Hacker culture and the FLOSS innovation

Citation

Lin Y (2012) Hacker culture and the FLOSS innovation. International Journal of Open Source Software and Processes, 4 (3), pp. 26-37. https://doi.org/10.4018/ijossp.2012070103

Abstract
This article aims to contribute to our understanding of the free/libre open source software (FLOSS) innovation and how it is shaped by and also shapes various perceptions on and practices of hacker culture. Unlike existing literature that usually normalises, radicalises, marginalises, or criminalises hacker culture, the author confronts such deterministic views that ignore the contingency and heterogeneity of hacker culture, which evolve over time in correspondence with different settings where diverse actors locate. The author argues that hacker culture has been continuously defined and redefined, situated and resituated with the ongoing development and growing implementation of FLOSS. The story on the development of EMACSen (plural form of EMACS-Editing MACroS) illustrates the consequence when different interpretations and practices of hacker culture clash. The author concludes that stepping away from a fixed and rigid typology of hackers will allow people to view the FLOSS innovation from a more ecological view. This will also help people to value and embrace different contributions from diverse actors including end-users and minority groups.

Keywords
Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS); Hacker Culture; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Perceptions; Practices; Typology

Journal
International Journal of Open Source Software and Processes: Volume 4, Issue 3