Andrew Keen (Cult of the Amateur) predicts that the downturn in the economy will deal a blow to open source software and information. This position is similar to my concern expressed several days ago that the economy may lead to the termination of free online services that are attractive to educators.
Mass unemployment and a deep economic recession comprise the most effective antidote to the utopian ideals of open-source radicals. (Keen)
As I have considered the present situation, I have generated several concerns not presented by Keen. Free resources will be less likely because:
- companies may withdraw a commitment to “exploratory time” for employees – e.g., Google allows employees time (20% I think) to work on personally defined initiatives instead of requiring them to spend 100% of paid time on assigned projects. BTW – universities often offer a similar opportunity (e.g., 20% time for secondary activities that pay – clinical psychologists seeing clients). The original motive as I understand it was to offer creative people an opportunity to be creative within the company as a way to keep them from going off to form their own companies. The threat of individuals leaving is greatly reduced in times of constriction.
- companies may withdraw web services and open source projects that do not directly generate revenue and only promote the company (e.g., Google services that do not display ads)
- individuals stressed by competition will be reluctant to contribute their time for the “good of the group”.
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