Linguist Tweaks MS For Redefining "Genuine"

crazybilly writes, "The Language Log, home blog for several professional linguists, posted a story a few days ago about how Microsoft is redefining the word 'genuine' (as in the 'Microsoft Genuine Software Initiative') in an attempt to increase public sympathy for their anti-piracy efforts. From the article: 'An unlicensed copy of Microsoft Windows is perfectly genuine. It has exactly the same functionality as a licensed copy and was made by the same company... I suspect that Microsoft is attempting to redefine "genuine" because it has had a hard time getting sympathy for its actual complaint, namely unlicensed distribution.'"

Comments

Riddle me this

[crazyjeremy]

Many computers genuinely had XP SP1 on them at one time, then the license and original restore cd is lost. When it comes time for the standard 6 month reformat, should we genuinely feel guilt for loading a different CD "XP SP2 copy" of this same product just because we can't find the authenticity certificate?

I now declare the term "FUD" officially dead

[foreverdisillusioned]

Lately, I've seen the term being used more and more loosely and now this... Seriously, what the FUCK does this article have to do with Fear, Uncertanty, and Doubt? ...or more importantly, what does it have to do with the original concept of systematic, negative propoganda through disinformation and fearmongering and general appeal to negative emotions? It's a perfectly valid (if pedantic) intellectual argument, nearly completely devoid of emotional or manipulative overtones.

If you want to say "wrong" or "bullshit" or "Idon'tagree" then just say so, damn it. FUD is not an acceptable synonym for these terms.

[mods: This is NOT offtopic, as this is an article about a linguist complaining about the distortion of a word's original definition.]