Open source bodybuilding fed

In the computer world, there are two general models of operating systems.. the Windows model, which is run by the bigwigs in Redmond, WA, and the open source Linux model, which has the potential to be run by anyone with the passion to bring something to the table.

In Wikipedia's definition of open source, it references a 1997 book titled "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" by Eric Raymond, which compares the different approaches to building these types of structures and how they relate to the development of software. Although he doesn't make a direct comparison to Windows, the "traditional methodologies to building a cathedral were 'fully crafted by individual wizards or small bands of mages working in splendid isolation'."

The bazaar method employs different tactics, including frequent integration, high modularization, dynamic decision making structure and the concept that users should be treated as co-developers.

Now, why did I bring up this obscure allegory? Well, the fact that I'm a card carrying computer dork allows me to relate the development of software to a heated debate going on at the Muscle Mayhem message boards. The debate, which centers around the lack of documentation of by-laws within the non-profit federation, is a good — yet lengthy — read for those of you interested on what goes on behind the scenes in the NPC.