Newly appointed Web Developer's & Designer's Journal Editorial Board member Aral Balkan (pictured) - of OSFlash.org - answers a few brief questions about the amazing promise that the Flash Platform holds in the age of Web 2.0 and the role that Balkan sees for open-source Flash in that equation. 

What is OSFlash?

Aral Balkan: OSFlash is home of the Open Source Flash community. It is a watering hole for open source developers to meet, talk about, and contribute to new and existing open source projects for the Flash Platform.

Is OSFlash a Website or is it an initiative?

AB: It's an initiative, a closely knit community, a resource, and a platform. I see my own role as enabler, providing the tools and resources that our amazing community of developers can use to weave their magic. Most of the time, I just sit back and gaze agape at the virtual sparks of creativity that fly across the vast ether of the Internet only to materialize in exciting new projects, usually within a matter of weeks or months. It is truly an honor to be in the midst of such creative talent.

How do you see the OSFlash / Adobe relationship?

AB: OSFlash and Adobe have a symbiotic relationship. The existence of a strong, active Open Source Flash community is a primary legitimizing factor for the Flash Platform. We both believe that the Flash Platform holds amazing promise in the age of Web 2.0 and we are both passionate about seeing the Flash Platform succeed, both today and long into the future.

Why do you write open source software?

AB: Because it is fun! Because there is no bureaucracy involved. Because what you write is immediately useful, both to yourself and to others (it scratches an itch). Because you can see it grow beyond what you could have imagined for it yourself. Because it can help others.