The historical evidence suggests that when it comes to massive social systems like the Linux kernel project, Linus knows more about keeping them vigorous and re

The historical evidence suggests that when it comes to massive social systems like the Linux kernel project, Linus knows more about keeping them vigorous and relevant than just about any other person in existence. He runs what is probably the most successful software project in human history. He has created a sustainable, growing social system that, for over two decades, has accomplished monumental technical feats and shows no signs of slowing. As impressive as Linux is as a technical achievement, it pales in comparison to the social achievement that is the Linux kernel project. Therefore, I don’t put much stock in people telling Linus how the Linux kernel project ought to be run. When he writes, The fact is, people need to know what my position on things are. And I can't just say "please don't do that", because people won't listen. I say "On the internet, nobody can hear you being subtle", and I mean it. [1] I’m inclined to believe him. Correspondingly, I have a hard time taking seriously the claims that the Linux kernel project, as a social system, would be better if Linus stopped doing what he’s doing and did something “nicer” instead. The historical evidence suggests that what Linus is doing (whatever it is) works better than what everybody else is doing. [1] http://marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=137391223711946&w=2 http://marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=137391223711946&w=2