Re: GPL and "free" software (was: air traffic control software)

[bill@nospam]

In article <7fl5ac$9sh$1@news2.tor.accglobal.net>, "Terry says...
>
 
>I wish a lot of success to ACT, Scriptics, Redhat, and others
>who are pioneering business models based on open source products.
>Even though our product is not and never will be public open
>source, I am trying to convince our management that our customers
>need and want source code.  I believe this will build their
>confidence in our product and give them a level of ownership
>that enhances the product.  If it doesn't, we need to improve our
>code, not hide it.

I second that.

I also think that someone working on opensource code, will try harder
to make their code better, for the simple reason, is that alot of people
will be looking at it. 

(Look at how well formated and consistant GNAT code is, I think the fact that
it is in the public eye, is what pushed ACT to do that).

I find that if a programmer knows someone will be looking and 
examining their code, they will more likely work harder to make
the code better (programmer pride thing).  I knew programmers who 
spend years coding, and no one looks at what they wrote. these 
programmer will in most cases, not bother too much in improving 
their code or even how well written and well documented it is.

Bill