From "Happy Hacking" to "Screw You"

tquid writes "Trying to bridge the digital divide in Canada's poorest postal code, a principled group of hackers adopt "open source"-based technology spun off from an MIT project. Then the terms on the hardware are changed, and changed again, and then firmware to lock out the frustrated group's software is installed, screwing them out of their investment and many hours of development work."

Comments

I don't really get it.

[Vexorian]

So, what's the problem exactly? I think they are complaining that sponsored ads appear even when you used site: and the ad points to another site. If I remember correctly this is not new. IT is not aggressive either since google makes it very clear about what is an sponsored result and what isn't

It is just an easier interface to site:, I guess, perhaps they thought it was a new, aggressive feature because they previously didn't know about site:'s behavior with sponsored sites and this new feature made them notice about that?

Re:Vendor lockin is a myth

[Anonymous Coward]

What the hell are you on about? If that was an attempt at a joke, it was appalling.

Yes, how dare anyone deviate from the usual Slashdot line? How dare anyone think about things in a pragmatic fashion?

If you're uncomfortable with your viewpoint being challenged, either sit and think for a while and come up with a reasoned counter-argument, or just shut up.

Re:So talk to them?

[billcopc]

Yep, honesty never pays. That's the foundation of U.S. politics and economic doctrine.

However there is a non-financial benefit to honesty: satisfaction. Problem is, the legal industry is extremely competitive and does not give benefactors the time of day.