What is "Embracing Open"?

There is a term that many people have heard of, called "Open Source".  It generally refers to Software which is often free to download and use, but more importantly, it is software of which the "source code" is available for others to look at and modify as they so desire.

It stems from a time that pre-dates the 1980's, when computers were still in their infancy and there were few programs and fewer programmers, so useful and functional, or error free software was difficult to get.  Due to those circumstances, a lot of software was shared in a way that allowed others to modify it and share it back.

This concept is now beginning to creep into many other aspects of society.  From Do It Yourself web sites showing how to create crafts, toys, furniture and other household tips, recipes, instructions and self help, to building your own 3D printer and vehicles and energy alternatives, and even more.

There is no denying the comfort that is available for many, at at least in the developed areas of the world.  Nice homes, abundant food, vehicles, technology, etc.  Of course, not everyone has access to or can afford these things that some take for granted, but that's not to say these things aren't available.  And for those who have these things, they'd be hard pressed to let these comforts go.

It is important to note that the author of this article does not believe the intention of this site, nor the idea of embracing open, is about providing food and shelter to those in need, even though that is a very honourable and valuable outcome.  Instead of giving someone a fish so they can eat for a day, embracing open is about helping others learn how to fish, so they can eat for a lifetime.

There are some very real drawbacks to the world that many of us live in, though.  The core being, often we cannot get what we need.  This goes well beyond money, government or culture.  This is societal.  Another well used phrase in the early '80s and earlier was, "Information wants to be free." and this open movement is exactly what that meant.  Even if we had the money, we may not have the influence or ability to get a car that suits us and our needs.  And even more so, if we don't have the availability (living remotely, perhaps) or the money it doesn't mean we have the ability, tools, or knowledge to build a car.   In our society, we need to BUY a car.  With Open Source, we can now build a street legal car, ourselves.  AND, it can be a lot less expensive and customized to our specific desire and we can have the pleasure of having done it ourselves.  And even if we CAN build our own car, we don't have to, if we want and have the money, to buy one.

So at the end of the day, Embracing Open is really about shared knowledge and choice.  If we can afford and want to buy what we need, then so be it.  If we enjoy tinkering, cooking, constructing, making, sewing, if we have need of something and would prefer to make it ourselves, or are without the resources or proximity to a place to buy it, we have the option and choice to make it ourselves.