DrJ:

“And computer code is a work product, and not an idea.”

I’ll admit the Gnu Manifesto and Stallman part are pablum, but a program is just an algorithm, (He invented that too?)in other words a mathematical model for solving a problem.

So a program is an idea in the same manner that the fundamental theorem of calculus is an idea.

The structure of Unix and the internet both allow you to place trust the work of others because their work product and ideas are open to inspection.

The very fact that the Russian hacker must read and question what we write causes his employer the most danger.

What made me think of this was a ‘s/neocon/jew/ response I made yesterday. I received an angry reply within ten minutes of my post. (And I do think an “idea” was transmitted by that code snippet!)

If it wasn’t for BC, I’d get all my news from /.

Some of the ideas presented here are gently worked back into conversations there.

I am quite out of my element here. I am used to being the best, the brightest and the first one done. I cannot even keep up with your conversations. I am constantly amazed by the quality of the information posted here , and I thank you all for putting up with the “childishness” of my comments.

Thank you Mr. Fernandez for a fine forum.