RE: [Axiom-developer] Re: Axiom and commercial success

[Bill Page]

On August 23, 2006 6:01 PM Gabriel Dos Reis wrote:
> 
> Tim Daly writes:
> | [...] 
> | I encourage you to raise your eyes to the horizon and ignore the
> | rocky road under your feet.
> 
> that is well put;

I agree.

On August 23, 2006 5:07 PM Tim also wrote:

> 
> From my understanding NAG picked up Axiom as a way to sell their
> numeric library. And when they partnered with Maple they withdrew
> Axiom. The commercial success of interest is NAG's numeric library.
> Axiom was just the sweetener.
> 

I am glad that you put it that way. :)

> .. 
> Free and open source has given us the only method I know to conduct
> really long term fundamental research outside the major universities.

Hear, hear! I enthusiastically agree. But of course many universities
also continue to contribute directly to open source. Sage, for example
is very deliberately an open source project even though it is partially
funded by a university research grant. I think Axiom could benefit
from the exposure that it would gain by association with this project.

> however, the rocky road needs to be dealt with, not just ignored.
> How do you get people on board for long-term projects when you
> don't make room for them to make sure they can embark on the long
> journey?
> 

You are right. We *must* make room for them! Most of the things I
have been doing with Axiom over the last two years have been devoted
to precisely that goal. In my opinion, Gaby, with your work on the
Axiom Silver branch you are making an important contribution to the
same goal. I strongly encourage you to continue and for others to help
when possible. What else can we do to make more room?

But your question remains: "How do you get people on board for
long-term projects ... ?" I do not know the answer.

Regards,
Bill Page.

PS. I will be silent for the next 5 days or so, not because I have
suddenly lost interest but only because I am away on a trip.