Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

BSA Software Piracy Fight Smacks of RIAA Crackdown

Posted by Zonk on from the making-enemies-in-all-places dept.

Ron Paul Dennis Kucinich writes "A Business Software Alliance raid on musical-instrument maker Ernie Ball Inc. cost the company $90,000 in a settlement. Soon after, Microsoft sent other businesses in the region around Ball's a flyer offering discounts on software licenses, along with a reminder not to wind up like Ernie Ball. Enraged, CEO Sterling Ball vowed never to use Microsoft software again, even if 'we have to buy 10,000 abacuses.' Similar BSA raids around the country have been provoking strong reactions from put-upon business owners, echoing similar reactions to music-lovers targeted by the RIAA."

3 of 282 comments (clear)

  1. Yes, he REALLY meant abacuses by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Come on you nerds, he said it for dramatic effect. HE IS NOT GOING TO START SLIDING FUCKING NOBS ACROSS STICKS.

    So you can stop saying "no need for abacuses! try linux!"

  2. 2002 News? Really? by svunt · · Score: 5, Informative

    Five years is an awfully long time ago. Heads up, editors :)

  3. Re:10,000 abacuses? How about 10,000 Linux install by ricegf · · Score: 5, Informative

    a company was rightfully fined for using Microsoft software illegally

    No, a company was fined for not being able to prove they were not using Microsoft software illegally.

    Although the EULA doesn't state they must provide a receipt for the software, or that the "Certificate of Authenticity" doesn't certify that the software is authentic (go figure), that is the standard to which Microsoft holds its customers on penalty of lawsuit or (more commonly) extortion.

    I received two letters from the BSA in 2003, both warning me that I could be liable for "hundreds of thousands of dollars" if they audit my business and I am unable to prove that every copy of their member company's software was legally purchased. They helpfully offered, "Can your business afford that risk?"

    Y'know, I couldn't. I switched to free-as-in-freedom software.