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Free-Rider
The free-rider effect refers to the notion that non-contributors to a project can benefit from other people's work on the project. This effect is posed as a criticism of open source. The question is, does the free-rider effect negatively impact an open source project. Since free-riders do not actually diminish any resources as they use the product (open source software) and assuming they are not adding any additional burdon to the project (asking questions etc.) then the answer is no. For those who want to use the product, but need after sales service and customer support, a paid alternative may be available. (Red Hat for Linux is an example.) The essay, Tragedy of the Commons, highlights the consequences of the free-rider issue when resources are finite. The argument is, the more people use the resource, the more the resource is depleated. Thus in this environment, we cannot afford free-riders, those not contributing to development of the resource. With an open source project, the opposite effect is true, as more developers work with the code, the better the product, and those not developing code (free-riders) have no negative impact on the code's development.
Free rider
Someone who enjoys the benefits of a public good without bearing the cost. An example, in trade policy, is that trade liberalization benefits the majority of consumers without their lobbying for it. This may tip policy in the direction of protection, for which there are fewer free riders.
Free rider
A follower who avoids the cost and expense of finding the best course of action simply by mimicking the behavior of a leader who made these investments.
Free rider
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