This book is intended as a pragmatic view of open source software, as opposed to an evangelical tract or a polemic. And although its subject is open source software, this book is not distributed under a GNU public license, unlike, for example, Gary Murphy’s paper “The Consulting HOWTO: A Guide to Open Source Consulting,” (available at www.teledyn.com). Instead it’s published on what I would call the “Bruce Eckel model.” Noted technical author Bruce Eckel retains the copyright to his highly-regarded books on computer programming (Thinking in Java is one example) and publishes them in traditional print form, but he also makes an electronic version available for free downloading on his website www.mindview.net. In addition, he makes draft versions of his upcoming books available on his website while he’s writing them to solicit comments.
This book too is available both for purchase and online in HTML format, and comments and suggestions for a revised edition are invited. Commercial editions are available in several common proprietary ebook formats as well as a print-on-demand version as for those desiring a high-quality print copy.
The price for the commercial editions will be modest, basically a packaging fee for those who want the convenience of a professionally-produced ebook product. What’s especially important about the commercial editions is that they make this book available though major sales channels like Amazon.com, Powell’s, and FictionWise (which carries nonfiction as well as fiction ebooks), where people may encounter it who otherwise would not.
In a departure from Bruce Eckel’s practice but in line with open source culture, those wishing to donate to help me spread the word about open source software are invited to do so via a PayPal link on my website, www.infostrategist.com.
craigslist is a registered trademark of craigslist, Inc. eBay is a registered trademark of eBay Corp. Amazon.com is a registered trademarks of Amazon.com.