Via planet python I read of a pythonista and craftsman feed-up with software establishment, and turning away from professional software development; he wants Art and energy back in his code. A brave guy, not afraid of the GIL-Dragons.

I know many people are slowing down and searching for fulfillment where the little things don’t get in the way. Patrick’s choice in this is bar-tending for a living, and coding as part of his life. To me that choice implies lots of beer-tending and not that much/good coding; but working for non-profits, local communities, or just embracing simplicity are also approaches that probably wouldn’t suit me.

I’m trying the Natural Enterprise way, coding and technology for life and profit (mutual and responsible). I stand in the shoulders of those that contribute to Free Software project. My question is how integrate those Free Software coders in a working gift economy. Current donation and micro-payment schemes don’t work; they are good for the middle man but not cost effective for nano-lending (tips, <10$). Maybe an open field for non-currencies,the P2P micro-credits, and fund-raising entities.

I heartily recommend comments to Patrick’s post as well as his archived posts on coding, energy, and Art.