Hey!

a couple of comments on Allan's propositions: a. RE "If the computing industry becomes less profitable, there will be fewer computer programmers. There will, consequently, be fewer computer programmers to write free software. Ultimately, the removal of profiteering opportunities would reduce productivity." Taken to its extremes, this proposition lacks credibility (- If the software market was completely commoditized, would this mean the end of software production?). I am not sure that the profitability of the software industry is a necessary prerequisite for the production of free software, much like the profitability of the music industry is not a prerequisite for the production of music.

b. RE "My argument assumes that software innovation, like mathematics, is difficult and requires a great deal of expertise. If everyone, regardless of education level, can contribute to writing code, then my argument would be significantly weakened." I completely agree with this statement. Software innovation depends on the number of people involved in software production, which, in turn, depends on the level of expertise required for actively participating in the community. The lower the threshold for participation, the bigger the outcome of social production (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commons-based_peer_production)

-- NikolaosVolanis - 06 Oct 2009