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The Free Software Bazaar gathers bounties for the completion of particular Open Source projects. It can be found at http://visar.csustan.edu/bazaar/. I talked to Axel on April 27, 1999.
Bernie: What inspired you to create the Free Software Bazaar?
Axel: In a Usenet discussion, the question came up of whether buying a Red Hat CD is a good way to sponsor free software development. I then got the idea that there may be a better, more direct way to induce people to write free software--to ``cut out the middleman''.
Bernie: Is money important for the free software movement?
Axel: In the grand scheme of free software development, money does not currently play a big role. Personally, I am not at all unhappy about that fact. I like to think of the Bazaar as a place where programmers can get ideas for projects that are actually needed, and where users can show their appreciation for the wealth of software they get for free.
Bernie: Why would any individual commit money towards funding an Open Source project?
Axel: Two reasons: you need a certain piece of software and you think the free software development model would produce the best results, or you feel the need to ``give back'' to the free software community. Most of the time, it's probably a combination of the two.
Bernie: What does the system offer for developers?
Axel: Some money, but mainly ideas for new worthwhile projects.
Bernie: What effect could cooperative funding have on the Open Source community at large?
Axel: It may help establish better communication between users and producers of free software. Users will be able to outline a wish list for a new project as opposed to just provide feedback and patches to already-existing code.
Bernie: What is your background?
Axel: I maintain the Linux kernel configuration help texts, the Linux CD Giveaway List (http://visar.csustan.edu/giveaway.html) and the programs tkinfo and WebFilter. I teach mathematics and computer science at Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Bernie: What are your plans for the future?
Axel: Retire early and keep playing with free software.