David's “roads” analogy generated a fair amount of discussion leading to extension of the analogy and discussion about the “economics” of creating and sustaining content infrastructure. Issues such as the difference between physical and non-physical assets, rival and non-rival goods, the impact of “tolls” or use fees, barriers, and incentives were discussed.
There was also some dialog about how individuals will show interest in and verbally support open content, but when “push comes to shove” few will actually make their resources open. Issues around the competitive nature of higher education were raised. It was noted that the free software movement is quite competitive and that competition seems to work well in that domain, which led to some questions about using the competitive impulse at many universities to promote open and free resources.
It was also noted, early in the discussion that David's “content as infrastructure” approach to OER was refreshingly direct and pragmatic.
Thanks again to David, for his interesting and insightful post and responses, andWayne, Cole, and Martin (RedSevenOne), for making this a great exchange, and other folks who have been reading along. Please join in again on October 17th when Gary Schwartz posts with persepctis from a OSS project manager. The schedule for the series can be found on WikiEducator 1.
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