debian and then pure business.....

Mark Szidik - Michigan Library Consortium szidikm@mlc.lib.mi.us
Tue, 18 Apr 2000 15:00:09 -0400 (EDT)



> Just saw this article and wondered what the die hard debian fans here on the
> list see as fit approach in handling this situation.
> 
>     http://www.theregister.co.uk/000418-000014.html

<snip> 
> 
> 
> I believe the hype runup was partial cause but we selectively are below IPO
> price. I sense a lack of Linux users supporting the Linux companies in their
> bid for capitalist market share. I truly believe among the 20 million or so
> users is an immense wealth portfolio. But I haven't seen Linux people take a
> stand to commercialization of their hobby. I definitely fear if these stocks
> move into penny stock territory Linux companies will end up losers and due to
> the nature of the licensing the Big Boys will pick up the left over
> assets (code, hackers) and strive into the future.


I have always felt uneasy about Wall Street getting involved in Linux.  
I think the philosophy of the the two dont mix well.  I think that a lot
of these Linux IPO companies got tricked by their VC backers into
IPO'ing.  Lets face it, wall street only cares about constantly rising
quarterly profits.  Wall Street doesnt give a damn about what the is
about, it just wants profits. (thats why tobbacco stock is so popular) 
I think this attitude is contrary to the whole GNU/Linux ethic.  

How can Wall Street like a company that gives away its products and
doesnt hold the IP (intellectual property) rights of its produts?  I
think long-term its incompatible.

I dont have any problem with companies making money off of
GNU/Linux software.  In fact I think it is necessary.  I just dont think
the companies should be PUBLICLY traded companies.  It forces them to
change their focus from software/products/services to profits &
quarterly reports.

Thats Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

-Mark