Recently, I posted on the osbootcamp discussion list about a flash programming job. Denver, one of our community members rightly called me on it wondering what a job posting for a non-standard technology was doing on an open source mailing list. For the sake of those not on the mailing list, I'll post some of the discussion here in response to private email feedback saying it was interesting and worthwile:

Denver wrote:
"That seems not open source at all. In fact, Flash is one of the few things that prevent some people from running entirely FLOSS on their computer (though one can easily live without it; see http://ossguy.com/?p=145 ). Isn't this the Open Source Boot Camp mailing list?"

Andrew wrote:
"I really appreciate your email. And based on what you've posted in your bog, I feel your adherence to open standards is disciplined and commendable. You'll likely agree with me that the vast majority of the world is not so disciplined.

Trying not to disagree as I feel we no doubt have much common ground in our views, I would like to express a gentler point of view. There are many examples of open source implementations of things that were not open standards. Java, Samba (implementing the SMB protocol), KML are a few items that come to mind very quickly. In a number of cases, this turned out positively as an open standard/ open source implementation arose based on significant interest. In some cases, multiple open and closed source implementations that are interoperable resulted - may the best one win. You may agree this is a good outcome.

Related to this, I'm sure we all realize businesses exist to "maximize shareholder value". Demonstrating to businesses that shareholder value will benefit more from an open standards/open source model vs. proprietary standards/closed source makes opening up a savvy business decision. If we were to quickly condemn companies and technologies moving in a positive direction, we would discourage precisely what we're trying to achieve and likely be marginalized as too religious. I personally feel Adobe has been moving in a positive direction. http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/

At it's most basic level, we're trying to improve people's lives. I wouldn't advise a candidate looking for work to turn down a good job opportunity, working for a good company, in gloomy economic times.

On the spectrum of the fit of job opportunities that belong on this list, I felt this was a good one. It is my hope that future job opportunities are even better. You are very welcome to disagree and change my mind. It brings me joy to see this list used for what it is intended."

Related to this, I believe Adobe's work with Flex, and now a Linux version of Air is work in the right direction. I believe we should support and demonstrate interest to provide indication there is a business opportunity. If you're into web programming, please consider giving Flex and Air a try:

http://get.adobe.com/air/

http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/