[Kimball]

I believe making Space Empires open source could only make the game better. There are enough computer literate people out there that play the game to easily make it exactly what everyone wants (except me, I only know FORTRAN).

However, by making it open source, Aaron would be, in a sense, signing his own death warrant. There are plenty of unscrupulous and dishonest people in the gaming world that every space simulation game would inevitably become a Space Empires rip off.

The best thing for Aaron would be to listen to the players, give them what is possible, and keep the code to himself. Letting in a small handful of volunteer helpers may work, but there is always a possibility that one of them may get tempted by a rival company and sell out. I don't see that as probable, Space Empires fans seen to be pretty loyal, but the possiblitiy still exists.

Just my two cents.