Microsoft Fracturing the Open-Source Community

TechGeek sends us to eWeek, where Mark Shuttleworth is quoted to the effect that Microsoft has succeeded in fracturing the Linux and open-source community with its patent indemnity agreements. Quoting: "Microsoft's strategy was to drive a wedge into the open-source community and unsettle the marketplace, Shuttleworth said. He also took issue with the Redmond, Wash., software maker for not disclosing the 235 of its patents it claims are being violated by Linux and other open-source software. 'That's extortion and we should call it what it is,' he said." Shuttleworth added, "I don't think this will end well for the companies that slipped up and went down that road."

Comments

mS? No..

[robpoe]

Microsoft doesn't have to fracture the OSS community. It does a fine job at fracturing itself.

"RMS IS A GOD"
"RMS IS AN IDIOT"
"YOU'RE AN IDIOT FOR NOT SEEING RMS IS A GOD"
"YOU'RE AN IDIOT FOR THINKING IM AN IDIOT FOR THINKING RMS IS A GOD"

And so on..

We make people into these cult-like status symbols, when in actuality, they shit like the rest of us do... Free software is good. Yes. OSS is good.

Freedom as in .. What the fuck ever .. Why even argue over this shit.

GPL isn't freedom. Want freedom? Release all code as Public Domain, TOTALLY free.

Who fucking cares if Tivo uses it in their device. Means it was GOOD CODE.

I'll get modded down and flamed for this post, which will further fracture the community.

Good job!