Dear GKD Members, I just want to do a fairly brief summary/response to some of the points that have arisen discussing FOSS on various lists (setting aside the generally off-key messages that sought to discuss Heeks!).
1. There have been a lot of good points made in emails. For example about the strong role envisaged for FOSS in development strategies of some developing countries (Brazil, India), and the centrality of FOSS to some e.g. village-level initiatives in those countries. What I think it would be fair to say is that we have not seen any pointers to other survey data or post hoc case analysis that either supports or contradicts the reported research. Ultimately, of course, "FOSS or not" is not the fundamental issue - the issue is how best to achieve developmental benefits via ICTs. If FOSS can in reality be shown to be the best path then let's have the evidence, and go with it. If it's not delivering on development, let's put our energies elsewhere. And if it has a niche role, let's recognise that and applaud it but not make it a be-all-and-end-all. I've presented some evidence: where's the rest? Is this like so many e-development areas - a domain in which action squeezes out research, reflection and learning? 2. The full papers cited in our briefing are not yet on the conference web site. I did wait in the hope they would be but it's not my site. The abstracts and presentations are both on the site: http://www.devstud.org.uk/Conference05/abstracts/ITD.htm 3. The purpose of the briefing at the most basic level is just to disseminate knowledge; to make those involved with decision-making about FOSS and development aware of new data. The intended purpose of the briefing's broader content is to encourage decision-makers (from individual programmers to development organisations to donors etc.) not to get simply carried along on the FOSS wave, but to question their decision and see, in reality, whether FOSS will really achieve what they want. There are, though, at least two interpretations to the briefing -- either forget FOSS, or work harder to address current strategic shortcomings. 4. Not an attempt at point-scoring, but I am intrigued by the reaction from those working on FOSS. One can't impute motivations just from messages but I wonder if there is either a) a siege mentality brought on by having to fight Microsoft et al; or b) a somewhat messianic zeal, both of which create a mindset that will not accept criticism. There's an interesting anthropology PhD waiting to be written on the FOSS community and its worldview. But would it be fair to conclude that FOSSers have been paying too much attention either to themselves or to the devils from Redmond, and not enough attention to their potential customers? That's certainly what I take from both the briefing research and user community list messages. 5. Finally, for those wishing to take up Richard Stallman's directive: "I suggest people search for ties between the authors of this report and Microsoft.", can I just say that our rubbish is collected every Thursday, so Wednesday evening would be a good day for rooting through my dustbin! Let's hope there can be as much stimulating discussion from our next briefing: "The Earth is actually flat: implications for e-development". Richard Heeks Development Informatics Group University of Manchester, UK ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
