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Respond To The Tunney Act
Jeremy White writes "Two nights ago, I was discussing the Microsoft Antitrust trial,
and the comment period required by the Tunney Act, with someone
who cares as deeply about this case as I do. The person
I was talking to had an inside connection that knew the tally
and basic shape of the comments actually being sent in about
this case. I learned that
it's time to stop procrastinating, or Microsoft buys this one."
I have an opinion. I have lots of them. Let's see if I can explain a good opinion of mine:
First and foremost, I can only see the similarity between any 'justice' done to Microsoft in the same light as affirmative action; someone always gets unreasonably favored. That's just the nature of it. One of the most pronounced problems with Microsoft software is the lack of documentation. Many of their products use portions of the Windows and extra commodity-library API's that aren't documented. This is a biggie in the(AOL and the DOJ's, that is) antitrust case as it relates to their preventative measures to keep the competition in their stranglehold.
If Mozilla, or more precisely, Netscape had the same level of integration into the Windows operating system, it'd be much more widespread. In recent news, many Qwest DSL customers are being pushed into MSN because they aren't aware they have a choice in the matter. This is a similar situation: Most computer buyers use what works. Since Internet Explorer is integrated into Windows OS, this provides MS a clear window for them to keep a high percentage of installed computers always using IE. If Windows came with Netscape, it'd be a much more widely used browser. From many of the non-technical people I've talked to, most prefer using Netscape over Internet Explorer. However, when you look at studies done by Netcraft, IE always stays on top.
How about making it easier for 3rd parties to develop software that integrates with Office with the same seamless integration as their own software. Much of this is difficult without a little knowledge. I know one serious flaw with the aspirations for success in Wine: they can't accurately duplicate the API's that they do not know.
I am a proponent of letting the best product win. With one constraint: all products are given a fair opportunity for success. That's it.
{RHETORICAL}Is that too much to ask?{/RHETORICAL}
I already know the answer.
You can't legislate goodness. Let each to his own destiny, by will of his freely made choices.
I just recieved one.....
I send you this file to seek your advice.....
settlement.doc
No wonder they are getting a large number of favorable responses.
O,ok this is getting to be an old bit, but it's funny!
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Nice sig. Here's a good one for the phone:
"If I wanted to talk to you, I'd call YOU."
That's why I don't answer the phone.
I'll one up you again on irony....
The other day I got married and....get this....it rained !!!
I wouldn't trust it to get there.
Does this actually mean that, if someone submits, say, the ASCII goatse.cx man, that goes into the Federal Register? (Not that I'm actually advocating this, I'm just curious...)
Well, it would be an accurate description of what microsoft would make the people do if they came out un-scathed.
Hmmm, wonder what would happen if I used Word to type my letter.
"It looks like you are writing a letter to the DOJ.
Would you like help?"
Talk about a conflict of interest... How do I make this thing dissapear?
It breaks my pluginses, my precious!