Open Source Living

I just finished the book, "What Would Google Do?," and I found it a very compelling read. Much of what Google has done is to build an open source community where others can build, or profit from their platform (of course Google profits most from this philosophy). The fundemental premise is to open your platform to others who will improve, revise and contribute to the greater good in the community (i.e. OpenOffice & Wikipedia). Yes, Google also has closed networks, and proprietary features, but the general concept has helped others and in so doing enriched Google.

What if we practiced "open source living."  Everyday I am trying to be the best I can be, but unfortunately I do that from a skewed, biased perspective. If you ask me, I am a pretty good guy, talented, intelligent and if you are over 50, I am not to hard on the eyes (and yes there is a little ego there). What if I allowed others to contribute to my pursuit of perfection - yes there are risks, but let me share three thoughts with you about "Open Source Living."

1. We already allow others to impact our "programming." We read self-help books, hire trainers, dietitians, even medical professionals to advise us how to have a better life. Some of us consult with counselors, preachers or friends in areas we need improvement. Still, we can be very protective in this area, even when we seek advice and improvement.
2. Your life has certain open source elements already. There are people who talk to us and about us with or without permission. They comment on our shoes and on our work-ethic. They make judgments about our moral conduct and our parenting skills. People are trying to write chapters into our lives whether we want them too or not.
3. So what if we take a Wikipedia approach to life. Here is Trent version 1.0. Make your edits, your changes, and your contributions. Once you are finished, I will go back and edit the results in an effort to retain accuracy (and my overly active ego). Folks are going to talk about me anyway, how about I give them permission to do it to my face.

So here is your chance friends and enemies, brothers and sisters, acquantances and strangers. Today is an experiment in open source living. This is your chance to add your praise or criticisms, your suggestions and concerns. Trent version 1.02 will be released after the weekend.

Trent Wheeler