Why Public Domain?
==================

April 20, 2009

I release everything I write into public domain.  This includes software and
writings.  Even with my blog, every post is in the public domain.  Why with
so many license options would I do that?

When I write a bit of software,  I'm certainly using my own creativity and
talent.  Years of experience I've gained go into this process, it would seem
like that should all be mine at first.  But to paraphrase Newton, I code on the
shoulders of giants.  Everything I know came from somewhere,  and this is true
of everyone.  Everything we create is an aggregation of what we've absorbed
through the years.

When I write code, I'm relying on skills I've learned from various sources, 
my seventh grade basic class,  my eleventh grade pascal class,  various forums,
irc, usenet, books, tutorials.  While I may be able to gather that knowledge
and put it to use, these "raw materials" I've collected through the years
make me able to do this.

The same goes for any other original works, which in my case is mainly writing.
I've been inspired by teachers, professors, family, peers, random people on 
the internet, history, etc.  My throughts and views are also the result of my 
encouters with various people.  

To me public domain is an acknowledgement that we all take something away
from out community.  To license my works as such is an attempt to in some 
small way give back to the cloud of wisdom that has shaped me.