user 'freedom' (was RE: [thelist] Site check: Staples.com)

Ken Schaefer Ken at adOpenStatic.com
Tue Sep 20 22:57:38 CDT 2005


> -----Original Message-----
> From: thelist-bounces at lists.evolt.org [mailto:thelist-
> bounces at lists.evolt.org] On Behalf Of Matt Warden
> Subject: Re: user 'freedom' (was RE: [thelist] Site check: Staples.com)
>  
> Jeff,
> 
> Jeff Howden wrote:
> > The biggest thing against open-source/free software is something called
> > intrinsic value.  People, at least of the capitalist mindset, truly
> > believe that you get what you pay for.
> 
> This does not apply to monopolies.

There are many monopolies out there - utilities, telecoms, national airlines
spring to mind - which are regulated so that people do get some kind of fair
value.

But I realize you're referring to Microsoft being a monopoly. What I don't
get is, if Microsoft's a monopoly then why are there all these other
operating systems I can install/run? A number of them are pushed (and Windows
denigrated) by people on this list?

Of course you could mean a legal definition of "monopoly" - fair enough
Microsoft was convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction. But haven't
they been punished for that offence? If they are still breaching the law,
shouldn't they be tried again?

Cheers
Ken


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