Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

9 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. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. 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...... ;)

  5. 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.