They could tax email rather simply. Same way the collect payroll taxes. It is much too difficult for the government to do it with individuals, so they make the employers responsible and if they don't then it is easier for the government to go after the employers.
Substitute ISP for employers and you'll see how they could easily do it. Then when some ISP decides not to cooperate, they go to the next upstream link and shut them down. Amazing how quickly the people will fall in line...
Even if this is (and I think it is) false, never underestimate the evil that any organization with endless pockets can contrive. As noted "power corrupts..."
I did ultimately get my $$$, but did the same thing you did - cut rate to help them out because they were struggling and *were* a linux outfit.
Finally got the last of my money about a year later after being warned that if I talked about it, I wouldn't see it. Didn' have to, seems everyone knew anyway:-) No more, sad to say, I gave to the cause until it hurt.
I do agree with the comment somewhere above, that the deadbeats get 15 days (check clears in that time) or out on their arse.
I remember when we would "download" mag tape software from the "internet" (IBMs distribution center) and play music on the printers of 1401s, 1800s and s/360s. New? Hardly.
This patent is just representative of where things are in the good ole USofA. Greedoberallus.
Slashdot Mirror
They could tax email rather simply. Same way the collect payroll taxes. It is much too difficult for the government to do it with individuals, so they make the employers responsible and if they don't then it is easier for the government to go after the employers.
Substitute ISP for employers and you'll see how they could easily do it. Then when some ISP decides not to cooperate, they go to the next upstream link and shut them down. Amazing how quickly the people will fall in line...
Even if this is (and I think it is) false, never underestimate the evil that any organization with endless pockets can contrive. As noted "power corrupts..."
When you can buy phone cards for 4 cents a minute, it *is* a good idea and you can still make LD calls...
Wonder if it was the same outfit I worked for?
:-) No more, sad to say, I gave to the cause until it hurt.
I did ultimately get my $$$, but did the same thing you did - cut rate to help them out because they were struggling and *were* a linux outfit.
Finally got the last of my money about a year later after being warned that if I talked about it, I wouldn't see it. Didn' have to, seems everyone knew anyway
I do agree with the comment somewhere above, that the deadbeats get 15 days (check clears in that time) or out on their arse.
Wow, *any* goverment allowing *lube* now, I'm pleased, things are getting better :-P.
I remember when we would "download" mag tape software from the "internet" (IBMs distribution center) and play music on the printers of 1401s, 1800s and s/360s. New? Hardly.
This patent is just representative of where things are in the good ole USofA. Greedoberallus.