Re: Boycott Microsoft

In article <6jfjqs$srj$1@cdshub.cdc.com>, Mark A. Peters <Mark.A.Peters@nothere.cdc.com> wrote: >Somehow I missed Mr. Hunter's little gem about my name. I love seeing >opponents resort to name calling, since that's a sure sign that they have no >actual argument to make, and most likely that they don't believe what they >believe on the basis of arguments anyway. That's generous of you. Personally, I thought the guy was a jerk for that little stunt. I am surprised you actually quoted the slur, though. >The attacks on Microsoft >are simply an example of what happens when envy-ridden mediocrities feel >safe in letting their envy show because productive ability and success are >so widely hated in our society. I agree with everything you say up to here. Microsoft is not the epitome of excellence. If Microsoft excells at anything, it's business strategy. However, the issue at hand is whether or not they stepped over the line of fair play. It's perfectly reasonable to me to think that they have stepped over the line. I think it's actually pretty obvious. Every time they announce they're getting into a market, companies close their doors because they can't compete. This Explorer issue is a good example of how they are abusing their position in the marketplace. They gave it away for free. If you tried to do this in any other market you damn well would expect to get slapped with anti-trust suits. That's clearly a move designed to kill competition. And version 1.0 was garbage, but they released it knowing the impact it would have. As soon as they released it, everyone knew Netscape was history. They knew it even though version 1.0 was garbage. It was just a matter of time before Microsoft would catch up technologically while giving away their software for free. Now, with shipping it with the OS, forcing other computer companies to bundle it, paying Apple to bundle it and make it the default, they're killing Netscape through attrition. This is not competition and Microsoft deserves whatever they get. I don't envy Microsoft; I loathe it. I think it Microsoft has been the worst influence on the computer industry than any other that I can think of. I know you can point to lots of smaller companies spawned by Windows as examples of the positive impact of Microsoft. However, I contend that even more companies would have benefitted if they had played fairly. I also think the many existing companies would be doing better. You may not hold this view, of course, and I respect that. I do hope these lawsuits generate more light than heat on the issue. -- John Heaney Time flies whether you're having fun or not. heaney@crl.com