MESSAGE
DATE | 2003-02-09 |
FROM | Ruben Safir
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SUBJECT | Subject: [hangout] Re: [novalug] Re: [fairuse] Re: E-Gov-OS conference
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On Sun, Feb 09, 2003 at 07:47:42PM -0500, Seth J. Blank wrote: > What is wrong with providing Microsoft a place to speak in an open source > forum?
What's wrong with excluding them. Their not relevent to the conference and have nothing to contribute.
> > Aside from not wanting to sink to their level and silence opposing views > (remember, open source is about the inclusion of ideas, not their > exclusion), let us consider what would happen if Microsoft spoke.
Open Source is not silensing them just because they're not qualified to present at the conference. Open Source is just making responsible decisions on how to use our limited resources. They can and do talk all the time.
> > It seems to me that there are only two outcomes of Microsoft speaking, > namely that they would make fools of themselves, or that people would buy > into their FUD. > > The first circumstance, while welcome, would probably not happen. So let's > concentrate on people buying into MS's FUD.
It's a waste of precious resources to fight MS FUD in an event designed to market Free Software to governments. And therefor, MS should be excluded.
> If the members of the forum > cannot contradict Microsoft and allay people's fears, then perhaps the open > source movement has more to worry about than Microsoft speaking in one of > their forums. > > Also, your assertion that Microsoft is evil and should be shunned at any > computer forum in general is unfounded and irrelevant.
Actually, it would be more correct to charactorize MS as evil than pretend they are a responsible corperate citizen.
MS has been convicted TWICE for antitrust activity, and has thwarted economic developement. They have inihibited community developement with their monopolistic activities, and is working on DRM which would end Free Software on the Intel platform. They have repeatedly twarted peoples right to innovate, and start witch hunts with the BSA.
How else can they be described better than Evil?
Is Criminal and Anti-Social a better description?
> Idealistic, but > irrelevant. Microsoft isn't going anywhere, and ignoring it or calling it > names does nothing to change this.
Ignoring them is fine. It's the best tactic. Let MS rail away but they should have no position in a Free Software event of any kind.
> It is best to invite them to forums, hear > them out, and then correct them.
No - the community has better things to do. If they want a debate, NY Fair Use can sponsor one for them.
> Showing people how Microsoft is wrong --
That's also a waste of time. Showing them how Free Software is right is a better use of time. They're just like North Korea. They'd do anything to gain your attention. Screwem...let them talk to the wall until they earn a place at the table.
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