Re: Working Within the System

From: Martin Ling (martin@nodezero.org.uk)
Date: Sat Apr 29 2000 - 15:41:56 MDT


On Sat, Apr 29, 2000 at 01:22:34PM -0700, Lee Daniel Crocker wrote:
>
> > > As one who deeply respects Gates and Microsoft, I want MS to resume as it
> > > has for the last decade: innovative, growing and successful; working within
> > > a system which has none of those facets makes it hard for me to see how it
> > > can be done.
> >
> > I strongly advise you to read Judge Jackson's original Findings of Fact
> > in the Microsoft case, at:
> > http://usvms.gpo.gov/ms-conclusions.html
> > Microsoft's practices have sought to establish and maintain a monopoly
> > in the operating system field. They have then used the leverage this has
> > given them to establish strongholds in other areas. In all of these,
> > they have ignored standards compliance, acted uncompetetively to the
> > point of illegality and in general been directly in the way of free and
> > open control of technological development - something I know people on
> > this list support.
>
> Speak for yourself. I think we all know Microsoft has done these
> things--I certainly do. My reactions is "so what's your point?"
> Sure, Microsoft has bent every rule in the book, but that's
> exactly Shaun's point: why does it continue to support a system
> with such silly rules that it has to stretch to build an honest
> monopoly? Why support a system that makes it more difficult than
> it naturally is to subvert public standards for fun and profit?
>
> Unlike Shaun, I would never have even used the word "innovative"
> since I know Microsoft has been anything but, but I still agree
> with his point. Why do we tolerate a system that foces people to
> play "fair" where that definition is ludicrous?

Well, that's an interesting question. But it's one for the US populace
to answer for themselves.

And I too see Shaun's point - I just disagreed with his view of
Microsoft.

Martin

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