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If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

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Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#11

Post by erik_seaberg »

logicuce wrote: post #4
SapphireSun wrote: post #3

This is petty and shallow, but I'm annoyed with programmer culture in the sense that people always phrase this sort of question in terms of "what if the person that gave us so much kicked off" rather than "what if they were unavailable or retire"? It's morbid and sort of implies that the only way that person would ever stop is if they died. It leaves me feeling slimy. It's intended to say this person is so dedicated…

I guess the underlying assumption is the person in charge would retire or become unavailable with some deliberation and planning. Somebody gone due to accident is entirely different thing.

"Hit by a bus" also means no possibility of asking for his advice or making a better offer (if he changed jobs).

Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#12

Post by IncRnd »

SapphireSun wrote: post #9
IncRnd wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're reading too much into the statement in my opinion. "What if XYZ got run over by a bus," is a colloquialism that simply takes the farthest position in order to talk about the worst case. It just means, "what would be the fall back position if everything broke and vapor came out"?

You're right of course, but there is a reason the colloquialism takes this form as opposed to another. Colloquialisms, the intelligible ones at least, sublimate some underlying element of culture in order to communicate sensibly and easily. This very idea of stretching logic to extremes without consideration for real world effects is very much a foundational element in programmer culture. It's born out of rationalism…

> If SV could somehow change its foundational thinking from reason + corrosive business practices to reason + kindness we'd all be better off.

+1 ;)

Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#15

Post by nightcracker »

SapphireSun wrote: post #3

This is petty and shallow, but I'm annoyed with programmer culture in the sense that people always phrase this sort of question in terms of "what if the person that gave us so much kicked off" rather than "what if they were unavailable or retire"? It's morbid and sort of implies that the only way that person would ever stop is if they died. It leaves me feeling slimy. It's intended to say this person is so dedicated…

The difference here is a planned departure with a takeover versus a sudden disappearance without notice.

Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#16

Post by jgowdy »

zeristor wrote: post #13

Perhaps a parallel would be how Apple is fairing after the passing of Steve Jobs.

Extremely valid point. It survives, but loses some of the essential character or traits that made it great.

So perhaps the result with Linux might be that the project continues, but the kernel forks, and even the official Linux branded kernel doesn’t hold to certain essential concepts like don’t break userspace. Perhaps quality control goes down. Perhaps corporate interests start driving the direction of the kernel away from user interests.

I would also suggest that the change might not be a bad thing. With Linus, the kernel follows a relatively predictable path forward. Projects like Fushia might make the current kernel design obsolete. We might need to make bold design decisions moving forward that Linus may not approve of if the project is going to continue to lead the industry.

Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#17

Post by AnIdiotOnTheNet »

SapphireSun wrote: post #3

This is petty and shallow, but I'm annoyed with programmer culture in the sense that people always phrase this sort of question in terms of "what if the person that gave us so much kicked off" rather than "what if they were unavailable or retire"? It's morbid and sort of implies that the only way that person would ever stop is if they died. It leaves me feeling slimy. It's intended to say this person is so dedicated…

When talking about backups, DR, and institutional knowledge, I always use death in the example for the simple reason that it is final and there is absolutely no way to recover the lost individual. If they retire or otherwise move on, you can go visit and ask questions, pay them, or even threaten them for what you need, but death prevents that and is also much less predictable.

Re: If Linus Torvalds got hit by a bus would Linux die (2012)

#18

Post by TomMarius »

SapphireSun wrote: post #3

This is petty and shallow, but I'm annoyed with programmer culture in the sense that people always phrase this sort of question in terms of "what if the person that gave us so much kicked off" rather than "what if they were unavailable or retire"? It's morbid and sort of implies that the only way that person would ever stop is if they died. It leaves me feeling slimy. It's intended to say this person is so dedicated…

That's because retirement or going to a different job means you can slowly take over and ask questions or even prevent it.
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