opinions on open source

I've tried some open source software. I use some open source software. My first experience with truly trying to embrace the world of open code was when i downloaded gimp. It was a disaster. after using abobe photoshop for years it was such a struggle. A clutter of unfixed boxes filled the screen. They all act as separate applications on my windows task bar. But I didnt want to be jaded. I downloaded open office and still use it do this day. I didn't download it for the some sort of altruistic cause or anything along those lines. I downloaded it for the exact opposite reasons, it was free.

In some ways I look at open source software with an optimistic smirk. I don't actually ever see myself contributing to code directly, but I can see myself making suggestions. It is such a democratic idea. Let the people crack it open. No middle-man to send complaints to. It gives me faith, hope for the ideals of democratic technology. I don't want to sound naive, but i think we will be seeing opensource prevail against its toughest components. The internet has produced it handful of David and Goliath stories. The thing is, an idea can be bought or sold. But it can still come under attack.