TED Talk on Open Source

We Screened Howard Rheingold's TED Talk Yesterday and...

It was eye-opening, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping and entertaining. You have to admit, Mr. Rheingold is quite the comedian.

In our Social Media Management course, we took a day to discuss the open source movement and the characteristics that make it up, such as collaboration and cooperation.

• Rheingold says cooperation and collaboration are crucial to human existence. He reminds us of our primitive days when families hunted small game for themselves until other families began cooperating to take down larger game. To fast forward, he examines the opportunities we can have with this planet and outer space if collaboration was increased to full potential.
• When we talked about open-source in class, we realized the sacrifices that have to be made to create programs and operating systems for no profit. But we also discussed what great things come about open-source software, such as the benefits of rapid advancements in technology and a larger workforce of programmers.

I have been interested in open-source for a while and use many open-source programs.

• I think that the open-source movement is a step in the right direction. It's difficult to stand for something that could ultimately adhere to ultra socialism, but I believe it is in the world population's best interest to collaborate without the agenda of profit maximization. 
• The odd's of open-sources success are not likely due to our social and political ideology, but we see open-source programs become mainstream applications every year, and some programs that have been around a long time. The success of Linux operating system provides outlets for indie coders to develop better software and lead to advances in computing.
• I think as more people become computer literate in the world, especially developing countries who recognize success of collaboration, we will see far more open-sourcing software and technology.
• I believe in open-source but I can't go completely open-source. You never go full open-source.