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There is some degree of ambiguity in the common usage of the word vs. the term that evolutionary biologists use. I don't agree with your definition -- altruism

by chubot 14y ago

There is some degree of ambiguity in the common usage of the word vs. the term that evolutionary biologists use. I don't agree with your definition -- altruism based on reciprocity is an oxymoron. altruism based on kinship, i.e. a mother feeding a child, is not altruism. It could be called "nice" or "heartwarming", but it's not altruism. But putting the definition of words aside, what do you think is the most common motivator for open source? Do you think that most contributions to the Linux kernel are due to aligned interests, or due to altruism? (Whatever altruism means, I would say it is mutually exclusive from "aligned interests") I think Linus probably has some insight into this question, having led the project for so long. I think pure altruism is rare but possible. In fact I vaguely remember a story about a guy contributing drivers to the Linux kernel for old hardware that he didn't even own and never planned on using. On the other hand, maybe he just had a different idea of fun than other people (in all seriousness).

jeffool 14y ago
>In fact I vaguely remember a story about a guy contributing drivers to the Linux kernel for old hardware that he didn't even own and never planned on using. http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1047633/one-writes-linux-drivers-235-usb-webcams http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1047633/one-writes-... Possibly this fellow, who wrote drivers for over 200 USB webcams?
- chubot 14y ago
  Yes exactly!! In the interview though, he says it started when he bought web cams for his daughters but there was no Linux support. But then he realized that a lot of the code was shareable, so he generalized it to 235 cameras. You could call the difference between making 2 drivers work and 235 "altruism". Or you could just call it "doing it a good job". Most people have the desire to do a good job. I frequently do the same thing... I call it cleaning up dirty hacks, and learning the essence of a problem. Not necessarily altruism, but I won't object if anyone calls it that.
  - excuse-me 14y ago
    Or just showing off ! Never underestimate the benefit of people showing off. Otherwise Mozart would have retired at 12 and become a music teacher

by chubot 14y ago

jeffool 14y ago

>In fact I vaguely remember a story about a guy contributing drivers to the Linux kernel for old hardware that he didn't even own and never planned on using. http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1047633/one-writes-linux-drivers-235-usb-webcams http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1047633/one-writes-... Possibly this fellow, who wrote drivers for over 200 USB webcams?

chubot 14y ago
Yes exactly!! In the interview though, he says it started when he bought web cams for his daughters but there was no Linux support. But then he realized that a lot of the code was shareable, so he generalized it to 235 cameras. You could call the difference between making 2 drivers work and 235 "altruism". Or you could just call it "doing it a good job". Most people have the desire to do a good job. I frequently do the same thing... I call it cleaning up dirty hacks, and learning the essence of a problem. Not necessarily altruism, but I won't object if anyone calls it that.
- excuse-me 14y ago
  Or just showing off ! Never underestimate the benefit of people showing off. Otherwise Mozart would have retired at 12 and become a music teacher