I was searching the web for information on Thomas Friedman and I came across his webpage. Or, more accurately, his publisher's webpage about him. On his site there is a contact form, so I thought I'd write about an issue that has been bugging me in his writing. Given the chance of him actually reading it, I thought I'd post it here too.

Dear Mr. Friedman,

I've enjoyed much of your work, and your insight into the events of the world. I think that I've had "all four" responses to different articles that you've written. Please keep up the good work.

One thing that I think you don't seem to have a complete grasp on is open source software. It seems that in several articles you've placed open source developers as against Microsoft, or a way to get development done for free. As an open source developer myself, I think those are both incorrect ways of looking at open source development. It is about letting innovation happen, no matter who, what, or when. And letting it happen outside the control of marketing or Dilbert's pointy haired boss. Mostly, open source is about engineers having fun. I think that it ties closely into your concept of 'flatism'.

I hope that you'll have the time to look into this further for future articles. If you have any questions for me, I'd be happy to answer them.

Thanks,
Ted Gould


posted Apr 8, 2005 | permanent link