Windley notes Doc Searl's presentation at OSCON on do-it-yourself software. I like the idea, but as Doc says, the industry isn't mature enough yet to release tools that the average "weekend warrior" can use. We are still in the days of the Masons, which actually operated like the RIAA, protecting their trade secrets (skills) and training future Masons...
But, Doc is right on when he talks of the absurdity of a construction worker patenting the IP of how to swing a hammer. As Windley blogs it:
The construction industry is the oldest industry and is worth $2 trillion worldwide. Sharing know-how is natural in the construction industry. Doc makes a joke about a construction worker claiming his way of hanging a door is protected IP to a big laugh. Commodities are okay in the construction industry and big companies make good money in those commodity businesses. There's room for everyone in the construction industry because people are always trying to get things done and you've got to build things to do that. These are all good metaphors for where the software industry is headed. [Windley]
With Acacia trying to claim they own the rights to anything that streams, well, until the PTO gets some sense - I guess the Mississippi might need to get a lawyer.
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