Have a suggestion?

Click here to suggest a blog item.

Newsletters Archive

Catch up with DonationCoder by browsing our past newsletters, which collect the most interesting discussions on our site: here.

Editorial Integrity

DonationCoder does not accept paid promotions. We have a strict policy of not accepting gifts of any kind in exchange for placing content in our blogs or newsletters, or on our forum. The content and recommendations you see on our site reflect our genuine personal interests and nothing more.


Latest News

July 2, 2024
Server Migrations Coming

  • Donationcoder server migration is slowly proceeding, expect some hiccups as we get all our ducks in a row..

July 19, 2022
Software Update

Jan 3, 2022
Event Results

May 13, 2020
Software Updates

Mar 24, 2020
Mini Newsletter

Dec 30, 2019
Software Updates

Jan 22, 2020
Software Updates

Jan 12, 2020
Newsletter

Jan 3, 2020
Event Results

Jan 2, 2020
Software Updates

Dec 30, 2019
Software Updates

April 27, 2019
Software Updates

Feb 26, 2019
Software Updates

Feb 23, 2019
Software Updates

Feb 14, 2019
Software Updates

Jan 6, 2019
Event Results

Dec 2, 2018
Software Updates

Nov 13, 2018
Software Releases

July 30, 2018
Software Updates

June 24, 2018
Software Updates

June 6, 2018
Software Updates

Apr 2, 2018
Fundraiser Celebration

Apr 2, 2018
Software Updates

Feb 24, 2018
Software Updates

Jan 14, 2018
Major Site News

Jan 10, 2018
Event Results

Latest Forum Posts

Coding Snacks
I liked the types of programs you have for download (I grabbed Process Tamer, Desktop Corral, Screenshot Captor, and System Path Commander) and I *love* the coding snacks concept. I will definitely be taking advantage of it. Finally, I like the idea that the amount of donation is entirely up to me..
D.A.
D.A. image

Our daily Blog

This page spotlights the most interesting posts collected from our forum every day.

You are viewing a specific blog item. Click here to return to the main blog page.

Dictators in free and open source software?

Screenshot - 7_22_2008 , 2_40_16 PM_thumb.png
I know this is controversial, but i tend to agree with the general premise that it's helpful to have one person (or two), who is for all intents and purposes in charge of making final decisions and riding herd over a project.

This short essay talks about why:

Some people seem to challenge the idea that most (if not all) free software projects need a benevolent dictator—that is, somebody who has the last say on every decision. They are quick to point out Linus Torvalds’ past “mistakes” (see the brackets): using BitKeeper to manage the kernel, not allowing “pluggable” schedulers in Linux, etc. As a software developer, I feel that a dictator is absolutely necessary in every free software project. Here is why.

http://www.freesoftw...open_source_software

ps. While i agree with most of the points I don't don't agree it has to be one person for life -- i see no reason not to rotate people in charge. And i think when a project has only a few core developers, a normal informal equal-responsibility situation is fine.  I think this need to have one designated person in charge really becomes useful mostly when the group starts getting bigger.  My experience is that some things will just never get done unless you have a designated person to crack the whip and make sure everything that needs to get done does in fact get done.


Share on Facebook