Economically, this is product development without a workforce. Philosophically, this is information or thought processes themselves open to refinement and peer review. The more it is used, discussed and shared, the more refined and universally true it becomes. This is particularly evident in the peer review system long used by academics and scientists. Because of this unique behavior, I firmly believe with all my heart that the hacker cliche holds true.
Information wants to be free.
Information must be free to test it as true. Taken to the extreme, what I consider the grand purpose of mankind, free information is a precursor to absolute truth. Hence, we have a delima. His very nature has broken his contract with humanity. I got carried away, but I have so much more to say.