You seem to be missing the point they are trying to make. It's not so much about releasing (delivering) the data as it is about receiving user-contributed updated data in a more or less controlled way, that may allow them to curate it and update their official data. Koordinates seems great for publishing the data, but after briefly browsing its features, it does not allow users to contribute to the updating process, except perhaps via a centralized way, which seems to be what they are trying to avoid.
Github may or may not be the best tool they could have used to accomplish their objective; there are probably better tools out there and Github is barely "good enough"; however, "good enough" usually cuts it. On the other hand since their goal is to allow user-contribution, Koordinate is definitely not the right tool, at least not in an immediately obvious way.
Each meal did not cost AOL anywhere near $10. The cost to AOL was marginal because they already had purchased all the food and drinks to cater to everyone else in the building at all times. That gives them good economies of scales. Furthermore, his use of office space, gym equipment and all the other perks and amenities he used also cost AOL marginally. It's a stretch to say he financially impacted AOL in any way (unless you factor how the building's insurers decide to factor his squatting stunt into increased risk and higher insurance rates, but that is also a stretch).
However, I do agree that he saved over $2,000, since he saved the difference between what it would have cost him to purchase his food and perks at market price elsewhere and what they actually cost.
I got the same feeling and was reminded of this essay by G. Orwell. http://www.k-1.com/Orwell/index.cgi/work/essays/language.htm.... The wordiness adds pomp and circumstance to the article, which I guess the authors take to mean that it makes it sound authoritative.
The boiling-water example is unfortunate, since water can be boiled without the addition of heat (hence, temperature increase) at low enough pressures. Regardless, the explanation of the rules of engagement of scientific discourse and the proper adherence to them cannot be stressed enough as part of an intelligent discussion, even in such touchy topics as science vs. religion.
Every country has their requirements, and to a greater extent they enforce them. However, some countries make it downright impossible for a foreigner to become a resident or a citizen, while others make it exceedingly easy.
For instance, if you wanted to become a permanent resident or a citizen to the Dominican Republic, all you would have to do is get there (via sea or air), go through the motions, submit the paperwork and pay the taxes.
You would start by buying a US$10 tourist card, as a permit to enter the country, which will be approved unless you are obviously wanted by Interpol.
This will give you 60 days, during which you can apply for your provisional resident visa. For the resident visa you will need to provide, aside from the usual forms and tax payments, proof of solvency, defined as about 13k dollars in assets (cash and property) at the current exchange rate, and a letter of sponsorship from any good-faith Dominican citizen with in-country legal residence.
Within the first two months after this visa you can apply for a provisional residency card. About four months after the application, you receive your provisional residency card, which lasts a year. At about the year mark, it does not matter much if it happens before or after, you can apply for your permanent residency card. That last one lasts 3 years and is indefinitely renewable (as long as you do not commit a horrible crime).
After two years of uninterrupted legal residency in the country (i.e. at least six months and one day per year) you can apply for naturalization.
All the while, you are free to engage in productive business from day one. You would be taxed differently, on account of not being a citizen, but you would be allowed to work for a profit. If you happen to aquire assets in-country, there is leeway to have the sponsorship requirements waived.
Legal translations, medical examinations and notary public fees carry the burden of the cost of the process. Taxes will run you up less than $100 in total. The entire process is fairly inexpensive and could probably be done with less than $1000 dollars.
Github may or may not be the best tool they could have used to accomplish their objective; there are probably better tools out there and Github is barely "good enough"; however, "good enough" usually cuts it. On the other hand since their goal is to allow user-contribution, Koordinate is definitely not the right tool, at least not in an immediately obvious way.