How GitHub works for me: I have an idea for a product. I go to GitHub and get all the core code to get me started for free. I typically get a 1 year jump start, and have a prototype product available to show investors within a few months.

I can see how it is wonderful from my point of view, but I can’t for the life of me see how people can extract income from something they give away for free.

That said, the technological singularity is driving a lot of industries and technologies down this same path. Doctors and lawyers will also soon be driven towards giving away their services for free. Software Developers are not alone in this. I’ve watched my secretaries lose their jobs. I’ve watched my draftsmen lose their jobs. I am watching my coders lose their jobs. Now, I am a department of one. And soon, I will watch myself lose my job. Alas. I’m at the end of my career both in years and in demand, and when I think about younger people entering the industry, and I am reminded of the line from “Airplane!” — “Well, at least I’m not single”. Doh!