Re: Are devs who work on or use open source happier in their employment?

On Sep 23, 2010, at 10:15 PM, Henri Yandell wrote:

> I've not seen any studies. I have a slightly different view as
> developing is only part of what I do nowadays... so I'll share it/bore
> you with it :)
> 
> The source isn't the only part, Open applies to a lot more in your
> standard OSS project:
> 
> * I like that I can identify solutions and bugs through a web search
> and not by having to contact technical support.
> * I like that my choice of the product doesn't start with a contract
> negotiation - OSS is generally take-it-or-leave-it licensing, yet not
> an unfair license.

However, this is often replaced by an internal negotiation w/ company lawyers over what licenses are acceptable.

> * I like that the 'vendor' and myself as the 'customer' largely want
> the same thing - for the product to be better, with less bugs and more
> features.
> 
> Summarizing - In Open Source the relationship is not antagonistic.
> It's not perfect, the project don't want to add my special ideas or
> agree that with my view of a bug, but generally I know the vendor and
> I aren't in a battle with the vendor wanting more money and myself
> wanting more value. There's less politics.

Great points!