MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-02-09 |
| FROM | Ruben I Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [hangout] Simplicity
|
All Hail the logic King.
I've been trying to say this from the beginning
Ruben
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
>
> ____________________________
> New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
> Fair Use -
> because it's either fair use or useless....
>
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