commercial

Indicates something is done for money or other economic reward. An unfortunate, nasty requirement for life in modern capitalist society, which saps valuable time and resources from more important projects.

Commercial implies "for profit", and there are a lot of compromises made and shortcuts taken in favor of this. This usually rubs against the grain of idealists like myself. For example: the movie Brazil, had it's ending changed to a happy one in order to make it "more agreeable" with the general viewing public.

Commercial success for an artist is very difficult. A musician would have to appeal to a wide enough audience, while still creating what they wanted. A painter would have to gain critical acclaim before he can start charging higher prices. A lot of times, artists have their success only after they die.

While I must agree that art (software or otherwise) can suffer under capitalism, I also have to note that ancient communal societies didn't do any better. Having to grow your own food and provide shelter for your family also "saps valuable time and resources from more important projects." All capitalism has done is make the whole thing more abstract. In some cases, it has allowed us to have a little more free time. It also allows us to specialize more, which can be a Good Thing.

Com*mer"cial (?), a. [Cf. F. commercial.]

Of or pertaining to commerce; carrying on or occupied with commerce or trade; mercantile; as, commercial advantages; commercial relations.

Macaulay.

Commercial college, a school for giving instruction in commercial knowledge and business. -- Commercial law. See under Law. -- Commercial note paper, a small size of writing paper, usually about 5 by 7 or 8 inches. -- Commercial paper, negotiable paper given in due course of business. It includes bills of exchange, promissory notes, bank cheks, etc. -- Commercial traveler, an agent of a wholesale house who travels from town to town to solicit orders.

Syn. -- See Mercantile.

© Webster 1913.