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while(Microsoft.doesDumbThings){
yellAtMicrosoft();
}

I figured that Windows was always in touch with the mother ship, but still, further evidence of the OS checking on me offends me. I paid for the copy of Windows on my winbox (not my primary computer, but my "make sure it works on Windows" test computer), and I don't need to be judged and constantly re-judged.

I don't need the GWA tool to constantly update itself - I think one verification is enough (and seems too much to me anyway).

I'm very proud of Bill Ball (of Ernie Ball Musical Stuff) for dumping the entire Microsoft line and going to less draconian stuff. He's got real integrity, a great business model, excellent products, and is doing just fine without Microsoft trying to "make sure his licenses are up to date and optimal", thank you very much.

What about these guys? And Red Hat? Apple?

Perhaps we could have a moment for his Pop who passed away last month
http://www.ernieball.com/newscontent.php?item=2004 0910_ern.html

Followed by the story of how the Microsoft(BSA) does business. (AKA look who switched to linux)
http://news.com.com/2008-1082_3-5065859.html?tag=l h

Sterling ball knows that you don't disrespect people that you do business with.

Lets make sure that all searches for BSA pull in the Ernie Ball story as the #1 link, just like the "litigious bastards" campagne against The SCO Group.

Put these links in every post and web page that you can!

BSA

or

BSA

or

BSA

Cheers

It's funny that they didn't talk about all the companies that went the other way. Like these guys, for a small example.

I also liked the T-Shirts.
Wow, this could turn into some sort of USP-Trend.
Remember "Fairtrade" back in the 80s? Maybe this could start a similar promotion model?

I would agree, but I wondered if they made flatwould bass strings. Sweet. They do make flatwound bass strings.

For those of us that don't play any stringed instruments, they sell clothing

For those of us that don't play any stringed instruments, they sellclothing

Yeah, but these people work for a frickin' guitar company. I bet someone like AC/DC or Sonic Youth is sitting over in the next cubicle from the average desk worker, rocking out all day long. How could you get bored in an environment like that?

"Hey Thurston, more feedback? Thanks!"

Yeah, but these people work for a frickin' guitar company. I bet someone like AC/DC or Sonic Youth is sitting over in the next cubicle from the average desk worker, rocking out all day long. How could you get bored in an environment like that?

"Hey Thurston, more feedback? Thanks!"

They make a lot more than strings .. This John Petreucci guitar is awesome (Petrucci is also one of my favorite players). I believe Eddie Van Halen plays Ernie Ball guitars too. They are a bit pricey, but I'll reconsider after reading this article!

Considering how meager the resources of the "community" are, I think spending the money directly on development is far more effective.
Now Redhat may want to use a company like Ernie Ball in "Switch" add aimed at corporations, but Redhat is not "the community."

This is where RedHat, IBM and others who are profiting from free software have an obligation. It appears to me that they are advertising already, in order to sell products they sell, but this is SUCH a different situation, figuring out a marketing strategy is tricky. What is IBM to do, run TV ads that say "Be different! Use Linux!"? IBM doesn't want to pick a particular 'brand' of Linux to push, to remain neutral about distributors, although they do seem to prefer SuSe and to a lesser degree RedHat.

Coming from a marketing background, I can see how its not that easy. Several companies do push Linux, but that doesn't put anything back into the community by itself. IBM has shown it is willing to put money back into the community, plus hiring free software authors (so it can sell servers) and right now by fighting the big fight with SCO. Because Linux isn't a single product, it will require some thought before anyone could create an advertising campagne for it.

On another note, Im changing from Gibson strings back to Ernie Ball (likely Regular or Super Slinkies). They also make exceptional guitars, the original "Cry Baby" Waa Waa pedal, and tons of other accessories. Eddie Van Halen plays Ernie Ball guitars when he is not endorsing Peavey stuff. You can find them at ernieball.com or buy their stuff from any decent music store or at musiciansfriend.com