Spoonbill Transparency

I read this from President Obama. The opening paragraph reads:

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

That was one of my initial aims when starting this little company. When I first started, I e-mailed a group of about 5 trying to hash out a philosophy. I called it Spoonbill OE or something I made up --- (the O being for Open I think). I know it is really weird throwing the books open, but it's made it really fun and collaborative. Actually, maybe it is just more simple. There is no gotcha. No nothing. I really am doing the best that I can. I'm not eeking out a percent or two or whatever is supposed to happen. It makes it easier for decision making (or is that the holding on to the reigns of sole proprietorship!!!). It feels right - (right for me - and I'm not dissing people who work their butts off to make a profit and deserve it because it's a lot of freaking work - and I just might decide to get freaking rich one day) And when I read that presidential mandate, take open source off the internet... it's just good. Next Monday, Mark and I will do the bookkeeping, monthly, taxes, invoice, insurance etc. together.

The thought comes, "But what if Spoonbill were to grow? Certainly, with different personalities, problems, it would get all screwed up." People who made less, worked harder would get all flustered. If people *really* knew what went on they'd riot!!! I don't know. I have hope for a company of people - it's working so far... but Obama's got more than two. Goodness. That's a whammy!

I've been asked, "So what is the point?" That's a good one. What is the point of having a company like Spoonbill. My quick answer was, "Because I want to work with people." (the irony is... I spend lots of time trying to get away from people! And actually wouldn't mind being rich enough to build a mote... have a paint studio... and say adios to the whole bunch of humanity with all their incessant noises! Maybe it is all guilt!!!)

I lost my initial reason for posting this... I am wondering what this mandate means for NASA... and for my work - I can't understand why the software I write at work isn't public domain - and don't write back that it's got too many bugs :)