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Are You Ready for the SCO Blitz?

eibhear writes "Over on Groklaw, PJ has a theory that SCO is about to embark on an astroturfing campaign, based somewhat on Darl McBride's repeated comparison of the Slashdot and Groklaw styles of blogging at the recent SCOForum conference. PJ reckons: 'an astroturf campaign depends upon a non-moderated site, which explains McBride's sudden fondness for Slashdot.' '" The whole thing is really fishy, but the story is really worth reading just to see the weird battle occurring between SCO and Groklaw now.

117 of 505 comments (clear)

  1. I like SCO by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    SCO is cool and stuff!

    1. Re:I like SCO by Ralph+Yarro · · Score: 5, Funny

      SCO is cool and stuff!

      Absolutely. As a completely unbiased and disinterested observer I have always found SCO's case immensely compelling. I have bought SCO Source licenses for all my friends at Canopy. They make great presents, especially while the low prices last!

      --

      The real Ralph Yarro posts as Anonymous Coward. Anyone else is an impostor.
    2. Re:I like SCO by SatanicPuppy · · Score: 2, Funny

      Heh. I'd say that the only way this would work is if the SCO people could manufacture a loyal userbase, but it's more likely that they'll just hire PR people to constantly post BS, which is about the sorriest thing I can think of. I mean, say what you will about Microsoft, but there are people who really like their products.

      I remember when SCO was a respected and trusted name. They did Unix, they did Linux, they were cool.

      I still keep my laptop in an old Caldera laptop bag I got at the convention where they got a standing O for announcing that they were changing their name to SCO. Bag's kind of ugly now because I hacked off all the logos with my pocket knife and burned them into a little pile of sludge in an ashtray outside a building where I pitched a system that did not involve even the smallest bit of SCO. I look forward to the day when the rest of SCO looks like those charred and melted logos.

      And, of course, it goes without saying that I'll be happy to post this and my many other anti-sco viewpoints 24/7 on any site they put up.

      --
      ad logicam Claiming a proposition is false because it was presented as the conclusion of a fallacious argument.
    3. Re:I like SCO by Proudrooster · · Score: 2, Funny

      Dude! SCO ROCKS!

      I can't wait for the next version of their killer O/S. It's very similar to that crappy FREE version called Linux. I am going to buy SCO stock as soon as the markey opens on Monday., they product is so good that everyone in the world is going to be licensing it by the truckload.

      I tried buying an older SCO product from CDW and it has been backorderd for over a month. Apparently, SCO is selling so much product that they can't even print the license keys fast enough.

      I am really looking forward to the next version of UnixWare and all the innovative OpenSource products that it will include that have been cleaned up, secured, and neatly organized by SCO software engineers. Without SCO repackaging Open Source software, we'd have it get it from all those loose cannon, non-professional programmers. I for one want to thank SCO for adding professionalism to software engineering world. Let's face it, you can't trust just any programmer to do a good job.


      Ok I can't take it anymore, I have to go throw up now......

    4. Re:I like SCO by Bush+Pig · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Don't forget that any pro-SCO post is liable to be moderated "Troll" or "Off Topic" in a heartbeat, so astroturfing won't work too well.

      --
      What a long, strange trip it's been.
    5. Re:I like SCO by SenseiLeNoir · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yes, SCO is sooo cool, in over one year, they have raised the profile of Linux, got untold number of normal (read NON-TECHIES) interested in Open, and Free software.

      They have raised the issues of copyright and brought it to a point where people are genuinely discussing it, and rationalising it by finding a middleground from the RIAA style "all bases belong.." and the typical anti RIAA "screw copyright"...

      They have shown a great example on how NOT to run a business.. (hint hint, Billy Boy, you do a SCO, and watch it..)

      It has shown the Linux crowd is not just a rabid mob of disassociated developers, but can motivate and rally together in a constructive manner. It has shown the accountability of Open Source development and its advantages over proprietary methods, and where faults did exist, it has been clearly highlighted, and resolved.

      It has show the commercial viability of Linux. Remember, if there was no Linux users in a commercial environment, how would SCO even be able to sue? How many of you knew that Autozone actually used Linux?

      The Issue with EV1 and their payment of licenses, followed by the public apology of the Director, shows how clients are demanding Linux, and the upset and anger expressed shows other business, don't mess with the community. What the community giveth, it may take away.

      SCO have raised the profile of Linux beyond our dreams. Those of you who have bosses saying "erm, Linux, doesn't it have issues?", remember a year ago, they may have not even known what Linux is in the first place. If the community can show a lot of maturity, and ride the publicity well, it would again be a gain for Linux.

      Talking about community, there is another myth, SCO helped to dispel. Before SCO, the Linux community was seen as a bunch of geeks, loosely associated with relatively new businesses like Red Hat and Suse. Since SCO, the linux community is now seen as a bunch of focussed geeks, strongly associated with large companies such as IBM, Novell, and even none tech people (such as PJ from Groklaw).

      It looks like SCO (and their puppetmasters, MS) have done more to raise Linux, than harm it. Those of you who say that their bosses are concerned about Linux

      THANK YOU SCO!

      --
      Have a nice day!
  2. Damnit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    When will SCO realize they're SOL?

    1. Re:Damnit by garcia · · Score: 3, Insightful

      SCO doesn't have to realize anything. The investors that keep pumping money into SCO are the ones that need to realize it and pull the fuck out.

    2. Re:Damnit by rampant+mac · · Score: 4, Funny
      "When will SCO realize they're SOL?"

      When SCO is DOA. RIP. IANAL, but IBM will send them out to BFE, ASAP. WTF?

      --
      I like big butts and I cannot lie.
    3. Re:Damnit by Mateito · · Score: 3, Informative
      keep pumping ... and pull the fuck out

      In Sydney they call that "getting off at Redfern".

  3. Pay Up Lusers! by Gatton · · Score: 5, Funny

    SCO is here and we are the rightful owners of Linux. So pay your licenses slashdotters or feel the wrath of Darl!

    Oh crap I'm not signed in am I?

    1. Re:Pay Up Lusers! by digitalgiblet · · Score: 3, Funny
      " SCO is here and we are the rightful owners of Linux. So pay your licenses slashdotters or feel the wrath of Darl!"

      Would that be Darth Darl?

    2. Re:Pay Up Lusers! by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Somehow, I think that a sudden SURRGE in satisfied SCO users would be an anomaly attracting attention...

      --
      "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
      Never been known to fail..."
  4. Astroturfing? by kpansky · · Score: 4, Funny

    How could anyone accuse a reputable company like mine^h^h^h^h SCO of blatantly manipulating people like that.

    This is obviously an attempt by the administrators of this website to discredit SCO and avoid paying for their legally extort^w required license.

    --

    --Kevin
    1. Re:Astroturfing? by boarder8925 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Dear Slashdot reader,

      I thank you for your attempts at bringing honor back to the SCO name. In reward for your efforts, I'm willing to offer you a 1% discount when you purchase your Linux license.

      Sincerely,
      Darl McBride

    2. Re:Astroturfing? by Dehumanizer · · Score: 2, Funny

      "A previous SCO user."

      Man, what have you done? Now they'll sue you!

      --
      The Tlog - a technology blog
  5. I don't know what you mean! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    SCO is an honourable company based upon a sound business model. The evil Linux hackers stole all of our..*cough* their code, and gave it away for free. Heathens!

    -Dar...Trollkore?

  6. Lies are still lies. by gsfprez · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I for one welcome our astroturfing overlords from Utah.

    (btw: wtf is in the water out there? SCO, Orrin Hatch, etc.)

    i welcome them because be it on Groklaw or on /., they still got jack shit in the "what is true" department.

    in fact - bring it on so that you can trial ballon every ounce of bullcrap here first, before putting it out in the press, so we can prep for it and practice beating it down here.

    --
    guns kill people like spoons make Rosie O'Donnell fat.
    1. Re:Lies are still lies. by blugu64 · · Score: 5, Funny
      --
      "Personal ownership is a hallmark of conservative capitalism. And I don't believe I am entitled to anything that I did n
    2. Re:Lies are still lies. by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Funny

      It is the mormons.

      Apparantly through some twisted variation on natural selection, some of them lost an "M".

      --
      I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    3. Re:Lies are still lies. by kpansky · · Score: 2, Funny

      Thats not how you spell 'morans'. Duh.

      --

      --Kevin
    4. Re:Lies are still lies. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
      It is the mormons. Apparantly through some twisted variation on natural selection, some of them lost an "M".

      Oh no! The ormons are coming!

  7. Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting
    PJ reckons: 'an astroturf campaign depends upon a non-moderated site

    Which, thankfully isn't slashdot. Most readers probably don't know this, but the editors have full control over moderation, and can use their unlimited mod points to mod stuff over and over again. It doesn't show up publicly, but editors have been doing this for quite some time.

    By doing this, they can trigger IP bans and therefore thwart these nefarious astroturfing campaigns. I trust the good editors here to use their unlimited powers justly, to keep things ontopic, and relevant.

    1. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      As long as you dont badmouth the iPod or Tivo, you're safe around here.

      Actually, if you really want to unleash the full fury of Slashdot then try suggesting that MacDonald's should be allowed to serve their coffee hot.

    2. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by MrHanky · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Unfortunately, any post starting with `I know I will be modded down for this, but ...' will be modded +5, insightful in no time.

    3. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by jimicus · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Is that so? Let's put it to the test.

      I know I will be modded down for this, but:

      1. Windows XP is quite a good operating system, and '95 release A wasn't that bad.

      2. Apple are going to collapse within 18 months. Fact! You heard it here first!

      3. 2004 won't be the year of the Linux desktop. There will never be a year of the Linux desktop because (insert spurious reason here). This is in spite of the fact that I work for a company which, at one time, had probably the largest desktop Linux rollout in Europe.

    4. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by MrHanky · · Score: 2, Insightful

      That's not a proper test. Try in a different thread, so it's out of this particular context. Start the comment with `I know I'll be modded down for this, but' and add a UUEncoded mp3-file with fart jokes or perhaps even just farts. Voila! Free karma!

      Well, maybe not. But trolling the /. moderation system into +5 isn't difficult, you just have to post early, be somewhat resonable, and add the magic words.

    5. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by Billy+the+Mountain · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If you really want to lose some Karma fast, just post a conservative viewpoint on a hot button political issue. That post, along with several other posts of yours, will be modded -1 Overrated continuously.

      Hmm, I don't think that well-defended conservative viewpoints get down-modded. However, moronic conservative viewpoints definitely get nailed.

      BTM

      --
      That was the turning point of my life--I went from negative zero to positive zero.
    6. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by Alan+Hicks · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think it's time they added a "-1 Just Plain Wrong".

      --
      Slackware, what else when it must be secure, stable, and easy?
    7. Re:Non-Moderated, not Slashdot by k98sven · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yeah.. it has to be that.

      I mean, it couldn't possibly be that your posts were somehow lacking?

      Say offensive, stupid, rude, redundant, poorly formulated, poorly formatted or just plain offtopic?

      Get over yourself. If you don't like Groklaw or Slashdot or whatever, go start your own blog. Nothing is stopping you. If you really do have something of value to say, you'll get readers.

  8. You know you're a 2nd-rate litigious bastard when by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    When you focus equal attention on a multi-billion dollar company and a paralegal's weblog, you're probably screwed...

  9. Easy fix... by FyRE666 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Simply auto-moderate all comments by UIDs > 700000 down to -1 ;-))

    1. Re:Easy fix... by mooingyak · · Score: 5, Funny

      700000 is just too round of a number. It should be something like, (picking a number at random) anything greater than 720677. It's a good prime number.

      --
      William of Ockham had no beard. The most likely explanation is that it was chewed off by squirrels every morning.
    2. Re:Easy fix... by FyRE666 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Hey, watch it, this 700000+ UID has mod points today... =P

      Heh! The reason I chose 700000 was that statistically speaking, more people under that number than over it are likely to have mod points. If I'd gone with 300000 I think I'd have been beaten down to -1 much faster ;-))

  10. There are benefits! by lukewarmfusion · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It looks convincing.

    No matter how good it looks, astroturf is NOT the real thing.

    Which is why I assume that anyone saying anything good about my enemy is just my enemy in disguise.

  11. please read by boisepunk · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Always remember:

    SCO is BAD.
    Linux is GOOD.
    The GPL is life.
    Darl McBride is EVIL.

    There's nothing new.

    --
    main(0)
  12. what's next? push polling? by stonebeat.org · · Score: 5, Interesting


    what's next? push polling???

    Enterprise Linux users would be called up by SCO employees and asked:
    "Would you be more likely or less likely to install Linux as a Server OS if you knew Linux has copied source code from SCO?"

  13. Here's an idea.. Prevent the astroturfing campaign by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Interesting

    By not posting SCO stories unless there's actual news. Like a final judgement that actually means something.

    Everytime one of their lawyers cuts wind theres a /. story about it.

    Don't give them the chance to astroturf. Simple enough. Just regurgitate more marketing text about the awesome power of the iPod or Tivo instead. It all goes to the same place.

    --
    I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
  14. Lets make it easy to identify any astroturfing. by Jailbrekr · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you work for SCO, or are affiliated with SCO in any way, please reply to this message.
    Failure to do so will result in (insert any patent or copyright threats here).

    --
    Feed the need: Digitaladdiction.net
  15. A Hearty SCO Endorsement from Joe Public by Andy+Mitchell · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think SCO are really good, they make the best, err, Unex, er Unax, Unix I mean. Loonux isn't Unix 'cause its not the real thing.

    Hey, can we move the autocue a bit nearer?

    Using a free Unix rip off is like being a communist and me and my buddies at the steel mill don't like commies.

    </Astroturf>

  16. SCO's side by spellraiser · · Score: 5, Funny
    Quoth Groklaw:

    And he [McBride] predicted that "open blogs" like Slashdot will start to tell SCO's side of the story, and then the media will get to understand what is really going on.

    Allow me to be the first to 'tell SCO's side of the story, then (Slashdot style, of course):

    1. File lots of lawsuits
    2. ???
    3 Profit!

    Sorry, that was just too good to miss :P

    --
    I hear there's rumors on the Slashdots
    1. Re:SCO's side by lspd · · Score: 4, Interesting

      And he [McBride] predicted that "open blogs" like Slashdot will start to tell SCO's side of the story, and then the media will get to understand what is really going on.

      Been there, done that...

      The problem is that SCO built their business model around maintaining the status quo rather than fixing any legal problems that may or may not exist. Their ultimate goals hinge on SCO code existing in Linux and REMAINING HIDDEN SO THAT IT CAN'T BE REMOVED. Since SCO is betting on this legal catch-22 game and has refused consistently to provide the information necessary to fix the problems they claim exist, it doesn't make any sense to play along.

      If SCO decides to drop the catch-22 game and focus on recouping damages from the people who donated the code improperly, I for one would be happy to examine their side of the story. They talk and talk and talk about how they want to fix this stuff, and they never ever make the slightest baby step toward following through. Accusations, innuendo, and vague references to "millions of lines of code" do not constitute working with the free software community to fix problems.

      At this point though, even if SCO changed course and worked with the community....would you really believe their intentions were honest? Without new management, I couldn't.

  17. SCO would never do this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    A reputable corporation like SCO would never engage in this kind of activity. It seems very strange to me that PJ would even mention this, because I do not recall Darl saying this in his speech at SCO Forum.

    What is going on here? Has Groklaw suddenly decided to use accusations in an attempt to damage SCO's case instead of logical arguments. This isn't like PJ, and seems unprofessional.

  18. Interesting... by Mysticalfruit · · Score: 4, Funny
    McBride's sudden fondness for Slashdot.

    McBride and slashdot are technically oxymorons, are they not?

    That's like saying he likes having his tiny nuts bitten by badgers.

    It has been said that the difference between gutsy and foolness is very thin. However, picking a fight with an active community of highly intelligent zealots who have a product that's years beyond your current product goes under the foolish cateygory.

    --
    Yes Francis, the world has gone crazy.
    1. Re:Interesting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny
      That's like saying he likes having his tiny nuts bitten by badgers.

      Yes?

    2. Re:Interesting... by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Funny

      McBride and slashdot are technically oxymorons, are they not?

      you are close, you're just reading in way too much.

      get rid of the oxy and that will prefectly describe mcBride if he is even toying with the idea.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  19. A new Moderation Category? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...

    -1 Flaimbait

    -2 Astroturf

  20. In the water by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    (btw: wtf is in the water out there? SCO, Orrin Hatch, etc.)

    A lot of it is seige mentality. Don't forget it wasn't /that/ long ago that Utah was at war with the United States of America (and no, we're not talking about SCO vs. IBM). On top of this, throw in the whole persecution of Mormons and you'll get a bit of cultural paranoia. I've worked with a lot of people of the Jewish faith and some will share that a few thousand years of persecution tends to orient the survivors towards paranoia (remember, the ones who weren't paranoid in Germany and didn't flee didn't get to stick around to pass along their genes).

    Granted the Mormons are a much younger microculture, but the defensiveness and inwardness is there. This often helps grow Mormon businesses, but tends to remove criticism and skepticism over false claims by a church member. Much of this defensiveness is still somewhat limited and not an embedded cultural practice - yet - but church leaders need to recognize this reactionary trend and correct or remove members that practice it.

    Still, Mormons have done much to contribute to society. In fact, I'm perpetually amazed that so many don't condemn the SCO parasites and call them what they are as it goes so much against church teachings of open-paradigm systems. Remember, each new family that arrived in the valley was not regarded as another mouth to feed from a finite pie, but rather a new producer to make the pie bigger for everyone. If you have read "Seven Habits," "First Things First", or any other Steven Covey works, much of what you've read is a secular version of Mormonism applied to the business and personal domains. One of the legitimate heirs of the claim to "founding dot-com", Bill Washburn (executive director of the Commercial Internet Exchange, who fought against the NSFNET's plans for an Internet monopoly grant to the regional Bell operating companies and ANS, an IBM and MCI venture) and many other Internet leaders all hail from this open thinking, progressive faith (of which I am not, but have a great deal of respect for).

    Open source shares much philosophically, so it is ironic that one of the greatest haters of open paradigm thought is Senator Hatch, and one of the greatest pump and dump anti-open paradigm companies (new SCO) both hail from Utah. Then again, we all have crooks we have to deal with in our respective faiths and communities from time to time.

    Wake up Utah friends and throw these imposters out!

    1. Re:In the water by althalus · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Actually, most of the people around here are against SCO. Like you describe, most people detest the tactics they have used, because like the other 'mormon traits' you described (and rather well I'd say), most mormons detest litigation. Also, look at Novell. Most people here love Novell, because most everybody here has a relative working there. Now they now that Novell is against SCO, and so they should be too. Believe me, SCO does not have many friends here.

    2. Re:In the water by scoove · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Wow. I don't see many apologists outside the Church who write such artful defenses.

      Hope I didn't come across as a Mormon apologist! I just hoped to share some observations I've had as someone who is outside of the faith who has worked with a few people from it. I spent a few years working with one of the largest retailers in the state, as well as some technology people, and had very positive impressions on how much the open paradigm was embraced.

      In fact, at a late night coffee with Bill Washburn one night (at a conference we were both at), I asked him if he had read much Covey (as he was clearly one who practiced the concepts). He nearly dropped his coffee cup and immediately asked me why I made the comment. Turns out he grew up with Covey, and from the following dialog, it became more clear how the early open-system influence affected the culture.

      Certainly, I've had non-Mormon friends flee Salt Lake City due to what they perceived as the career limitations applied to those outside the faith, and there probably is some truth there as well.

      I guess my primary motivation was letting the /. crowd know that there's much to be appreciated and painting Mormons as all being like dear Darl is rather false. Pros and cons to everything, as always - take the best from each if you can!

      And yes, I think Hatch is a twit.
      Many do. Appears the only ones who don't write big enough checks, and Hatch must do the right things for him. Think of him as a terribly overpriced call girl and that'll help understand his role in society.

      *scoove*
      (ok... i won't hide anonymously on this thread!)

    3. Re:In the water by Zordak · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I am a Mormon, and I unfortunately live in Utah (had to follow the work, but I'm leaving in Feb), so I feel like I am qualified to say that SCOX, Darl McBride, Orrin Hatch and Hatch's idiot son are all, in Slashdot terminology, "teh suck." I think that the view on SCOX is shared by most tech-aware Mormons, though I'm not sure what these people are thinking in continuing to elect that troll Hatch. I know everybody wants to vote Republican, but that's what primaries are for -- you can get a candidate who is both Republican and human. [NOTE: I am already anticipating your Republican/Human jokes, so please don't think they make you clever]

      --

      Today's Sesame Street was brought to you by the number e.
    4. Re:In the water by Jodka · · Score: 2, Funny

      >(btw: wtf is in the water out there? SCO, Orrin Hatch, etc.)

      >>...On top of this, throw in the whole persecution of Mormons and you'll get a bit of cultural paranoia...

      What's wrong with persecuting them, don't they derserve it?

      Oh.... Mormons

      --
      Ceci n'est pas une signature.
    5. Re:In the water by donnz · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I'm not quite clear why critiques of SCO's actions should be prefaced with what schism of the Christian (or other) faith one belongs to. No one, as far as I'm aware have asked Bill Gates fellow church goers to speak out a criticise him. BTW I belong to no faith but am just confused by this constant call for Mormons to stand up.

      Please explain?

      --
      -- Free software on every PC on every desk
    6. Re:In the water by sl3xd · · Score: 4, Interesting

      You know, there are more than a few of us in Utah that DO want these 'imposters' out.

      That being said, I'm not quite sure what you mean by imposter; they don't seem to be pretending at all. They're bald-faced crap weasels.

      Hatch doesn't pretend to be free of special interests. But he gets re-elected because he is nevertheless a force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill, whose name is well-known throught the country. Excepting Ted Kennedy, I'm not sure there are many other senators whose names hold the public interest for more than an election campaign or news scandal. He's the head of the Senate Judiciary Comittee, as I recall -- a position of no small importance. Couple that kind of influence and position with the cultural paranoia -- as you put it, and you have a guy who the people will continue to support in spite of his flaws.

      The land in the Western US is largely Federally controlled -- not privately or locally governed. This means that the Federal Government often has more say about what goes on with the land here than the citizens of Utah do. It's a big deal: There is a continual struggle between environmental groups who want to make Utah into a giant wilderness area (leagal definition of wilderness), a definitive tourist hiker's paradise (meaning that all motorized access is prohibited -- Even airlines can't fly over the area at 40,000 feet), and the groups that want to make a living from the land more directly, whether it be cattle ranching, or farming, or by developing the land -- mining, etc. The point is that the citizens of Utah CANNOT make these decisions; as a result, the people of Virginia often have more say about Utah's economy then Utahns do. This causes no small amount of resentment.

      Case in point: We see hundreds of jobs and millions of tax dollars dissapear when then President Clinton declared about 3.2 million acres to be a national monument as an election year gesture to environmental groups. (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument)

      Whether it was a good decision, economically, environmentally, etc. isn't the point. The point is that the whole thing happened without any public input, without congressional approval (and in fact in spite of opposition), and definately without the approval of those who actually lived there. It was an election year ploy to get votes from people OUTSIDE Utah, and to hell with those people who live there.

      So it's seen as a good thing to have a powerful Senator like Hatch, a man who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee. If any 'new' guy ousts him, Utah starts back at square one, with a much weaker voice in national (and indeed local) politics. With Hatch there, the state gets a louder voice; without it, we get rolled over. So Hatch gets re-elected. Any corruption (perceived or real) is a moot point. Suffice it to say, there are a great many of us who don't appreciate our Senator either; and we vote(d) against him. So what?

      The fact remains: He's a powerful man on capitol hill, and still watches out for Utah's interests more often than not; and that is a fair sight better than a man with no influence on capitol hill who watches out for Utah's interests more often than not.

      On the other hand, Darl seems to be acting quite consistently with the behavior of an arrogant, wealthy (by the general standard of US living), greedy man. This arrogance is quite universal in every part of the world, so I don't see how geography or local culture really applies.

      It's really easy to envision Darl as an exec for a major record label; same arrogance, same desire to take what is not his, same everything. Nobody voted for them either, but we have to deal with them.

      --
      -- Sometimes you have to turn the lights off in order to see.
  21. Just a reminder... by GillBates0 · · Score: 5, Informative
    that Rob Enderle is a Microsoft lapdog and apologist. Some of his choice articles such as:

    Microsoft Apologist Apologizes for Microsoft
    Rob Enderle Announces Death of Bluetooth
    and
    Enderle's Ferrari Laptop
    have appeared on Slashdot in the past.

    This "technology analyst" is also the author of In Defense Of the Microsoft Monoculture and ranted and raved in an "informative" Eweek article about his Windows Ferrari theme and gushed happily about how his colleagues were impressed by it's cool shutdown and startup sounds.

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
    1. Re:Just a reminder... by Veridium · · Score: 4, Informative

      I think his keynote address at the SCO forum is his best piece of shi, I mean work...
      http://www.sco.com/2004forum/agenda/Enderle_keynot e_SCO-Forum2004.html
      not complete without a logical analysis done of it...
      http://fallinggrace.com/article.php?story=20040811 015739829

      And I think Bruce at Technocrat said it best http://technocrat.net/article.pl?sid=04/08/10/1742 206&mode=thread

      --
      Think for yourself, destroy your television.
    2. Re:Just a reminder... by sdcharle · · Score: 2, Funny

      This can not be repeated enough. Rob Enderle is so profoundly worthless as both a technology analyst and a writer in general that I urge anyone to do a quick Google search to see for yourself how you'd be better off getting your technical news and information from, well, I don't know, Courtney Love.

  22. SCO vs. Groklaw by moexu · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think Groklaw is the biggest thorn in SCO's side. The media has been pretty content to just print whatever random press release SCO throws at them without doing much (if any) verification at all. Groklaw has been consistenly documenting SCO's actions, court filings, and contradictory statements to the press, which makes it much harder for SCO to try their case in the media rather than a courtroom.

    Groklaw is also something that SCO could never have forseen because it's never been done before. Hundreds of volunteers donating their time to get court procedings and transcribe them, research and debunk questionable claims to the press, and write thoughtful articles explaining the technology being used so those who don't have the background can understand what's going on. It's the power of the open source model applied to law. It's anti-FUD, and it's been the worst possible thing for SCO's media campaigns. Go PJ!

    --
    "Seek first to understand." - Socrates
    1. Re:SCO vs. Groklaw by donnz · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It's worse than that now. The "media" is very aware of Groklaw these days and very seldom prints straight SCO press releases (I know because I will call and email journalists if I think they have mis-represented a point).

      Obviously rather than tell the truth (that they are were lying) SCO have only one recourse - discredit the most thourough analytical source.

      This, to SCO and MS, is now even more urgent as Groklaw (and others) are turning their attention to IP laws and I predict this will have the same public impact as it has had on the credibility of SCO's case.

      PS Still looking for a "+5 Astroturfer" on this thread, comeon SCO.

      --
      -- Free software on every PC on every desk
  23. SCO angry because no one listening to its spin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    As in politics, corporations do not like it when they fail to control the "message" and public discourse on the message. The fact that sites like Groklaw exist and flourish is one of the few things that gives me hope these days. Sure, Groklaw has a point-of-view. But it is also chock full of raw legal documentation of a lawsuit that is near and dear to us all. I don't need to read SCO's "spin" on their latest court filing. I can read it in all of its raw legalese and see directly that it's full of sh*t...

  24. Re:Astroturfing by boarder8925 · · Score: 5, Funny
    And everyone knows that anonymous posters never get modded up.
    Well, you didn't, anyway ... =P
  25. For those of you not up on your jargon (like me!) by Abraxis · · Score: 5, Informative

    ... and who don't feel like googling in the middle of reading Slashdot posts:

    astroturfing: n. The use of paid shills to create the impression of a popular movement, through means like letters to newspapers from soi-disant `concerned citizens', paid opinion pieces, and the formation of grass-roots lobbying groups that are actually funded by a PR group (astroturf is fake grass; hence the term). This term became common among hackers after it came to light in early 1998 that Microsoft had attempted to use such tactics to forestall the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust action against the company. This backfired horribly, angering a number of state attorneys-general enough to induce them to go public with plans to join the Federal suit. It also set anybody defending Microsoft on the net for the accusation "You're just astroturfing!".

  26. Astroturfing Definition... by Cheesewhiz · · Score: 2, Informative

    For all those who are wondering what "astroturfing" is -- like myself -- here is the Wikipedia definition quoted towards the bottom of the rather verbos Groklaw post:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroturfing

    --

    -----
    "Cogito Eggo Sum: I think, therefore, waffle."
  27. if WE own linux... by ernstp · · Score: 2, Insightful

    And they have 6 figure revenues from licenses for something WE own.. ..shouldn't WE get all the money?!

    Seriously, if SCO looses all thier court battles, all the money from SCOSource should go to OSDL or something.

  28. They already tried a blitz. Didn't work. by Animats · · Score: 4, Insightful
    SCO has been issuing press releases at a considerable clip lately, trying to make their legal losses scroll off. It's not working. SCOX is down to $4 again.

    They have $61 million in cash, no debt, and a market cap of $62 million. Think about that. If they just shut down and paid out their cash, stockholders would be right where they are now. The stock price is so low that it indicates the market assumes management will blow the cash doing something stupid. Given management's behavior over the last year, that's a reasonable assumption.

    1. Re:They already tried a blitz. Didn't work. by Animats · · Score: 2, Insightful
      The market capitalization is the stock price times the number of shares outstanding. Most companies have a much higher market capitalization than assets, reflecting the value of an ongoing business. Microsoft, is considered "cash-heavy", but their market cap is 5x their cash. VA Software (Slashdot's parent) is about 3x. Autodesk, a successful old-line software maker, is about 12x.

      SCO is about 1x, and with no debt. That's very unusual. The problem, of course, is that all their legal activity is expected to burn up all that cash.

    2. Re:They already tried a blitz. Didn't work. by Aerion · · Score: 2, Informative

      The market cap is typically considered the "value" of a company. That SCO's market cap is nearly equal to SCO's cash on hand indicates that the market sees no value in SCO other than in its cash reserves.

    3. Re:They already tried a blitz. Didn't work. by DickBreath · · Score: 2, Informative

      I'll have a cry at it.

      Investors (i.e. bagholders -- the ones left holding the bag, sort of like the one left standing in musical chairs), they seem to believe that SCO is worth only $62 million. The price determined by the share price and number of shares.

      If investors collectively thought the company would be worth more in the future, as they buy and sell shares, the share price would rise to the level that "the market" believes the company is worth (i.e. SCO is worth $500 Gazeeelion Dollarz!).

      SCO has $61 meeelion in cash. No debt. Probably some other assets, such as Darl's office chair.

      As I said, the share price indicates that investors believe SCO is worth $62 million. (Cash + yard sale price of office furniture)

      If SCO were to just liquidate and pay out the shareholders, they would be in exactly the same position they are today. Instead of holding X shares at $4.00 per share, you would be holding X times $4 of cash. No change in your net worth. The reason an investor would generally rather have a $4 share than a $4 cash is because they believe that the price will go up above the $4 they paid for the share so they can sell it.

      I'm not a finance guy. My rambling probably has you throughly confused now.

      --

      I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.
    4. Re:They already tried a blitz. Didn't work. by rtb61 · · Score: 2, Interesting
      You can't liquidate all your liabilities. SCO's slanderous comments and questionable legal behaviour transfers to the company that buys them. Should any company with significant assets (IBM, Microsoft etc.) buy them, they would be immediately subject to civil suits for the past and currently continuing abuses of SCO.

      SCO bears enormous risks of class action law suits (Globally), the only thing preventing this from happening now is that everybody knows that they would be a burnt out husk of no value before you could finalise the law suit.

      No company can afford to buy SCO, it has become an inevitable bankruptcy waiting to happen with the liquidators being the ones to sell what little value is left in SCO's supposed IP. With support from the beast drying up as the publicity campaign has backfired it looks to be happening sooner rather than latter.

      --
      Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
  29. Re:Here's an idea.. Prevent the astroturfing campa by Otter · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Yeah, I liked that part of "sudden fondness for Slashdot". As though getting endless free coverage from the obsessive Linux media hasn't been part of their plan from day one. I'm still not sure if people like the Slashdot editors simply don't realize they're being played like fish or if they just regard controversy as a win-win situation for both themselves and SCO.

  30. Re:SCO are great by Lead+Butthead · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sounded vaguely like "Allah is great..."

    --
    ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI!?
  31. Don't trust anybody over 30... by moojin · · Score: 4, Funny

    But in Slashdot's case, "Don't trust anybody with a Slashdot ID Number > 800000."

    --
    Why did I lurk so long before registering for a Slashdot account? I could have had a Slashdot ID of less than 100000.
    1. Re:Don't trust anybody over 30... by starling · · Score: 3, Funny

      And especially don't trust anyone with a /. id less than 50000.

      They're the puppet masters behind the original conspiracy.

  32. Message from SCO by binaryDigit · · Score: 3, Funny

    Dear Mr Jail Brekr

    We wish to inform you that it has come to our attention that large portions of your post have been determined to have originated from our copyrighted Post base. If you wish to continue posting, you must arrainge a license agreement with our legal department as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to legal action against both you, and any who reply to your post with any part of it quoted, thereby also infringing our copyright. For those users who have posted after the original offending post, but before the posting of this post, you will be given the option to obtain a Posting License for a very minimal and reasonable fee. Please contact our legal department as soon as possible.

    Have a nice day (c)

    SCO Legal

  33. Damn I thought this was a new game! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm a big fan of NFL Blitz, and when I saw this I thought there was something new for us to play.

  34. Sample Astroturf Message by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    When it comes to the Intellectual Property issues, Darl McBride is demonstrating genuine leadership. The SCOSource Licensing initiative takes the IT industry in the right direction by accelerating the successful adoption of properly licensed Linux installations, providing clarity and guidance on Copyrights, Trademarks, and Patents for USL Unix and derivative Systems, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest for future Unix Systems adoption.

    Contrary to the FSF-sponsored communistic rhetoric attacking the USL business model, the proposal helps every business which utilizes Linux in their Enterprise, especially the Small Business Class. This year alone, 92 million Linux Users will receive an immediate benefit averaging $1,083! That's not pocket change for a family business struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the initiatives to help the Corporations protect their IP assets, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy.

    (blatantly ripped off Astroturf from the GOP)

  35. How do you Astroturf *SCO*? by smclean · · Score: 3, Insightful
    I don't understand how SCO hopes they can do any "astroturfing" of their cause. How can they create an impression of a grass-roots campaign from where they stand? What "little guy" gives a damn about SCO and their stupid IP lawsuits?

    Does anyone have any ideas on how SCO can hope to create the impression of grass-roots support for them? I don't see any feasible ways that someone could come along and post something which would make me, or any informed person see SCO as anything but a company exploiting IP and the legal process to extort companies out of money.

    It's amazing to me that it's even legal for them to offer Linux licenses before establishing in a court that Linux in fact contains their IP. It's like selling the Brooklyn Bridge.. and having it be legal, because the buyer didn't bother to find out if you owned it.

    --

    "'Yrch!' said Legolas, falling into his own tongue."

  36. Re:SCO are great by BarryNorton · · Score: 2, Funny

    If only posters could be modded incite-full...

  37. is it me... by SQLz · · Score: 5, Informative
    Or does Darl look like some kind of nasty porn star?

    Check it out!

    Nasty isn't it?

  38. I wonder if... by talks_to_birds · · Score: 3, Insightful
    ...Pamela is really just getting closer to her own inner troll?

    She starts off with this self-referential, circular narative about "blows != violence", but then brings up "sending Enderle over the top" and then she mentions guns and how she really wants to keep Enderle calm, and then she comes full circle and no that's not what she means and suddenly she's *really* talking about "blowhards" and "step-by-step".

    Why bother with the entire prologue, except that it makes good "press" when written by someone who's now a "journalist".

    And she ends up with a long monologue about how poor Groklaw (center of the known universe) is about to be astroturfed (the latest "attack!" "attack!") by that dreadful SCO.

    All this angst really comes from the ongoing facts that:

    1. Pamela remains *very* uncomfortable with her awkward relationship to OSRM, but doesn't want to talk about it (shall we deflect discussion *away* from OSRM and Pamela? There's an idea).
    2. Pamela absolutely will not compromise on "it's my damn blog and I'll censor^W delete posts^W^W run it like I want" despite how it plays to any larger audience outside of Groklaw itself
    3. there are still a whole bunch of people who are still worked up about these issues; see the Yahoo! Finance SCOX board, where the discussion about all of this continues unabated after a full week since the OSRM study popped up
    4. fewer and fewer people are even bothering to try to discuss *any* of this at Groklaw itself, so Pamela's "Groklaw's being attacked" "Groklaw's being attacked" meme is succeeding

    So, Pamela's got issues, and a lot of people have issues with Pamela, but to hear her tell it it's all Enderle's and McBride's and SCO's fault.

    Pamela's backed herself into a corner. Period.

    As for SCO itself, fuck 'em.

    SCO clearly isn't going to get anything past anyone here, and anyone (Pamela included..) who thinks that /. is going to be fooled by any such BS from SCO is smoking something I don't want any part of...

    Finally, no, I'm not an SCO astroturfer:

    http://www.finchhaven.com/TSCOG/index.html

    I've done my work in the trenches; have you?

    t_t_b

    --
    I'm on PJ's "enemies" list! Are you?
    1. Re:I wonder if... by sneakers563 · · Score: 2, Insightful
      I still find groklaw to be a good site to get the latest news in the SCO soap opera, but I've long since learned to tune all the "analysis" out. What I find particularly offensive is that she won't link to documents or sites she disagrees with, but doesn't hesitate in the least to paraphrase and comment on them. In other words, don't bother to read it for yourself, I'll tell you what it means.

      A good case in point was the Enderle speech. In my opinion, Enderle's a hack, but her description of the speech (sans link, of course) was not a fair characterization. "The language was so filthy, it is not fit for Groklaw?" Because he used the word BS? Was it professional? No, but to worry about what effect it will have on children (oh, the children!) And speculating that he was drunk? Come on.

      My favorite part of today's entry was the implication that anyone who disagrees with her is working for SCO. It's ironic, isn't it? She rips into Enderle for talking about "Groklaw spies" but then warns everyone to be on the lookout for SCO moles. She ridicules Enderle for complaining about physical threats but keeps her own identity a secret.

      In short, I don't think Pamela and Enderle are so different - she just happens to be on the right side.

    2. Re:I wonder if... by gral · · Score: 2, Informative

      There is not a direct link from her article "Blow by Blow", but there is links to his Keynote from Joe Barrs article, which is what she is in turn talking about.

      There is also one from the Line By Line analisis done by the Law Student. So, she did link to them indirectly.

      One of her main points, was that Enderle claimed Groklaw had people posted in the audience to misrepresent what he said, when there was no "Posting" of his speech directly on Groklaw.

      A least that is what I got from the article.

      --
      Scott Carr
    3. Re:I wonder if... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I'd have to say I agree to an extent in the critique, but I'd phrase it differently:

      Number one: PJ is taking this stuff way too seriously, and way too personally.

      You have to remember that at the end of the day, this is just a small matter. A last-ditch attempt by a bunch of unimaginative exects in order to get their company bought-out.

      Personal attacks and cheap-shots at SCO are strongly distasteful to me, however badly they are behaving. SCO is wrong and they are spreading lies.

      It's a simple rule of debate: When people do that, you don't get upset. You show patience and calmly and factually point out why they are wrong and why. Getting all angry and zealous only serves to discredit yourself. People don't listen to two people arguing.

      Credibility comes with being calm and factual, not with mud-slinging. The basic attitude is "If you have the facts on your side, there is no point in getting angry".

      I used to read Groklaw more than I do now. It seems to have become infested with zealots and fanboys.. And it's lead to what was the most valuable part: Semi-qualified legal analysis of the facts of the case to be drowned out in what seems to be an increasingly personal crusade of sorts..

      Oh, and yes, I've contributed too.

    4. Re:I wonder if... by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 4, Interesting

      And /. is moderated. If you're reading at -1... astroturfing by SCO is the least of your concerns. For my purposes (I want to only read semi-interesting comments about SCO), Groklaw is unmoderated.

      No. PJ deletes posts arbitrarily. I had a post deleted that was sligtly critical of some of her editorial histrionics (remember when she compared Linus to a baby seal?) I tried to be humorously chiding, not overtly negative, because I do find much value Groklaw. I just find the over-the-top editorializing to be. . . embarrassing.

      It's unfortunate that what is otherwise a great source for SCO news has also become something of a cult, and that the cult leader embraces this role and seeks to consolidate it by making paranoid accusations.

      There's something Stalinesque about the whole thing. "Let's all pull together for the good of OSS by rooting out the SCO moles in our midst" is kind of chilling.

      --
      It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
    5. Re:I wonder if... by nmos · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Why bother with the entire prologue, except that it makes good "press" when written by someone who's now a "journalist".

      Most of those comments were making fun of Endrel's speech. If you havn't read it I can see how PJ's prologue might seem a bit bizzarre.

      #1 Pamela remains *very* uncomfortable with her awkward relationship to OSRM, but doesn't want to talk about it

      What other choice does she have?

      #2 Pamela absolutely will not compromise on "it's my damn blog and I'll censor^W delete posts^W^W run it like I want" despite how it plays to any larger audience outside of Groklaw itself

      Not to state the obvious but it IS her damn blog. BTW this thread would have been removed had it appeared on Groklaw because of the word "damn" and no doubt someone would assume it had been deleted for other reasons.

      #3 there are still a whole bunch of people who are still worked up about these issues; see the Yahoo! Finance SCOX board, where the discussion about all of this continues unabated after a full week since the OSRM study popped up

      No doubt. The position paper and the product being sold by OSRM actually seem pretty reasonable to me but the marketing has been horrible. I had hoped that they would issue a clarification and clean up their marketing act when this first blew up but the longer they let this sit the more it stinks.

      #4 fewer and fewer people are even bothering to try to discuss *any* of this at Groklaw itself, so Pamela's "Groklaw's being attacked" "Groklaw's being attacked" meme is succeeding

      Pretty much everything has already been said.

    6. Re:I wonder if... by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 3, Insightful

      She herself posted to the thread from which my post was deleted that public criticism was not welcome and that Groklaw was hers and she could do as she saw fit. She likened herself to Linus and Groklaw to Linux, saying that Linus has had to reject many contributions to protect Linux, and so she must delete certain posts to protect Groklaw. And that we were welcome to start up our own sites if we wanted. Fair enough, though the comparison to Linus was a bit much.

      It was a while ago, so I might not be remembering everything, but that's the gist of it, as I remember it.

      Interestingly, I read the last piece she wrote on Enderle tonight, and managed to catch sight of the first thread in the comments section. It was entitled "Trolls here please". So I posted before I went out for the evening, voicing my criticism of the deletion of posts, thinking that it would be safe to post in that thread. At least two others felt the same way. When I returned from my evening out, my post and the the two other posts I had noted had been deleted.

      So, it was an interesting experiment, but nothing much has changed in the Groklaw comments section. It'll be a while before I read any comments again or post my own.

      And oddly enough, it made me appreciate the slashdot moderation system. I get very irritated with retarded mods here, but really, the system works fairly well. It's not perfect, and perhaps there might be ways to improve it, but over the long run, it works.

      --
      It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
  39. A pretty absurd theory from PJ by SimianOverlord · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I don't know if she's noticed but Slashdot is moderated. And also, again I'm not sure if she's worked it out - SCO aren't popular around here. So an astroturfing campaign is likely to be moderated to oblivion. (Well, oblivion is a bit harsh. Actually one post will be modded down, then the subnet IP ban will kick in, preventing any other posts, and also preventing the entire eastern seaboard of the USA from making anonymous posts as collatoral damage. Nice one CT.)

    A more likely motivation for McBride's praise of Slashdot is that it was an attempt to slime Groklaws system of deleting posts. Trying to suggest some suppression of legitimate viewpoints. In other words, more FUD.Here be post deleters.

    I always figured McBride had a screw loose somewhere, after all he is probably headed for what is technically known as a federal pound-me-in-the-ass prison, but to actually praise Slashdot? If I were an investor I'd be breaking into a cold sweat. I wonder if he also eats his own excrement now, and hums tunelessly to himself while rocking back and forth.

    --
    Meine Schwester ist sehr, sehr reizvoll - Nietzsche
  40. Re:SCO are great by Cpt_Kirks · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Allah is great..."

    SCO Akbar?

  41. Slashdot Blitz! by Agent+Green · · Score: 4, Funny

    And Darl in the back said, "Everyone attack!" and it turned in to a slashdot blitz...slashdot blitz...

    --
    // Agent Green (Ian / IU7 / KB1JQO)
    // IEEE 802.3: All 10base Are Belong To Us
  42. No, he's beginning to Get It. by Short+Circuit · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Community-driven news sites like Groklaw and Slashdot are where a lot of his FUD gets shredded.

    I suspect he's trying to drive a wedge between them, to get them to focus and fight each other. He probably doesn't realize that, in terms of a registered user base and commonality of views, they're tied together pretty tight.

    1. Re:No, he's beginning to Get It. by Darth23 · · Score: 2, Funny
      We are /.

      We are Groklaw

      resistance is futile.

      ;-)

      I think Darl's main goal is to drive the stock price of Slashdot and Groklaw so low that they will cease to function - after the insiders have sucked the companies dry of any cash they have left

      No wait, that's his main goal for SCO.

      --

      -------- In Soviet Russia, "Soviet Russia" sigs hate Slashdot.

  43. What I really want to know is... by rsilvergun · · Score: 4, Funny

    a) If Darl Eats beans
    b) If Darl would like to see a movie staring George Wendt
    c) If Darl would like to see George Wendt Eating Beans in a movie.

    Obscure references are the best

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
  44. /usr/dict/words by DickBreath · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think that what SCO Legal meant was that most of your post contained words, which are a copyright violation of the /usr/dict/words file, which is part of Linux, which SCO owns.

    --

    I'll see your senator, and I'll raise you two judges.
  45. What if lots of us bought 1 share of SCOX? by jyoull · · Score: 2, Informative
    So... with the stock now trading at $4, and Sharebuilder.com available to make it super-cheap to buy and hold small numbers of shares ($4 for an "automatic" purchase of any number of shares, but selling is priced more traditionally, around $15 for most people)...

    would it be interesting for lots of people with an interest in the SCO v. Linux matter to individually purchase single shares of SCOX?

    Market cap is $62M, shares at $4 and change, that's about 15M shares outstanding... per Yahoo, over 75% of the shares are tied up in big holders, so individuals could not attain a controlling interest (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=SCOX)

    but... being an owner of even one share of stock makes the company accountable to the shareholder, with the attendant expense of keeping track of the shareholder, and responding via shareholder relations to shareholders' inquiries.

    Shareholders also have the right to nominate directors at the 2005 annual meeting, and to introduce shareholder resolutions to be considered at the annual meeting. Note that as of the 2004 annual meeting, the next meeting was expected to happen around April 19, 2005, and that such proposals are due WELL in advance (4 months anyway)

    From SCO: 2004 Proxy statement, including 2005 shareholder meeting info

    No proposals have been submitted by stockholders of the Company for consideration at the Annual Meeting. It is anticipated that the next annual meeting of stockholders will be held on or about April19, 2005. Stockholders may present proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement to be mailed in connection with the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, provided such proposals are received by the Company in writing no later than November6, 2004 and are otherwise in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials.

    In addition, the Company's Bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors at the annual meeting by providing advance written notice to the Company. In order to make a director nomination at a stockholder meeting, a stockholder must notify the Company not fewer than 120days in advance of any meeting of stockholders called for the election of directors. Similarly, the Company's Bylaws permit stockholders to cause other business to be conducted at any meeting of stockholders by providing advance written notice to the Company. In order for such business to be conducted at a stockholder meeting, a stockholder must notify the Company not fewer than 120days in advance of the meeting of stockholders. Assuming the date of next year's annual meeting is April19, 2005, any notice required under the Bylaws as described in this paragraph must be received by the Company no later than December20, 2004 in order to be timely for next year's annual meeting. In addition, the notice must meet all other requirements contained in the Company's Bylaws.

    A stockholder may contact the Corporate Secretary of the Company at its headquarters for a copy of the relevant Bylaw provisions regarding the requirements for making stockholder proposals and nominating director candidate



    Caveats as follows:
    The author is not an investment advisor, attorney, or accountant. He's not even wholly qualified to write the letters "SCOX" in a public place. Investing carries risks of all kinds. Owning shares of stock may create tax liabilities and reporting overhead that doesn't exist if you don't own shares of stock. Consult someone who knows what the hell they are talking about before doing anything this stupid.

  46. /. user_id for sale? by pohl · · Score: 2, Informative

    If SCO or Microsoft (you _know_ they have shills here too) wants to pay me $$$$ to push their agenda, I'll consider the offer.

    --

    The "cue the foo posts in 3, 2, 1..." posts will commence with no subsequent foo posts in 3, 2, 1...

  47. More Enderle Gems by reptilicus · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Don't forget, this is the man who predicted Apple would switch over to all Intel processors before the end of 2003, and of course, that the iTunes Music Store would never fly with Windows users, because it was arriving after hugely successful Windows music stores like BuyMusic.com.

  48. Ahhh.... SCO Licenses by WarMonkey · · Score: 5, Funny



    Ahhh.... SCO licenses...

    The toilet paper of choice for those who don't find $20 bills ostentatious enough for the task.

    Do they come in two-ply?

    --
    -- I could tell right away that she was impressed with my HUGE Slashdot Karma.
    1. Re:Ahhh.... SCO Licenses by ChairmanMeow · · Score: 2, Funny

      Do they come in two-ply?

      Yes, but you have to buy the Business Version for 10 Users, which is $1400.

      But really, is two-ply worth sharing it with nine other users?

      --
  49. maybe... by SQLz · · Score: 2, Funny

    Maybe SCO will hire the same astro-turfers that tried to pump up the Nokia N-gauge. I heard they rock.

  50. It could backfire though by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think sco is cool and my brother he is SUCK A GEEK. He put LINUX on his computer and i can't even get in, i have to log in but I can't, so how am i supposed to use aim with that? I bet SCOW will let me use aim to talk to my friends and stuff like that. I vet Clay Aiken would bever use linux. Also he is NOT GAY! Stop saying he is GATY! Love, Ashley

  51. The Hatch-SCO Connection by cyberformer · · Score: 4, Informative

    It's more than just coincidence that SCO and Hatch seem to have similar agendas. Hatch's son is actually SCO's lead attorney in the state courts.

  52. Re:SCO are great by Dehumanizer · · Score: 5, Funny

    There are no Groklaw soldiers in Utah! I triple-guarantee you!

    --
    The Tlog - a technology blog
  53. Interesting view of NSFNET, CIX history by jgs · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This is pretty far offtopic, but this calls for a response:

    the Commercial Internet Exchange, who fought against the NSFNET's plans for an Internet monopoly grant to the regional Bell operating companies and ANS, an IBM and MCI venture

    The part of my brain this history is stored in hasn't been accessed for a while, but suffice it to say that the above is only one, fairly debatable, perspective on Internet history.

    Here's a half-decent capsule history of the NSFNET which provides a different (more accurate, from my keyhole) spin. The tag line of the article is "The National Science Foundation's enlightened management of the NSFNET facilitated the Internet's first period of explosive public growth." Which is pretty accurate as happy-talk goes.

    The NSFNET was a good thing. The CIX was (in retrospect) a good thing. Figuring out how to move the Internet from being largely taxpayer-funded to being primarily commercial was a good thing. It certainly wasn't painless or without friction, but it was driven mostly by people of good will, not smoke-filled rooms where evil government bureaucrats were plotting to grant monopolies to their bell-head cronies.

    The CIX, at the outset, wasn't a "fight against a monopoly". It was a way for folks to move commercial traffic between their networks without making inappropriate use of the taxpayer-funded NSFNET.

  54. Oh, come on... by Shoten · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is SCO really all that bad? I mean, they're just some hardworking company...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!

    Sorry, Darl...here's your money back, I just couldn't pull it off with a straight face. :)

    --

    For your security, this post has been encrypted with ROT-13, twice.
  55. It's not the editors getting played by rd_syringe · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The editors don't give a shit if they're getting played. They know every SCO article generates thousands of page hits and hundreds of posts of discussion from loyal Slashdotters, which means more advertising revenue for OSDN.

    That's right. Slashdot is a corporate-owned site. That very fact when placed alongside the various philosophies Slashdot typically espouses is very amusing and contradictory. It is the users here who are getting played, every time they excitedly click "Read more" on an SCO article so they can post their knee-jerk response and see another ad in the process, they add another hit to the site logs for Rob Malda to report back to OSDN, so they can use them when shopping for more advertisers. This site is a business now making money off a lot of gullible people. Why should they care if they're getting played by SCO's media schemes?

    Note--if you disagree, fine, but reply and tell me. Don't mod me down for it.

  56. Groklaw vs. SCO, no contest by wardk · · Score: 3, Interesting

    SCO seems to have this fondness of picking on those that can thoroughly kick it's ass. but then again, it's fights are obviously chosen by others who are too chickenshit to fight themselves.

    Darl's is obviously a puppet, aparently this Enderle creep is too. Amazing what can be found under rocks if you are up to scraping away enough slime.

    yep, MS found a couple of real specimens in these two. funny, I recently sent a very similar specimen to my septic tank. MS may want to use some soap when they're done.

    gee, maybe SCO can print grassroots articles with photos of "real people" that totally agree with their bullshit story...photos that will be immediately found in common clip art libraries. MS has set a great example for such bozo tactics.

    the trailer park has certainly gone downhill since Darl & company moved in. but nothing an IBM tornado can't clean up.

  57. Confession by scarletire · · Score: 2, Funny

    I accuse myself of the following crimes:

    I have seduced computer users of both sexes.
    I have been to the porn sites.
    I deliberately contracted the Sasser worm in order to spread the worm to my wive and other computer users.
    Together with other agents I have counterfeited web certificates, hacked commercial websites, added copyrighted code to the linux kernal, and coordinated denial of service attacks against SCO by means of PGP encrypted emails.
    I stand here a victim of the influence of Linus Torvalds, guilty on all counts.
    I'm glad I was caught.
    I was mentally deranged.
    Now I am cured.
    I ask only for you to accept my love of Darl McBride.
    I ask only to be shot while my computer is still clean of copyright infringed software.

  58. Well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Considering that M$ has recently started doing this on Slashdot, I don't see why SCO wouldn't be taken lessons from them. Notice, how anybody who criticises M$, now gets a barage of Anonymous Cowards trying to drown him out?

  59. SCO's userbase by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'd say that the only way this would work is if the SCO people could manufacture a loyal userbase,

    Ha! Customers are sooooo 1990s. You know, all that quality improvement mumbo jumbo crap. Hell, I'd bet you're one of those "customer is always right" freaks too.

    The progressive business model is definitely anti-customer. We learned this from the dot-com experience. You see, marketers put up perfectly brilliant companies, distribution channels and products. Think of winners like Pets.com (come on, anyone who doesn't love the Sockpuppet is a Nazi and outta be insulted by a pack of PETA freaks), Flooz.com (as if anyone could not buy something with Whoopi as a spokesperson!), DigitalConvergence (home of the CueCat and a huge excess of keyboards with way too many :::: keys) and other winners.

    These companies were introduced to consumerspace and what happened? Customers didn't buy like they were supposed to. Losers! Countless VC firms realized that customers were the weak link in the chain and when a VC makes a radical discovery like this, the business world listens. So customers were out.

    Naturally, employees became sorta lame too and nearly a million telco employees had to be thrown out the window. But this has much more to do with needing good storage space for all the products that didn't get sold than anything else. No hard feelings techies - if we could have stored all that unsold junk in India, we would have. It was just easier to move your jobs

  60. Re:ATTENTION SLASHDOT READER by einhverfr · · Score: 3, Funny

    Dear SCO Corporation;

    It has come to our attention that you have been using the term "Astroturf" in deliberate violation of our trademarks, and in ways which will dilute the value of the trademark.

    Astroturf(R) is not merely an artifical sod replacement. It is a next generation fiber surface with a look similar to grass and low mainenance requirements. Since 1985, we have been manufacturing such high-quality products and have been heavily investing in our brand. Please immediately cease and disist from using our trademarks in your marketing campaigns.

    Sincerely,
    Astroturf, Inc. www.astroturf.com

    --

    LedgerSMB: Open source Accounting/ERP
  61. astroturfing campaign? by Lost+Penguin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "PJ has a theory that SCO is about to embark on an astroturfing campaign"

    I hate to poke fun at Pj, but with the Astroturding campain we have heard from the likes of Didio, Endearlie and the other MS shills and "Brown Trollings" in book and newsprint form.

    Do you think there might be an Astroturf campain going on?

    PJ where have you been?

    You really spend too much time keeping up Groklaw.
    The Astroturf is way past knee high!

    The turfmaster are finding the real grassroots are growing so fast they are scared, real grass acually grows. (In Florida it grows real fast this time of year)

    The Microsoft/SCO Astroturfing has been going one for months!

    --
    I am the unwilling control for my Origin.
  62. Re:Uhg by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 3, Insightful

    "Groklaw turned into this orgy of groupthink with respect to issues of Linux technical and usability merit."

    Really? Every time I go there, it's entirely about the law and how stupid SCO is. I don't think I've ever read anything about "Linux usability" there. Maybe I didn't look hard enough, since I don't read *every* post.

    "Let's not turn Slashdot into that."

    Not likely. Too many Windows trolls post here. Especially the ones that act like they really like Linux, "it's just that Linux [fill in the blanks about usability, installs, and other ruminant evacuation.]" Sorry, these morons fool no one.

    --
    Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
  63. Dear Slashdot Reader: by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 4, Funny

    I am Kwame Rufatata from the SCO Group in the wonderful lake-strewn state of Utah.

    I am writing to tell you that I have a problem which you can help me solve. It seems that we have received a large sum of money from an unnamed company in the wonderful lake-strewn state of Washington that we do not wish to pay the exorbitant taxes of the government on.

    So, we would like to transfer these funds to an account outside the jurisdiction of the government. To do this, we need someone who is prepared to use their account to transfer our funds in order to conceal their point of origin.

    If you will please give us your bank account number, we will transfer our funds through your account to an unnamed institution in the wonderful lake-strewn country of Switzerland. In return for this service, we will gratefully transfer you to a service fee of 10% of the funds transferred through your account. This could amount to as much as FIVE MILLION DOLLARS!

    Please respond to my email as soon as possible, because our investors may force us to pay out these funds due to our falling stock price.

    Sincerely,

    Darl^H^H^H^HKwame Rufatata
    SCO Group

    --
    Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
  64. Everyone already understands what's going on by msobkow · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Everyone already understands what's going on. SCO, the RIAA, the MPAA, and a number of other old businesses are led by executive management who just don't get the new service-based models, can't adapt, and just can't accept that if they don't adapt, their business is dead.

    So instead they try to plead, whine, and use barratry to protect their pathetic, outdated business models.

    What they forget is the problem is the socio-economic market shifts are to blame, not their competitors. If it weren't their "enemies" such as Linux, it would be BSD or some other "product."

    Ah well, at this point maybe Darl could at least interest some execs in the media industry. After all, Darl's and SCO's viewpoints on "reality" are about as honest and truthful as "Survivor" or "Big Brother".

    --
    I do not fail; I succeed at finding out what does not work.
  65. Re:Uhg by ArbitraryConstant · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "Really? Every time I go there, it's entirely about the law and how stupid SCO is. I don't think I've ever read anything about "Linux usability" there. Maybe I didn't look hard enough, since I don't read *every* post."

    One of the other replies to my post said it better. They're not willing to engage in self-criticism. Thus, when anything at all gets said about Linux itself, it's positive.

    Perhaps things have changed. I haven't read Groklaw (except for the odd linked article) for almost a year.

    It was sufficiently annoying that I'm not going to be giving it another shot.

    "Not likely. Too many Windows trolls post here. Especially the ones that act like they really like Linux, "it's just that Linux [fill in the blanks about usability, installs, and other ruminant evacuation.]" Sorry, these morons fool no one."

    See, this is the attitude I'm talking about. Your attitude is that these criticisms are necessarily false. Anyone who disagrees must be a troll. They must have an agenda.

    --
    I rarely criticize things I don't care about.
  66. Astroturf by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dear Astroturf Corporation:

    Pursuant to your recent letter and acknowledgment of SCO's Federal Copyright ("Astroturf"), and reference to an alleged registered trademark, I would advise you to review with counsel the status of intellectual property law with respect to the precedence of copyright.

    As disclosed in the SCO Federal Copyright statement, SCO has the exclusive rights to all versions, derivitives and combinations of the mark, Astroturf. As you may be aware from our ongoing litigation with respect to UNIX Copyrights, it should be clear that a Copyright takes precedence over Trademarks and Patents. It is with this foundation that SCO has pursued the protection of its mark against OSG trademarks and IBM patents.

    We would be pleased to offer you an opportunity to license the use of the mark for a minimal fee of $105,000 (please note that the recording of this settlement will be remarked as "SCO UNIX LICENSE PURCHASE" in all communications and disclosures for reasons unnecessary to this discourse).

    Should you have questions, please contact my office.

    Sincerely,

    S. Spoon Hatch
    Chief Counsel

  67. PJ censors OSRM discussions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    PJ does censor most discussions about her employer, OSRM. I speak from personal experience, and one who thinks Darl and SCO should be squashed like the cockroaches they are.

    If you want a rational discussion of software liability insurance, you won't find it on Groklaw.

    For anything other than OSRM, you should stay with Groklaw.

    (Is this astroturfing?)