Mojolin: Open Source methodology outside of the software industry?

[ Thanks to Dan Barber for this link. ]

George: In the case of Linux, the implementers talked to the users and could find exactly what it is they need, instead of having the information from the users filtered through five or six layers. Do you think that the same advantageous method can be applied to any project based on virtual decentralised development?

Dan: I think that a structure like that is possible in any project depending on one thing. The level of dedication by the community surrounding the project TO THE PROJECT (not to a subsidiary goal).

Open Source is really an ideology and the community surrounding it is very dedicated to it. Because of this strong belief in what they are doing, they are motivated to continually improve their products. If Open Source was only a revenue generating scheme, and the community was only dedicated to making money, then, once money is being made, the motivation to continue improving decreases substantially. And this is partly where the open communication lines come in. It allows for problems to identified and fixed quickly. The other part of the open communication and willingness to talk to users is based on wanting to be recognized by the community for their efforts."

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