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Subject:Re: Open Source writing opportunity From:Sean Wheller <swheller -at- bigpond -dot- net -dot- au> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Sat, 22 Feb 2003 15:20:45 +1100
On Saturday 22 February 2003 02:59 pm, Paul DuBois wrote:
> At 14:07 +1100 2/22/03, Sean Wheller wrote:
> >Hello Paul,
> >
> >I understood what you meant. All I was pointing out is that, in my opinion
> >and as a contributor to Open Source projects, that there is a payment.
> >
>
> I don't think it's that simple. I contribute to Open Source projects
> without getting paid for it. But I also write about Open Source software
> as my livelihood.
That is interesting. The original message to this thread asks, whether or not
there is financially rewarding work in the Open Source niche.
Here you come, a living testimony, proving that livelihood income can be
derived from involvement in Open Source.
I don't make my livelihood from Open Source, but I do make from it. Mostly
indirectly as explained in one of my earlier posts.
>
> >Much of this thread has debated the issue of motive. I think that your
> > post and my reply just highlight the point.
>
> I don't know. I wasn't addressing motive, just pointing out that they
> weren't paying a fee for articles.
>
Yep, agreed and understood. We can go in square circles on this.
In general, I am perplexed that more Technical Writers do not contribute to
Open Source and I am encourage to see small initiatives like the OSWG
starting to take shape.
I genuinely believe that there is much to be gained from Open Source. Where
it's headed and whether or not it will be accepted, who knows. I can say that
since moving from Microsoft Windows and Commercial Packages my productivity
has increased. In addition, thanks to Open Source solutions, I have been able
to implement my own solutions without much resistance from management. It
seems that when no cost is attached to a solution, that management place less
importance on issues such as reliability, support etc. Consequently I have
more time to do my job and spend less time waiting for process and procedure
to clear a solution through the channels. Perhaps this is another form of
compensation or reward gained from adoption of Open Source solutions.
--
Sean Wheller
swheller -at- bigpond -dot- net -dot- au
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