🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <STEVE.91Jun18175519@diana.Advansoft.COM> steve@Advansoft.COM (Steve Savitzky) writes:

   In article <1991Jun18.042950.4473@netcom.COM> jls@netcom.COM (Jim Showalter) writes:

      Sorry. I retract my statement that when it comes to compilers
      you get what you pay for, at least as it concerns the particular
      case of GNU. [...]  Why something free would be quite bug free
      and would have great support in contrast to something that costs
      money is completely beyond me [...] Anybody care to enlighten me?

   Well, it has something to do with the fact that *anyone* can fix bugs
   in the GNU software, because they have it in source form. [...]

If I may, there is an even deeper reason, which is expressed quite
clearly in the GNU Manifesto:

	The paradigm of competition is a race: by rewarding the
	winner, we encourage everyone to run faster.  When capitalism
	really works this way, it does a good job; but its defenders
	are wrong in assuming it always works this way.  If the
	runners forget why the reward is offered and become intent on
	winning, no matter how, they may find other strategies--such
	as, attacking other runners.  If the runners get into a fist
	fight, they will all finish late.

GNU has some success partly because of the many high quality people
which are part of it, partly because the serious goals they all share,
and the fact that energies are not spoiled into slowing everybody
else.  On the other hand, GNU is also trying to break out (of) the
competition circle, which is a factor of slowness in these times.

Free does not mean dumb: this is a strong and common prejudice, quite
deeply implanted in the mind of many decision-maker's mind, as I often
experience when I discuss with them.  Some are physiologically unable
to have confidence in something they did not pay for.

One day, it might happen that competition in the world of computer
software will be redefined, for real, and towards more constructive
terms; when this will be, GNU might well need to deeply adapt.  But
the time has not come yet, and the Walrus is still waiting :-).
--
Franc,ois Pinard          ``Vivement GNU!''         pinard@iro.umontreal.ca
(514) 588-4656    cp 886 L'Epiphanie (Qc) J0K 1J0    ...!uunet!iros1!pinard