MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-02-09 |
| FROM | Ruben I Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Fwd: [hangout] Simplicity [jdave23@informationwave.net]
|
On 2003.02.09 22:30 Dave Williams wrote:
Hello all:
I've been following this thread for some time now, and I'm left with one
conclusion. To avoid complicating matters further, let's use Occam's
Razor to simplify the issue to its barest form.
1. The conference is about Open Source Software in Governments.
2. Microsoft does not produce Open Source Software.
3. Therefore it is curious (suspicious even) that Microsoft wishes to
participate in the conference.
Although some may complain about his tactics, Ruben follows a natural
impulse when he observes these facts, scratches his head and says, "What
the hell?" It isn't hard to imagine that he suspects the people
involved in the conference have ulterior motives.
I appreciate the cultural arguments about NYC versus DC politics. I can
follow the larger discussion of what methods best convert people to the
cause of Free Software and/or Open Source Software. All very
provocative, and the opinions expressed show a healthy range of
diversity. But the only external fact to consider if the original three
points of the argument aren't enough for you is this: Microsoft regards
Free/Open Source Software as "the competition".
If you lead an organization that engages businessmen in the backrooms
and prefers a friendly charm-based approach that's great. If you lead
an organization that believes strongly that a serious threat is looming,
and the only way to defeat it is make as much noise as possible, then
you are to be commended for following your principles. There is a place
at the table for everyone, or as the Buddha said, "My house has many
mansions." At least I think it was the Buddha.
But back to the basic argument. This is a conference about Open Source
Software in government. Is that incorrect? If it isn't, either change
the name of the conference or don't include organizations that oppose
Open Source software.
Save Microsoft's spokes-people for another debate, press conference or
public appearance. You can make them look ridiculous then. Limit the
conference to those who qualify.
Remember, as Microsoft's competition they will do anything to beat us.
Nothing makes them happier than beating someone, as we've all observed.
I think they like winning more than the money they make. Their "the GPL
is a cancer" tactic didn't work. Today they are using the "speak softly
but be everywhere" approach. It does seem to confuse a lot of people.
If Microsoft can provoke people into attacking them they'll turn that
popular Gandhi quote against you. You know, the "then they fight you,
then you win" quote.
All that aside, just remember that Microsoft has nothing to do with Open
Source (except to oppose it, that is). Therefore they shouldn't
participate in an Open Source event. It's just Logic 101, folks.
- Dave
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