Open Source vs. Commercial Software

[Lynn David Newton]

  >> Um, wow. Talk about a total clue-vacuum. I'm
  >> speechless. 
  >> http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=420290&seqNum=1

  dn> When someone starts with Open/Free Software vs
  dn> Commercial Software, it isn't even worth
  dn> exchanging dialog with them. It is clear from
  dn> that phrase alone they are completely and utterly
  dn> "out of touch" ...

The author's opening sentence says:

  Over the last few years, I've read a number of
  articles on the open source development model for
  software.

While probably intended to convey to readers the idea
that the author is now an informed expert, the reality
is 'a number of articles over the last few years' means
he couldn't possibly know much of anything at all.

Consider an illustrative comparison:

  Over the past two years, I've read a number of
  controversial reports that purport to prove that the
  earth is actually round rather than flat, as the
  common wisdom has well established. However, ...

Uh huh. What follows is guaranteed to be the expert
testimony of someone who knows nothing whatever.

  dn> ... The article was a hoot to read though. :)

In contrast, I couldn't get through more than the first
paragraph before concluding the author has nothing of
value to share, and not to waste my time.

-- 
Lynn David Newton
MontaVista Software, Inc.
2141 E. Broadway Road, Suite 108
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: 480-517-5047
Email: lnewton at mvista.com