An Archive for Free Software in Real Life -----------------------------------------
There's been a lot of discussion lately about the free software paradigm and where it's headed. Now with the release of Netscape as free software, and formation of free software support companies like WilberWorks and Sendmail, among other events, the pace has been increasing. During these discussions, we've heard lots of stories that seem to be worth saving for others to learn from. We think that a community resource center (an "archive" with emphasis on the human experience) should be set up to record these thoughts and experiences. Story tellers know that you have to tell stories in order to hear some new ones: So we've set out a table with a few stories on it. There is plenty of room for your story, too! Write down stories, essays, comments - whatever you choose - it's all welcome as long as it relates to free software. Tell us how you participate in the free software community by using, developing, supporting, or making money from free software. The most important part is giving examples so that we can help to develop a community resource center of what works and what doesn't work. Part of what works and what doesn't work are extra-technical issues, in particular, cultural and power issues. You can see in the stories by Ken David that cultural misunderstandings and perceptions of power inequity can impede the work. We are trying to find ways to bridge over cultural differences and to neutralize power problems and thus facilitate free software development projects. We will write up stories and lessons and present them to you as soon as possible. Other resources --------------- Mailing list: Besides the repository, I have set up a mailing list for discussion of free software issues. This list parallels the crynwr.com free-software-business list, but the intent is to be more general in scope instead of focusing on business. This is *not* a forum for advocacy of any particular development style. Free software introduction: In addition, I'm working on a paper intended to provide an introduction to the free software community for non-technical people. If you'd take a look at the pre-release version of the paper and send me your comments, bug reports, and suggestions, I'd appreciate it. URLs ---- * Free software repository: <URL:http://pfaffben.user.msu.edu/fsr>. * Free software introduction: <URL:http://pfaffben.user.msu.edu/anp>. * Send submissions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Join the mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Currently the list is manually operated, so subscription messages have no special format.) Thanks, Ben Pfaff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ken David <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
