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Yeah, but I can't believe that all those companies didn't make him some very tempting offers.

I think Linus refused to work for any Linux company since it would create a conflict of interest for him and give the company an advantage. Now through the Linux Foundation he can work for all the Linux companies at the same time.

and... I really hope Linus is not in need for a work, otherwise there is something wrong in the open source world.

Speaking of which, how does Linus pay rent? Speaking engagements? Or is RH or someone paying him as a good will gesture?

I think he also received a buttload of stock from Redhat? as a thank you for pushing the OS forward. I'm researching where I heard this from now (anyone have a link?)

Ahh here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds

"Red Hat and VA Linux, both leading developers of Linux-based software, presented Torvalds with stock options in gratitude for his creation.[13] In 1999, both companies went public and Torvalds' net worth shot up to roughly $20 million.[14][15]"

He works for the Linux Foundation, Jim Zemlin is his "boss".

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