August 30, 2006
Open Source Programming vs. Paid Programming
Written by: John
I found a nice article on Digg recently that talked about the difference between a paid job doing programming and participating in open source projects.
I mostly just loved how he addressed the issue that doing something on the computer at home isn’t the same as doing something on the computer at work. At home, you choose when, where and how to do it. At work you are paid to do it at a certain place, at a certain time and in a certain way.
That’s why you find me spending hours on the computer at home after work. It’s my time to do what I want!
I posted a comment on his article that he should take a look at Cambrian House. It’s a great new concept that combines open source development processes and adds money into the process.
They also have an interesting little mentos and diet coke stunt going on too.
All you have to do is sign up and you can be in the guiness book of world records.
I feel that if you really like programming then it’s really not a job. There is a big difference working on an Open Source Project at home than at work. You are in the comfort of you home and you can take breaks. You can work on the project at you own speed and set your own deadlines for the project.