01/28/2009 04:36:54 PM EST

"A typical unpaid volunteer contributor to an Eclipse project might be less likely to work on the project if he (or she) felt that his or her work was going to benefit a large for-profit business such as Microsoft." This is FUD, and tries to perpetuate the myth that all free software contributors are somehow anti-business and anti-money. Eclipse was started by IBM - who seem to be doing quite well in the large for-profit business front, even in these tough times. Microsoft is disliked specifically because of their nasty behaviour - they've been found guilty of illegal behaviour in several countries and regions. They are not disliked simply because they are 'rich and successful'. It should probably read that volunteers would be unhappy with working with a company who has been spending years trying to destroy Java, and one who has shown not to treat partners with any level of respect.

AustraliaMichael

01/29/2009 05:36:13 PM EST

"A typical unpaid volunteer contributor to an Eclipse project might be less likely to work on the project if he (or she) felt that his or her work was going to benefit a large for-profit business such as Microsoft." As opposed to an even larger for-profit business such as IBM?

United KingdomNeil Bartlett