[NTLUG:Discuss] Explaining Linux and Open Source software

[Sally Welch]

 --- On Sat 03/25,  < brian at pongonova.net > wrote:
I like Eben Moglen's definition as a "catch-all" definition:

"Software that guarantees you the right to use, modify, distribute and
copy it."

I find it very difficult to pitch open source to non-technical types,
because the very definition of open source is itself technical.  The
"official" OSI definition is somewhat long for a 30-second elevator
pitch.

  --Brian

<snip>


It is difficult to pitch open source to non-technical types because the concept is so different from the listener's experience. 
 
Or is it?

Perhaps the open source concept is similar to something else that the general audience does know well.  It doesn't have to be software, or even computer related.  Perhaps we could find an analogy from everyday life that fits.

The first idea that crosses my mind is the comparison of buying a recipe book verses accessing a recipe exchange on the internet or getting recipes from friends.  The 'free' recipes can be modified, copied, and redistributed freely.  The recipes from the purchased book are good, but not necessarily better, and they are more limited in number and variety than the plethora of recipes available online.  If you have a problem or question with a recipe in a purchased book, you could write to the author, but you might not receive a timely response.  

But this analogy would probably only appeal to the cooks among us. :)

How about comparing encyclopedia software with Google?


-Sally

    

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