Freedom Zero versus Useful, You Decide

Jeff Atwood posed the question:

Why Doesn't Anyone Give a Crap About Freedom Zero?

First, what is freedom zero? It comes from the GNU Free Software Foundation free software definition:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.

The context for the question is Apple Computer. Why is Apple so successful at selling hardware and software that forces vendor lock-in?

First, i should state that i don't believe in Freedom Zero. It is an ideal that can't stand alone, and never will. JP Rangaswami touches on many of the complex issues in his latest Walking the Plank: A Sunday Stroll through Piracy. One of the trueisms he touches on resonates with me and my desire to buy Macs:

People pay a premium for natural scarcity

In 2008, a computer that provides hardware that works consistently, software that works consistently and has a modicum of security, and provides a platform for getting work done is a scarce resource.

I will pay a premium (and ask my employer to do the same) for a computer system that works. I'm not saying that Apple nor the Mac is a perfect system; that will never happen. What i am saying is that the Mac platform takes care of problems and services that i would otherwise have to spend my time fussing over.

My time is worth something. Yes, i could play with a variety of back-up scripts/packages on an Ubuntu Linux system and mimic Time Machine, but why? I could go with a Linux system as long as i was willing to give up most functions on my printer/scanner. I guess that is my fault for researching the best value on a quality multipurpose print/copy/scan device.

Ten years ago, i would have (and did) build a Linux system for home use. I won't be doing that again; chalk it up to experience.

I love Linux and am a big proponent of open source software; however, Freedom Zero doesn't mean crap me. There are things of more value in life.

QOTD: 2007-08-01

Maybe it's time to experiment with new operating systems, new applications, and new editors, even if we're happy with our status quo. We should put allegiances and familiarity aside, and push ourselves harder to go beyond our software imprinting-- otherwise, we literally won't know what we're missing. -- Jeff Atwood

and a bonus:

You can't rationally compare alternatives with no experience in the alternatives, and software imprinting robs you of that vital experience. -- Atwood

I know lots of folks that write-off minivans as a non-starter because the look stupid. (Yes, they do look stupid.) However, you won't find a vehicle with more functional space. As a consumer, you would never *know* that unless you gave it a fair shake.

Same goes for software. I've always been one to try new (and old) tools. I'm always in search of the perfect balance between usefulness and usability. Furthermore, as part of the exercise, it makes me think about what i need *now*. Needs change too.