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MS needs big fines and an eagle eye | |
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||
| Time: 12:41 EST/17:41 GMT | News Source: ZDNet | Posted By: Robert Stein | ||
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COMMENTARY--Funny--just about the time it looked like Microsoft was going to get away from its court troubles with barely more than a slap on the wrist, things changed. Now Microsoft has reason to be concerned once again. Not that a breakup is likely, or even possible, but MS giving up a large chunk of its rainy-day fund--$36 billion in cash--looks like a distinct possibility. (That's the fund that, according to Ralph Nader might also be a shelter to help big shareholders avoid the tax man.) | ||
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| #1 By 20 (168.215.253.242) at 1/15/2002 1:01:33 PM |
| MS needs... competent competition. Barring that, a government-imposed blindfold isn't going to help consumers one bit. |
| #2 By 1845 (207.173.73.201) at 1/15/2002 1:26:21 PM |
| Interesting settlement that this fellow proposes. I think, though, it is just absurd. |
| #3 By 1845 (207.173.73.201) at 1/15/2002 3:37:21 PM |
| I'm just trying to remember what they said. |
| #4 By 2332 (129.21.145.80) at 1/15/2002 3:47:00 PM |
|
I personally think that censorship isn't a good solution for some of the mornic posts.... but anyway.
I've been in favor of a fine since the begining. A fine in the range of 3-5 Billion, plus close monitoring of contracts with OEMs. Since the Java contract violation and the exclusive OEM contracts were the only things Microsoft did "wrong," the punishment should fit the crime. Of course, the DOJ never showed that consumers were actually hurt... and consumers would normally be the ones who get the money... so that presents a problem. Personally, I'm in favor of them giving me the money... if ya can't beat people who use the goverment as a weapon against competition - join em! |
| #5 By 135 (209.180.28.6) at 1/15/2002 5:14:10 PM |
|
I believe that I have been personally inconvenienced by Microsoft the the tune of $35,725. I would like my check sent immediately.
This number was arrived at after very careful consideration, examination of my software costs, the time I have been inconvenienced arguing with Linux zealots and many other factors. The fact that this number is also the exact price of a new 2003 Infiniti G35 with the Premium and Winter Packages with Sport Tuned Suspension in Twilight Blue with a Willow Leather interior is entirely a coincidence. Like I said, I want the check immediately, the car goes on sale this spring... errr, I mean did I say that out loud? |
| #6 By 20 (24.243.32.227) at 1/15/2002 9:20:02 PM |
|
Also note that the Office suite has significantly DECLINED in price over the years and versions. There are also many new features (most are subtle, and benefit specific niches such as legal, or proofing), UI enhancements, many stability enhancements, and tons of other stuff, all for less than the previous version.
My source for this was a book written about the SEC, DOJ, and consequent trial of Microsoft. I can't remember the title (but if you question, I can dig it up for you). It was released late last year. In the preface, the author details how all of MS' prices have fallen significantly since the DOS/Win 3 days. |
| #7 By 20 (24.243.32.227) at 1/15/2002 9:22:58 PM |
|
Will, Byron, or whoever:
You should not use "This comment has been removed due to a violation of the Active Network Terms of Use." when someone violates your TOS. You should, in stead, replace their text with something contrary to what they were saying. on www.fark.com, if someone uses the "N" word, it gets replaced with "Intellligent, successful African American". It provides constant amusement and teaches hateful or ignorant people that they are not wanted at that site =) So, if some dude busts into bashing MS and posting links to inappropriate material, just replace his text with: "I love Microsoft. They have made all my dreams come true!" In general, only use this on Anonymous cowards, but if a registered user continually violates the ToS, do it to him just to mix things up a bit =) |
| #8 By 2 (24.54.154.94) at 1/15/2002 9:32:12 PM |
| That's one heck of a creative system :-) |
| #9 By 2332 (129.21.145.80) at 1/15/2002 10:04:52 PM |
|
#17 - I completely disagree.
Censorship of any kind is reprehensible. (Although I can surely appreciate the efforts to avoid having my computer taken over by gay porn. Straight porn, on the other hand... well... er... anyway.) In my opinion, preventing someone from saying nigger is just as bad as preventing someone from advocating equality. In other words, censorship is wrong regardless of the content of the message or the intent of the speaker. But ActiveWin is not a democracy (or a republic), and they can censor all they want, but I still disagree with it. |
| #10 By 2 (24.54.154.94) at 1/15/2002 10:18:01 PM |
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"Please remember that the content and news that Active Network, Inc. provides is available to all users. Don't clearly offend users by posting comments and/or messages with sexist, racist, religious, or otherwise obvious defamatory remarks. Also do not use explicit and profane language in our feedback areas. We are not monitoring and removing ever negative comment, bad word, criticism, etc. that is posted. That is ridiculous. But, we will remove anything that we receive a valid complaint about, or other material that obviously doesn't belong in our community because it offends other viewers."
I received three e-mail complaints and one comment complaint in addition to the fact it was a indeed a link to a porn site (gay or straight - doesn't matter) and that crap has no place here at ActiveWin.com. And additionally, maybe adults don't need to be censored from material like that but kids might (and may be against the law), and 16% of our users are under the age of 18 (from our demographics survey) so that is specifically why I removed it. This post was edited by AWBobStein on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 22:20. |
| #11 By 2332 (129.21.145.80) at 1/15/2002 10:49:01 PM |
|
#20 - I completely understand, and I agree that gay (or straight) porn certainly doesn't belong at ActiveWin, but I still disagree with censorship.
I also understand that the law, and your own person moral judgments, are the reasons why you censored the posts. I'm not faulting you; I just abhor censorship of any kind. I believe that censorship is the first step on the road to totalitarianism, and there are countless examples of it throughout history. But the really dangerous censorship is government backed... hence the reason I'm not screaming about the Constitution. *People* like you and me should be able to censor anything they want on their sites, or in their homes. It's when they use the government to force that censorship on others that I raise my hand and politely ask to be excused. Anyway... this is WAY off topic. :-) |
| #12 By 4209 (163.192.21.3) at 1/16/2002 2:26:34 PM |
| I still fail to see why MS should be punished, because other software vendors can't write better software. It is not MS's fault that Linux has not advanced enough to take over significant market share, or that Netscape could not write a better browser. I mean come on, that is what this is really about, the lack of competition to take away market share from MS. This whole antitrust suit has been a waste of my tax paying dollars. |
| #13 By 2 (24.54.152.212) at 1/16/2002 4:01:07 PM |
| RMD - Just as long as you know I am not "Big Brother" |
| #14 By 135 (209.180.28.6) at 1/16/2002 5:46:08 PM |
|
#27 - Here's your comparison in a competitive market.
Corel Wordperfect Office 2002 Standard - $389 full, $149 upgrade Corel Wordperfect Office 2002 Professional - $489 full, $249 upgrade Microsoft Office XP Standard - $479 full, $239 upgrade Microsoft Office XP Professional - $579 full, $329 upgrade Lotus Millenium Smartsuite - $224 full, $168 upgrade + $95 for Notes client to get the email/collaboration functionality Keep in mind that prior to Microsoft entering the market Wordperfect by itself was $500. Lotus 123 was like $600, again by itself. Don't ask about the integration, don't ask what a full combination of products would cost(we're talking over $1500). |
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