By Paul McGowan From PS Audio

Not that long ago there was a time when tradesmen guarded their secrets as a means of staying employed. If a tradesperson such as a welder, plumber, mechanic, cameraman, or perhaps a draftsperson was in possession of knowledge unavailable to others, their futures would be protected.

Or at least that was the theory back then.

That’s no longer the case. With the advent of YouTube and DIY websites, little to nothing is secret.

Yet the notion of protecting one’s intellectual property remains. Certainly within our industry.

Instead of working in an open-book environment where information like circuit topologies are shared, many of our fellow manufacturers still guard their closely held technological wonders. Think of all the potted modules and sealed boxes containing technological secrets. How many times have you opened a HiFi product only to see the numbers on the ICs wiped clean?

It makes sense (in a strange sort of way) to guard one’s treasures. I get it. I am certain you do as well. But perhaps it’s a bit shortsighted?

When ideas are freely shared there is growth for everyone.

Where do we draw the line between protectionism and forward motion?

Perhaps as a community, it might do us good to give some thought to the notion of being more open and sharing.

We at PS Audio are in.

Would others feel comfortable pulling back their kimonos just a bit?

For more on this story go to: PS AUDIO