Two Slashes

The one thing people will commonly attach to the phrase “open source” is the notion of freely shared and editable code for software.  The problem is that while the term in general isn’t specifically targeted at developers, they seem to be the only ones gaining any form of attention when the term is used.

What really needs to be done here is a rebirth/redefinition, so to speak, of “open source” in general.  There’s more to it than just functions or methods or subroutines, but it seems that those are the only components that seem to have gotten through to the general public; in realistic terms, open source is simply the free flow of relevant and universally useful information, distributed so that others can gain from it and/or improve upon/with it.

Take a leaf from 2600, Volume 24-4 (which, admittedly, I just picked up).  In the letters section, “theforensicsguy” mentions that unlike most school districts, the one he’s employed for is more open than your typical school IT crew.  This openness is a broad, but relevant, example of what should be happening; when you are open, accepting, and willing to let others pick up tips, tricks, and knowledge in general, they in turn will give you back what you might be seeking (“theforensicsguy” claims that his students report some of the security holes they find to him).

A similar approach could almost certainly be applied in more than just that scenario:  Your favorite (unnamed) software company could open up and actually start accepting tips, tricks, bugfixes, and patches from their users, rather than simply claiming that problems with their product are nothing more than unintended features.  Imagine how much more sound a product could be if that multinational manufacturer took the considerations and rantings of users who found a design flaw in a new product and actually utilized what they gleaned from those considerations.  Even detrimental facts can be of benefit; for example, if a bank gets robbed, they can see what some of their security weakpoints are and improve them to maintain and improve the trust their clients impart in them.

You see, everything works better when everyone works together. By telling others what you know, you can not only improve what you know, but you also improve intelligence overall, and create a more sound and improved society.

People are also drawn to the improvements drawn by progress; for example, why is it that students flock to what would be considered “major” colleges? Is it simply because the school is big, or because of its size, also maintains a hotbed of new and innovative skills and enhancements that can benefit people.  And the best part is that some don’t even realize they’re being, for want of a better term, “improved” themselves.

I’m not one for fame in general, but people also tend to be remembered not for their secrets, but for the openness and knowledge they’ve spread, be it something like a detailed and impacting writing, a significant and upstarting speech, a breakthrough scientific discovery, an impressive new invention, or even plain old music.   Sure, you might make a few people in your hometown proud with that secret sauce recipe of yours…but wouldn’t it be put to better use if you shared it to the world?

So, I end this (short?) tirade by asking this:  What have you shared with the world today?