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How the BSA Squeezes the Little Guys

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the theres-yer-problem-right-here dept.

netbuzz writes "Actually, 90% of the Business Software Alliance's revenue is squeezed from small businesses accused of using unlicensed software. A lawyer who represents some of them says his clients often suspect that it was the IT guy who just left — and was responsible for maintaining the licenses — who ratted them out for a big BSA reward."

17 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. Thanks by niceone · · Score: 4, Funny

    I would like to thank editors for giving us all another chance at first post on this story. I missed it a few hours ago - wish me luck this time!

    --
    ccalam - acoustic versions of new songs.
    1. Re:Thanks by seebs · · Score: 4, Funny

      Zonk's really improving. He used to post dups days or even weeks after CmdrTaco posted them. Today, he posted the dup several hours BEFORE CmdrTaco did!

      --
      My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
    2. Re:Thanks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Too many inappropriate Boy Scout jokes come to mind from the title of this post.

    3. Re:Thanks by Deadstick · · Score: 4, Funny

      It won't be infringement unless the software guys copy the Boy Scouts' core activities:

      -Hanging out in all-male groups.
      -Dressing up in matching outfits.
      -Doing arts & crafts projects.
      -Being rewarded with jewelry.
      -Excluding gays.

      rj

  2. whew... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I was worried there that this was a story of pedophiles in the context of the Boy Scouts of America.

  3. What a surprise! by Tim+Ward · · Score: 3, Funny

    A lawyer who represents some of them says his clients often suspect that it was the IT guy who just left -- and was responsible for the maintaining the licenses -- who ratted them out for a big BSA reward.

    (1) BOFH tells bosses they really should pay up for legal licences.

    (2) Bosses tell BOFH to make illegal copies.

    (3) Repeat a few times.

    (4) BOFH gives up and finds another job.

    (5) BOFH shops former bosses.

    If this is a surprise to bosses who instruct BOFHs to make illegal copies of things then really it's amazing how they're bright enough to stay in business!

    1. Re:What a surprise! by gstoddart · · Score: 4, Funny

      Have you read BOFH? No way it happens like that.

      (1) BOFH tells bosses they really should pay up for legal licences.

      (2) BOFH bosses agree and cut a cheqeue

      (3) BOFH and PFY book junket to Las Vegas trade show to look into problem, fudge purchasing system to make it look like bosses bought new company cars, hookers and ski trips

      (4) Repeat a few times

      (5) Bosses ask why their computers appear to be empty cardboard boxes

      (6) BOFH rats out company to BSA

      (7) Corporate executives go to jail and pay fines since paper trail says BOFH has been asking for licenses for non-compliant management

      (8) New boss gets hired

      (9) BOFH tells bosses they really should pay up for legal licenses since last bosses wouldn't

      Repeat the whole process.

      This the the BOFH -- if there's no embezzlement happening, and if he's not blaming it on someone else, it's a non-story. :-P

      Cheers

      PS - now, for a normal IT person with a desire to do well, your scenario might be applicable. =)

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
  4. Thanks for pointing THAT out. by conureman · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think I need to go out to the garden for a while.

    --
    The cost of that cleanup, of course, will be borne by taxpayers, not industry.
  5. Hmmm... by rice_burners_suck · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wouldn't it be cool if some disgruntled worker gets fired from the BSA and then turns around and rats the BSA out to the BSA? He'd have to get a reward, and the BSA would have to charge itself a hefty fine.

  6. I, for one, by mandark1967 · · Score: 1, Funny

    welcome our dupe posting overlords

    --
    Sig Follows: "Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself." -- Mark Twain
  7. Reminds me of Ernie Ball by StressGuy · · Score: 2, Funny

    They are a manufacturer of guitar strings. I seem to recall an article (perhaps even posted to /.) about them getting stung by the BSA. The responded by deploying Linux and going to open source software.

    As I recall, it worked out well for them.

    Then again, perhaps I should take the time and google "Ernie Ball" and see if my memory is correct ;)

    --
    A goal is a dream with a deadline
  8. Re:Mod parent up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    I will not mod parent up. I think the /. moderation system is wrong and only leads to the dysfunctional and judging society that we all live in today. Everyone accepting each others posts at +5 insightful is paramount to the utopian world we all long for...... ;)

  9. Whew, BSA != "Boy Scouts of America" by Dahamma · · Score: 4, Funny

    "How the BSA Squeezes the Little Guys"

    For a second I thought the title of this article was very, very disturbing.

  10. Re:Odd that M$ also posted blowout profits last Q? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I know I shouldn't feed the trolls, but as far as your Apple upgrading is concerned, explain to me why I can buy a gen 1 Zune and upgrade it for free to use gen 2 firmware (opening up wifi access and getting all the normal goodies) but I can't get the latest firmware on my 5th gen 30GB iPod. I'll do that. Just as soon as you explain to me why I can't install 64 bit windows on my 32 bit Pentium 4. The hardware is different you fucking retard. God damn, slashdot is so full of doubleniggers that should go climb a wall of cocks these days.
  11. That happened to me too by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I was ordered to copy the OPERATING SYSTEM to all computers in our office.

    I sure hope Linus Torvalds isn't a BSA member. We'd be so screwed!

  12. Re:Something like that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    nothing like a monday morning joke to go right past you huh?

  13. Re:Other Reasons... by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 2, Funny

    And they'd better save all the receipts, because otherwise any software found on their disks will be assumed illegal.
    Guilty until proven innocent? What a novel legal concept!!! You ought to patent that, there's potential for billions there!!!