As a small business start-up, an activist, artist or non-profit, here is a phrase that should tickle your ears like the collective snuffling of ten thousand happy puppies: Open Source.

Why does Open Source make such a joyful noise? Because Open Source means FREE. And, not only does Open Source mean free, but it also means that any open source project has likely become part of a braintrust made up of multiple bright and open minds who contribute their talents jointly for a greater good (that good being the product they are making available for public use.)