Arizona Technology Expo - Why is free software superior?

A couple of quickies, with a MAJOR POINT towards the bottom:

The idea of software being sold as a product, like a car or a cookie, is
very artificial. Working software is more like an idea. When doctors
make a new discovery, they generally share it with the world. No doctor
would ever imagine printing copies of their new procedure with
holographic security, then suing to oblivion anyone who practiced the
procedure without a copy in their pockets. Doctors all over would start
practicing "illegally", which is kind of what we're doing. [This one is
a good quick one-minute phrase that tells them how we feel.]

People may ask "if something's wrong with the software, who do I sue in
Open Source?" That's about as silly as buying an existing building and
asking the same thing.

Imagine if Ms. Fields had legal reach into the oven of every home, and
sued anyone who tried to bake cookies. For the eater, it might not be
very important. But no one can become even a casual baker without Ms.
Field's permission. You as the eater normally have a choice, buy in the
mall, buy in the store, bake your own. Today, someone is trying to get
into your oven.



Now, having said this, it's still all philosophical drivel. There will
be business people there. They think in terms of, "okay but what can
you do for me YESTERDAY?" Ideally, developers who have followed some
portion of the OS business model should be there in person to tell their
stories. Otherwise, developers, post your story here for us to forward!

This should also be thought of as a networking opportunity. OS software
people should have a business-card-sized resume ready, and give them to
the booth. Again, business person. They look at a huge selection of
business cards with all sorts of abilities. Wow, why didn't I know
about these people yesterday?

--Alexander