you misunderstood [LWN.net]

you misunderstood

Posted Nov 7, 2006 15:11 UTC (Tue) by jedidiah (guest, #20319)
In reply to: you misunderstood by niner
Parent article: Red Hat downplays Novell/Microsoft deal (ArsTechnica)

> But there are other people: "Microsoft is Satan and everyone
> and everything touched by Microsoft is tainted and doomed." That
> _is_ religious fanatism. And one should watch out not to slip in
> that direction. It could damage the cause more than help.

No it isn't. It's simply the conclusion most consistent with the available facts. You are simply attempting to express the truth in an excessively inflammatory manner in an attempt to make it seem less rational.

There are VERY REAL intellectual property landmines to consider here. You do know one any favors by attempting to casually sweep them aside. Members of the development community have already had to deal with this with Microsoft (namely Jeremy Allison).

Attempting to invoke "witch hunts" only cheapens some really serious issues that need to be dealt with in a VERY serious manner here. This will require a great deal of oversight and rigour rather than people just hiding their heads in the sand and hoping that a company known for dirty tricks doesn't pull any.

If it takes a little hysteria to "wake" some people up, then that's not a bad thing in the end.

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you misunderstood

Posted Nov 7, 2006 16:11 UTC (Tue) by niner (subscriber, #26151) [Link]

The original poster said, and I quote again:
"Given this, could you really imagine an experienced system administrator, someone who advocates the OSS software and community model being happy to purchase a SuSE product after this deal? Knowing that a bit part of the sell price will be diverted to Microsoft?"

This is what I responded to.

He almost calls for a boycott of a company that employs many good and important kernel-, KDE- and other hackers just because they bought advertising from Microsoft. Now if this is no witch hunt, I don't know what else.

Of course, there's still the patent part of the deal which I lost not a single word about as it's an entirely different matter which the original poster did not touch either.

I did not sweep aside any intellectual property landmindes, simply because I did not even take part in a discussion about them.

But you give a very good example of what I'm warning about: exploding because of a matter that was not even discussed. You projected your discussion and thoughts in my posting and thereby put words in my mouth that did not come from me. And will not, simply because I'm not stupid and certainly know the danger that comes from Microsoft and any patent or intellecutal property deal.

I simply try not to over-react and wait till more information is available.

you misunderstood

Posted Nov 7, 2006 17:13 UTC (Tue) by jstAusr (guest, #27224) [Link]

So you are a religious fanatic. Your religion is, focus on a small bit that is a side issue and ignore the obvious larger problem.

Using "religious fanatic" to describe someone in a context that has nothing to do with religion is bullshit. It serves no useful purpose. All it means is that you disagree with the comments but don't think your arguments are strong enough to support your position, therefore there needs to be some unrelated hot button added.

The "original poster" is not calling for a boycott, but is asking questions.

"just because they bought advertising from Microsoft" <== that is not true, because obviously they didn't just buy advertising.

you misunderstood

Posted Nov 7, 2006 17:44 UTC (Tue) by niner (subscriber, #26151) [Link]

You obviously did not really read what I wrote, so please excuse me if I do not repeat myself again.

I only want to point out, that you are the only one that has called any one person here a "religious fanatic".

Please let's stick to the LWN tradition of real discussions instead of just flaming.
If a discussion is what you want, let me know.

you misunderstood

Posted Nov 8, 2006 20:21 UTC (Wed) by pcampe (subscriber, #28223) [Link]

>He almost calls for a boycott of a company

First, boycott a company is usually acceptable. Boycott a person is unacceptable.

Second, I have some difficulties in buying a product which contradicts my vision of the world and my ideals.

Third, I'll change my mind if Novell will fund OSS projects for the entire cash they get from Microsoft (250 millions). Otherwise, good bye and good luck, and not on my servers.