I don't consider myself to be an expert on the intricacies of Open Source software.  There are many more qualified and able than I who have written more accurately and eloquently.  But, having forsaken a 6 digit salary to come down here to VA and write free music software, I feel I'm entitled to some say.

There was a great article on ZDnet today.  I have no idea how long they archive these things:

     MS exec: What Linux threat?

Brad Garton accurately snipped out the most telling quote, by MS exec. Ed Muth:

"I find it hard to believe that some of the best computer scientists in the world will want to do their work for free," he said. "Without a long-term technical road map, without multimillion-dollar test labs, someone wants me to believe these visionary programmers and developers will want to do the best work of their lives and then give it away."

I'd love to ask him how much Alan Turing's annual salary was.  Or Einstein's for that matter.  So on and so forth.  That lack of vision is what characterizes all that is wrong with Microsoft.  Perhaps it's not even lack of vision, but instead a misplaced sense of priority.  Which should come first, the rapture and joy of discovery and knowledge?  Or money?

The article does point something out that does concern me though.  That is, the consumer.  It's quite possible that the lack of "shrink wrapping" in the Linux world might one day signal its downfall.  That would be a shame.  Who likes shrink wrap anyhow, particularly those impossible to open designs.

My hope is that both consumers and programmers will become more advanced in their ability so that the freedom and power open software provides will forever trump the lack of shrink wrapping.  Think of it this way:

"Your brain can become covered with the same stuff your software is packed in."

Thus endeth my schpiel for today.