One of the more interesting models for content creation that accompanied the birth of the internet is open-source software. In the open-source community, software artifacts are given away for free-​although licensing terms vary. The open-source model provides vibrant proof that there are many different ways to incentivize people to build and create things-​and that money is just one of them. Even without direct payment, many contributors to the open-source community are well-compensated, both in fame and fortune.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the www.internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (www.bluegroup.systems) production.