[ale] Open Source Apps

[aaron at pd.org (aaron)]

On Friday 16 January 2004 18:51, Greg wrote:
> I just don't think that 99.9% of US home computer users *want* linux or
> anything else.   I think that 99.9% of the time 99.9% of the people will
> pick/choose/want/insist upon MS. [snip]

The real problem is that the majority of any percentage of consumers who might 
currently settle for the marginal products of Micro$haft (whether the number 
is factually stated or a 99.9% fabrication) have never had an opportunity to 
receive honest, informative exposure to any of the alternatives.  The 
extortionist, exclusionary criminal monoply obstructions of Micro$haft 
corrupt the free market to the extent that most people have little 
significant access to experiencing,  comparing,  purchasing or using any 
computing platform alternatives. .

While geeks may exhibit a special appreciation for the more esoteric aspects 
of the computer gadgets and gizmos world, their basic consumer requisites are 
the same as they are for any other technology consumer: they want a reliable, 
open, comprehensible and secure product from a company or community that 
respects, appreciates and supports their patronage. Informed technology 
consumers know that Micro$haft fails to offer real advantages in any of those 
critical points.

The arguments come back to a frequently prooven failing of capitalist systems. 
Simply stated, competitor exclusion becomes easier to pursue than product 
excellence when there are few ethical consequences to mediate the greed 
motive.

peace
aaron