An argument against using open source (free) tools and services from someone in the natural sciences. Let's not make fun of them, let's figure out how to educate scientists on the merit of open-source software and how it can help with everything from code review to transparency of process. http://www.interdisciplinaryprogramming.com

gistfile1.txt

I understand the younger generation thinks everything should be free.

Well, I grew up in a country where everything was actually free. (The few things we actually could have). A worker's paradise!

As you may have heard, that country is no more, and "everything is free" was a major reason for it's demise. (To this day, they are still dividing up all the formerly free stuff)

If any lesson I learned, it is that people who do stuff should be compensated for their work
and services (commonly acceptable unit of compensaton is called "money").

So all this talk about using services because they are free is crazy talk and it leads in the same direction the whole Soviet Union happily marched off.