The "Doctor Who" Model of Open Source 116
Glyn Moody writes "Open source projects are generally fine when there's a long-term leader like Linus; but what happens when nobody is able or willing to run things for extended periods? Peter Murray-Rust explains how the open chemistry group known as the Blue Obelisk has evolved what he calls the 'Doctor Who Model of Open Source': 'You'll recall that every few years something fatal happens to the Doctor and you think he is going to die and there will never be another series. Then he regenerates. The new Doctor has a different personality, a different philosophy (though always on the side of good). It is never clear how long any Doctor will remain unregenerated or who will come after him. And this is a common theme in the Blue Obelisk.' Could other open source projects learn from this experience as long-term leaders start to move on?"
RBS, Linus, Guido Python, Larry Perl (Score:5, Informative)
with characters such as RBS, Linus, Guido Python, Larry Perl, etc.
Um..... RMS, Linus Torvalds, Guido van Rossum, Larry Wall
Re:Missing option (Score:3, Informative)
You jest perhaps... but you are on to something there!
Hawkeye disrespected petty bureaucracy, rebelled in general against closed-mindedness, thought laterally to solve problems, had fun, and always thought of the patient's need first.
That sounds exactly like the right way to run any organization!
Re:WTF? (Score:2, Informative)
Most bands have only one drummer through the life of the band, because the drummer's style defines the band so much. If that drummer leaves the band, or spontaneously combusts, the band often drifts into obscurity.
Admit it...you're a drummer. And you just made that up. Name one band that went under after the drummer died/left. Genesis? Even the Who survived the loss of Keith Moon.
Re:WTF? (Score:3, Informative)
Maybe the drug use would have eventually ended Led Zeppelin; it's hard to say. But they consciously decided to give it up after Bonham died.
I agree about Rush. From what I've read, if Neil Peart had left for good after the tragedies in his life, Rush would not have continued as Rush.
Re:WTF? (Score:2, Informative)