it motivational. The fact is, I got the nagging feeling that he didn't believe everything he was writing, himself.

He did bring me to a realization though. His statement that Bill Gates has (unwittingly) served to advance the cause of linux by helping to create a glut of cheap hardware is true. I would not have consciously persued that train of thought on my own.

I must say, too, that I got a warm gushy feeling when I read the passage recounting his experiences centered around the high school teletype machine. The sense of wonder he conveys is palpable.

And this is often cited in discussions of open source philosophy

http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/ca...hedral-bazaar/

Very good read. I really like this one. It snags the trifecta by being interesting, educational, and motivational. Incidentally, you are reminded in a gentle but firm way, of just how key the internet has been to the growth and development of linux. Not a bad way to spend a couple sawbucks.

qv