Do you think this is helping Gates/MS? Everybody knows what his interests are, and thus see the business position in his saying bad things about Linux. It is giving Linux media attention. I really don't think his comments are going to weigh too greatly. Gates isn't effective in dealing with Linux, and he never will be, because he can't make a point without us all reckognizing his bias and interests.
the fact of the matter is, though, Top Level Domain name rules are not enforced, and that is not going to change anytime soon. From Internic on domain name disputes:
...Object to a domain name that is the same or similar to an individual's name...
(this excerpt alone doesn't make sense but you get the picture).
So Theos also has a right to this domain name. Just a small argument, that might work. (it might not, I'm not a lawyer). But if it does work, the first registrant would probably win a dispute, especially since theos-software hasn't cared for a long while.
My take on this is that they wouldn't change their minds. Why? The fact is that 95% of PC users use Windows, and both of those two companies are based around selling Windows machines. From a business point of view they cannot afford to risk anything. For business reasons, standing up to Microsoft is not an option for them. This is the result of questionable business practices combined with a monopoly on desktop machines by Microsoft. I'm not blaming Gateway or Micron, I'm blaming Microsoft. But neither Gateway nor Micron is about to change their mind.
Still, try sending the letters, PR might give you a good explanation with some specifics.
I think this was an excellent opportunity for Linux to get some media attention. Linux has been in the news a lot lately, but I've been hearing newspapers saying things like how it can make you 486 useful and requires less expensive hardware. This was definitely a good chance for Linux to prove itself on high end hardware.
I am truely disgusted by Microsoft. Jeers to Gates and friends.
Slashdot Mirror
(this excerpt alone doesn't make sense but you get the picture).
So Theos also has a right to this domain name.
Just a small argument, that might work. (it might not, I'm not a lawyer). But if it does work, the first registrant would probably win a dispute, especially since theos-software hasn't cared for a long while.
Still, try sending the letters, PR might give you a good explanation with some specifics.
I think this was an excellent opportunity for Linux to get some media attention. Linux has been in the news a lot lately, but I've been hearing newspapers saying things like how it can make you 486 useful and requires less expensive hardware. This was definitely a good chance for Linux to prove itself on high end hardware.
I am truely disgusted by Microsoft.
Jeers to Gates and friends.