While I agree with him that hatred is a disease - generally causing more harm to the hater that the hated - I don't necessarily agree that the selfishness of the open source community is the same or similar to Microsoft's.
Once an OSS developer achieves his goal, it is available to the community. The selfishness generally ends there and others are free to use it as they see fit to achieve their goals. Like the kid in the sandbox that's had his turn with the toy hands it over. Microsoft, on the other hand, hoards and lords over their toys.
Plus there's that whole thing about wanting to break my toys. Fuckers.
No, but it does place a person at a disadvantage. In many ways you could make the same arguments about electricity or even running water - since those services are available in some shape or form by waiting in line. And for someone with disabilities, internet access can be as important as physical aids.
It may not be considered an essential service now, but it damn well ought to be.
Your examples are ones that have easily recognizable consequences for just about anyone. My point is more about the ones that take considerably more thought. For example, you give a big thumbs up to some fringe political party that, in the not so distant future, is outlawed with the supporters being flagged. Hell, atheism could become illegal someday if some fanatics got their way.
Extreme examples, for sure, but I believe the point is clear
You're right, but I don't think Joe Sixpack necessarily understands the concepts of data mining, profiling, etc and how they might relate to social networking sites. Nor do I think he, or the average teenager, understands the permanence of data or the associated implications.
And frankly, what may make sense to post on a gigantic billboard in your front yard may not make sense, or even be legal, tomorrow. Times change. Governments change. Social mores change. I think expecting your average internet user to consider these things is asking a little much.
Slashdot Mirror
While I agree with him that hatred is a disease - generally causing more harm to the hater that the hated - I don't necessarily agree that the selfishness of the open source community is the same or similar to Microsoft's.
Once an OSS developer achieves his goal, it is available to the community. The selfishness generally ends there and others are free to use it as they see fit to achieve their goals. Like the kid in the sandbox that's had his turn with the toy hands it over. Microsoft, on the other hand, hoards and lords over their toys.
Plus there's that whole thing about wanting to break my toys. Fuckers.
No, but it does place a person at a disadvantage. In many ways you could make the same arguments about electricity or even running water - since those services are available in some shape or form by waiting in line. And for someone with disabilities, internet access can be as important as physical aids.
It may not be considered an essential service now, but it damn well ought to be.
Yup, however...
Your examples are ones that have easily recognizable consequences for just about anyone. My point is more about the ones that take considerably more thought. For example, you give a big thumbs up to some fringe political party that, in the not so distant future, is outlawed with the supporters being flagged. Hell, atheism could become illegal someday if some fanatics got their way.
Extreme examples, for sure, but I believe the point is clear
You're right, but I don't think Joe Sixpack necessarily understands the concepts of data mining, profiling, etc and how they might relate to social networking sites. Nor do I think he, or the average teenager, understands the permanence of data or the associated implications. And frankly, what may make sense to post on a gigantic billboard in your front yard may not make sense, or even be legal, tomorrow. Times change. Governments change. Social mores change. I think expecting your average internet user to consider these things is asking a little much.