Guys, this is a really nice list please try
and be respectful to others on it. I think Kafi has been a unfairly
treated ... I won't name names but if you could find it in yourself to
drop him an email -- off the list preferably -- to apologise I think
that would be very responsible thing to do.
Kafi, I think what you're running into in your comments
is a growing concern from parts of the software development community in
this rapid "race to zero" where consumers price expectations keep on
being lowered and a developers hard work and skills are often
undervalued. This is shame and doesn't have to be an outcome of
OpenSource movement but its a real sensitivity and when we're wearing
our "consumer hat" I think we all should try and support people who are
doing great things. The old adage "nothing is truly free" is an
important word of warning, especially when you site examples like
Chrome, Android, Open Office, and Java you're talking about efforts that
are being supported with a lot money from corporate entities who in
many cases are intentionally sabotaging competitors margins. This isn't a
self-sustaining system but rather a system that is propped up by
corporate interests and the costs to consumers are there they are
just hidden.
Anyway, I will say I'm sorry by the way you were
treated but also that I understand some of the poorly expressed
sentiment. I for one think what Allan has produced is outstanding and I
will be paying for it even if I don't have to.
Ken