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Why FOSS Matters to Me (But Maybe Not to You)

[ Thanks to James Maguire for this
link. ]

“In some ways, I can explain what my interest in free
software is not about more easily than I can explain it is about.
My coding is mostly limited to scripts and modifications of
existing code, so having the source code is only an indirect
benefit to me.

“Similarly, covering free software as a writer has few benefits
for me. Probably, I would have more markets and larger audiences if
I wrote about hardware, Windows, or even OS X.

“Nor do I care much that the software is free for the download,
because for years I have been able to write off software purchases
on my taxes. If anything, using free software is an inconvenience
when I calculate my taxes, because it means fewer expenses I can
claim.

“I cannot even claim any great hatred of Microsoft — my
attitude would be more accurately described as a deep distrust and
a desire to have as little to with the corporation as
possible.”


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