If knowledge is power why would it be given away?
Various projects like open source defy the idea that knowledge has to be bought. Improvements are made daily by those who “want to be involved.”
In the corporate setting how do we get new projects going? We throw resources at the problem. The government does the same thing and there are many problems that can be solved with resources (like building a highway). Fortunately or unfortunately, knowledge isn’t always one of them. Why? Because people are hesitant to give away something that might cost them their job. People will resist change when “their” resources are on the line. That’s why it is extremely difficult to steer a new course in a large organization and why mergers often fail.
When projects can be accomplished without money people are free to be themselves and be innovative. Try threatening to turn the project off by eliminating funding. It can’t be done.
What would happen to the costly higher learning (current University concept) if retired professionals decided to educate people for free? How could this be structured and why would they do it. Watch out all you money grabbers! Isn’t it high time to leave all these bureaucrats behind?
What makes us slaves? The first thing we do for a slave is subsidize their existence. It’s like institutionalizing a criminal. They don’t know how to function without the institution. The “I’ll do it for you” concept. No you can’t make it on your own because you’re a slave (criminal).
People buy in to free projects because it fits their talents. It is something they enjoy doing. If people look at a project like they look at entertainment, recognition, a feeling of accomplishment, recreation, etc. they will do it for free. Or, if it frees up their time and makes their life easier they will do it for free. We have to meet their goals. All we need to do is create the environment, set back, and watch what happens. You couldn’t turn it off by eliminating the funding even if you tried.
