Commons-Based Peer Production: Article Analysis
What is Commons-Based Peer Production
The commons-based peer production is a digital era concept in which the use of computer and online-based platforms connect software and content developers. In essence, cooperation in sharing ideas among large group peers’ production has proved immensely beneficial. Consequently, some of the finest software, supercomputer, and best directories have emerged. Therefore, peer production offers an incredible medium for developing information goods, positive character formations, and social virtues such as benevolence, charity, and generosity, which assist individuals in overcoming self-centeredness.
Article Summary
The authors state that commons-based production takes place in an environment where the principles of collaboration are enhanced and devoid of managerial hierarchies. Indeed, some entities have adopted the concept and established peer-production enterprises. Therefore, the initiatives must have low-cost integration to succeed amidst the free software offered in the online virtual platform. In fact, the shared values adopted in the collaboration are autonomy, independence, and liberation. Under those premises, the participants can volunteer for the engagement, continue, or cease at any stage of the development. More importantly, creativity and productivity are imperative when involving commons-based peer projects. For the participants to be of value in the projects, they must be critical thinkers and ready to push for the common course to realize the intended objectives.
The most interesting section of the article is the discussion of how commons-based peer production works. According to the publication’s author, the engagement involves thousands of individuals working systematically towards developing free software projects. Therefore, the participants operate with a common goal while working in a less informal and unstructured way. Besides, the individuals are not enticed by the material and economic gains, but the internal desire for results keeps them united. On the other hand, the strangers volunteer to work in an uncontrolled environment to produce some of the world’s best software and allow the users to apply them without any cost. In other words, no one or a section of the participants can claim ownership or commercialize the software. Sometimes, multinational companies in related digital fields invest in supporting free software development. For instance, IBM offered about $ 1 billion to support the development of the Linux kernel and Apache Web Server Software without seeking ownership rights. Such incidents, as presented in the article, have changed my view regarding commitment to the common good of society, irrespective of the expected gains.
Response to the Article
The article is very informative and written subjectively. Despite the fact that the article concerns an issue that has emerged recently, the content provided is rich in context. A reader without prior knowledge about the subject will get insights into the concept of commons-based peer production, how it works, the systems used, and the output expected. Moreover, various examples of people and firms that have played a key role in developing commons-based production are also provided. Additionally, various free software components developed through the concept are listed to enhance understanding.
Conclusion
As evident from the article analysis, commons-based peer production is a platform upon which much free software has been developed. In fact, the participants volunteer to commit their time and resources to pursue free software development. In essence, the virtues such as benevolence, charity, and generosity have compelled individuals to remain committed to the noble cause of assisting society. Despite the absence of a formal system and management hierarchy, some of the best software has emerged through the application of the commons-based peer production concept.
