The Role of Open Source Software
In a way, open source software is a collaborative effort that also facilitates collaboration and the collective knowledge that is society. In building spaces for communication, open source software encourages growth. What I mean by this is that if the space is built using proprietary software the growth will be limited, and limited growth also means limited network effect, participation, collaboration, and creativity.
Consider the open source software WordPress. This software can be downloaded for free, and it enables users to host their own blog sites. Then imagine all of the people who would be unable to host their own blog if a fee was involved. Furthermore, imagine all of the users who would never be able to read or contribute to the blog of the person who is unable to pay for a licensing fee. That person might even be an entity like a library. A small library with a small budget might depend on WordPress’s free software to communicate with its users.
The butterfly effect soon emerges. Without open source software, every creative person, or every person with knowledge, does not have the option of contributing. Kowledge is lost and creativity is squandered. The ability for every person to access the web and contribute is the modern form of the right to an education and literacy.