A Bizarre Bazaar is Changing Our Lives
by Spencer Gardner on October 14, 2012

In his article “The Bazaar and the Cathedral”, Eric Raymond champions software development patterns resembling a chaotic bazaar, which he contrasts with the traditional ‘cathedral building’ approach of managed, corporate development.
Software like iOS, Windows, and Facebook are worthy examples of corporations compiling cathedrals to fill coffers. Conversely, open source software springs from the combined efforts of individuals under a less corporately religious banner. Many of the tools used to conjure up software that has students and soccer moms talking employs code contributed to a communal coffer by mere peasants in huts.
The internet, as it empowers individuals, has eased the suppression of corporate rule. Now, the legitimacy of these kingly corporations of antiquity is being challenged and, as Raymond points out, often deposed.
Tech culture andculture culture, are merging quickly due to these developmental bazaars. The scope of this change has engulfed every country and culture, and it’s all due to a network of computer enthusiasts who enjoy their hobby. It’s a bizarre bazaar, but it’s nonetheless true.
3 comments
My favorite example is Valve. They have a very liquid employee hierarchy and the company is the picture of success.
by Jason Dobry on October 16, 2012 at 1:36 am. #
I feel that Bazaars exist in iOS and also in Windows platforms, but in a different form. Think of the App Store as Bazaar of Cathedrals. They competition within these bazaars and a standard API that all apps share.
by Jonathan Bejarano on October 17, 2012 at 6:31 am. #
This is what I love about being a computer science major; whatever you want to create, you can. Being proficient in programming allows us to make whatever product we want, and even, as Dr. K. says, make an app and be millionaires by this Christmas. The open source community shows us that we don’t need to be part of a large company to make a difference or make our dreams a reality.
by Michael Christensen on October 23, 2012 at 5:37 pm. #