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Permalink Reply by Amy Stephen on October 7, 2009 at 4:23pm

I prefer that, as well. We are all adults here and we can each give feedback, as we feel it's appropriate. If we are lucky, a good discussion will come out of these types of questions.

Permalink Reply by Alex Kempkens on October 8, 2009 at 2:57am

Hi Rastin,

I think it would be great if the Anahita team is not using an "closed" or "inside" community to discuss about these topic and instead an open platform like this one. The reason is pretty simple, having closed communities for an open social project feels quite strange at least to me. May be this is one reason why my impression of how you distribute news is attached to a "PR hype" feeling. It just does not feel open or social to me.

I think for all site integrators how are not having current projects in this area sharing the knowledge is possible, but joining yet another system just to participate is bit much. And you never know if you have these information public available a new partner might show up how has a better impression your project.

Just my 2 cent

Alex

Permalink Reply by Alex Kempkens on October 8, 2009 at 1:25pm

Dear David,

It is exactly the "without pulling my hair out" why I wrote this post in the first place.

My original very, very simple requirement is a way to have an easy configurable user registration that allows me to gather a bit more information. Forum, News (RSS) or even individual modules this is all possible with standard functionality of Joomla.

What are your primary / top 5 requirements?

Alex

Permalink Reply by Rastin Mehr on October 8, 2009 at 2:20pm

Hi Alex,

Anahita is a commercial open source project, which means it is free as liberty but not as beer. People pay to receive certain privileges and services. Even though all the code is distributed with GPL License, which means once someone obtain a copy they can do whatever they want with it within the terms of GPL license.

@Alex "having closed communities for an open social project feels quite strange at least to me"

The reason the Social Engine code is not available to public yet is because we are waiting for the code base and design to become more stable. We can help a group of let's say 100 teams go through the migration leaps, but if hundreds or thousands of people start asking questions about how to use the code that could consume all of our time that should really be spent on development. The Partner's Program that we offer was really a response to the high demand of people who wanted to experiment with the code before it is public and learn the API and Design philosophy through peer support, and they are willing to pay a fee for that service. We don't have to explain that all the development hours need to be funded too no matter what license the code is going to be. Software don't write themselves. We also would like to have all the propper infrastructure in place to deliver good service to people and more polished open source code that solves real life problems.

When we think the code base is ready, the com_socialengine will be available on the Joomla extensions directory with a GPL license for free (as free beer). Extensions, Social Apps, Documentations, Updates, knowledge resources, and other type of services will be offered through a paid club membership model but all the code that people receive will remain GPL. There will be no encryption or licenses other than the GPL to limit the useage of the code. We think that is a lot more humane than many other existing solutions.

and the generated revenue helps us to provide a consistent service and support to the community members and move the project forward. It is a model which has been successful so far, and we will continue to develop based on what works. It is a great value for everyone.

Permalink Reply by Rastin Mehr on October 8, 2009 at 2:32pm

By the way I'm more than happy to answer some of the more technical questions, because that is more relevant to the topic.

Permalink Reply by Amy Stephen on October 8, 2009 at 3:07pm

Wouldn't mind seeing some of the business model concepts discussed with the Business group. I do understand Alex's points and I also understand the need to put food on the table. Sounds like more discussion wouldn't hurt, provided it is open minded and supportive. Your call, of course. I'm just interested.

Permalink Reply by Rastin Mehr on October 8, 2009 at 3:17pm

True! I was just answering his question, it is sometimes difficult to draw the line between software development and business aspects of a project becuase they are related in many areas. So we can now focus on the technical questions, features, design philosophy. Building Social Networks is my topic of interest after all.

Permalink Reply by Amy Stephen on October 8, 2009 at 3:23pm

No, I made myself unclear, my apologies. I would like to learn from you as to how you look at the Business aspects of GPL development. Given the fact that you made a comment about trying to address technical issues here, I just suggested perhaps you might consider sharing more in the Business group. I think it's a big question that we all have, Rastin, about how we can earn a living and liberate work with the GPL. I want to hear from people on this. I hope that was clearer than my earlier comments. Apologies for misunderstandings.

Permalink Reply by Rastin Mehr on October 8, 2009 at 3:44pm

oh thank you! I am learning more about the communication dynamics here :)

We are learning as we go forward ourselves. We have been inspired by companies like Automattic, 37signals, Google, W.C. Gore etc. who have build successful businesses around the GPL model or more tribal approach to building self organizing development teams. We think these are the geeks solution for building more humane and tribal industries that nurture innovation and collaboration without having to build top-down power pyramids.

We are certainly happy to share what worked for us in the past, but it is a bit too early go out and about to give business advice to people. We still have to generate enough profit by more ethical yet unorthodox means that will respond back to some traditionalist and cynical MBA person!

Permalink Reply by Amy Stephen on October 8, 2009 at 3:56pm

Makes sense. Those are some good ideas to explore there (tribal industries - have not heard of it before - makes perfect sense), so, thanks! Wish you (and everyone else) lots of success.

Permalink Reply by Alex Kempkens on October 8, 2009 at 4:30pm

Hi Rastin,

I think I know the business model quite well.

What I'm talking about is not the code - honestly I'm not at all interested in the code.

The whole intension of this thread is not code - it is the need of users/integrators such as David.

And again I'm not interested in it because of the code or projects someone realizes to fulfill these requirements. And I have no reason to go in any of these directions.


I'm interested in these needs to understand better what are the needs of a community. Being a member of a community I can understand my needs easily, but the needs of other people such as integrators are not clear to me. I like to learn to help building better communities.


Now, if I personally recommend you to move your discussion about the needs and requirements to an open, transparent discussion then this is based on my experience as a business consultant who is evaluating business ventures such as yours. Its also business for me and in the not open world of business you would have to pay for this advice. As I'm a member of an open community you get it for free.

Anyhow - this thread has gone far out of topic what my intension of the question was. I'll close the thread and may be open a new own in a bit. May be then we can again talk about the needs of people and the tools they use and why.

Thanks all for answering and listening

Alex

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