The main risk of forking will come from people who use the source to guide a rewrite of modules or even the entire project. While software patents could provide one line of defense against this, it is probably more effective to build a reputation for fairness that keeps the majority of the developers satisfied and in one camp. The parameters of pricing and arbitration can be optimized to generate this outcome, which is the essence of the organization's ability to protect its postion. Challengers may copy and rewrite code but as long as the community remains loyal to the original organization, there will a competitive advantage that allows market leadership to be maintained.

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2001