It's not a good thing. The patent system is broken. And although you might dislike the targets of the litigation that doesn't mean that society as a whole isn't hurt that these sorts of shenanigans are allowed.
I agree, but I see these shenanigans as a potential agitation for changing the very broken status quo.
Of course, it's possible and even perhaps likely that any shakeup will change things in favor of large corporations, given our completely sold-out Congress. So all of my hopes in this area are covered with a bitter layer of unease and contempt.
It sounds less ominous when the deep-pocketed are being annoyed by a shake-down artist, but these bottom-feeders are the modern day equivalent of slip and fall con men
It's not their deep pockets that I think makes this situation... appealing? I'm not sure what the right word is here. It's something like Schadenfreude.
What I like about this is that companies which obtained software patents, a direct attack on the freedom of programmers everywhere, are themselves being attacked with software patents.
I grudgingly accept that narrowly defined software patents are no more or less immoral than non-software patents. But AFAIK Google, Apple, and about every other company out there has sought software patents that are as wide as possible. For that, I delight in their current suffering.
You're talking about a willful act (and a crime, in fact) vs. accidental damage. AFAIK those are two very different categories as far as criminal- and labor-laws are concerned. But IANAL, so feel free to hire one or use Google.
The closest I've ever seen is threats to take the cost out of my paycheck if I accidentally broke a foundation.
I believe that in the U.S. that would be illegal. In fact, if he was threatening to commit an illegal act against you, you may have the grounds for a lawsuit already.
There is no consensus on this. "Dead" is just as probable. E.g. "Dead" as in "dead ahead", or "pure". As in "calculation only" (no external landmarks).
Not to pull rank, but I got my information from Wikipedia. Let's see you trump that!
But seriously, I am curious about the etymology of the word. Do you remember where you got the information that its origin is cloudy?
Oh, and "screw/. beta" or something. I forget what I'm supposed to say today.
That sounds noble. But I think it's noteworthy that about the only Japanese software I ever come across is hiding in embedded systems. So I'm not sure we can point to that Japanese model as something we should clearly emulate.
I realize why they outsource, because they believe in the market and think they will get the best deal. However the government needs enough IT work done that they could hire their own army of IT workers. A whole organization who's only mandate is to provide IT services to all the other departments in the government.
I don't think it's just that. The federal civil service laws make it very hire to lay people off (because they're no longer needed) or to fire them (because they suck). This means that staffing up for a big project is by incurs a long-term obligation to pay workers, many of whom you no longer want, need, or should be spending budget on.
Slashdot Mirror
Kids making snowmen is considered geeky
Apparently even news for nerds is boycotting the Beta.
You are correct!
I wish I had some mod points but unfortunately I don't
I have some! Oh, wait. Crap.
Google is your friend. Go have an argument with it, not me.
It's not a good thing. The patent system is broken. And although you might dislike the targets of the litigation that doesn't mean that society as a whole isn't hurt that these sorts of shenanigans are allowed.
I agree, but I see these shenanigans as a potential agitation for changing the very broken status quo.
Of course, it's possible and even perhaps likely that any shakeup will change things in favor of large corporations, given our completely sold-out Congress. So all of my hopes in this area are covered with a bitter layer of unease and contempt.
Dang this topic depresses me.
It's not their deep pockets that I think makes this situation... appealing? I'm not sure what the right word is here. It's something like Schadenfreude.
What I like about this is that companies which obtained software patents, a direct attack on the freedom of programmers everywhere, are themselves being attacked with software patents.
I grudgingly accept that narrowly defined software patents are no more or less immoral than non-software patents. But AFAIK Google, Apple, and about every other company out there has sought software patents that are as wide as possible. For that, I delight in their current suffering.
So far I like what I'm hearing. Why mess with a good thing?
I'm pretty sure it's stuck at 186,000 miles/second.
You're talking about a willful act (and a crime, in fact) vs. accidental damage. AFAIK those are two very different categories as far as criminal- and labor-laws are concerned. But IANAL, so feel free to hire one or use Google.
Often I marvel at how banal the American government is. Then, occasionally, the UK or French governments make me feel a little better.
Not to nitpick, but wouldn't that be an FR system?
The closest I've ever seen is threats to take the cost out of my paycheck if I accidentally broke a foundation.
I believe that in the U.S. that would be illegal. In fact, if he was threatening to commit an illegal act against you, you may have the grounds for a lawsuit already.
1) Own a Cessna.
2) Aim a laser at it in the safety of your hangar.
3) ???
4) Profit!!!
And then be arrested for doing something that should be legal, but isn't.
It should be legal to fire lasers at planes and endanger the people aboard? Or did you mean at your own plane while it is on the ground?
Sorry, let me clarify. SLASHDOT BETA SUCKS!!!
1) Own a Cessna.
2) Aim a laser at it in the safety of your hangar.
3) ???
4) Profit!!!
And then be arrested for doing something that should be legal, but isn't.
"That would be up the butt, Bob."
When I hear about stuff like this, I'm ashamed of the savage thoughts and desires I feel towards the perpetrators.
Do you want to lick them?
No, I want to make them use Slashdot Beta.
When I hear about stuff like this, I'm ashamed of the savage thoughts and desires I feel towards the perpetrators.
Do the Germans have a single, very long, really angry-sounding, word for 'this software is licensed, not sold'? Inquiring minds want to know.
SlashdottBetaSaugen?
There is no consensus on this. "Dead" is just as probable. E.g. "Dead" as in "dead ahead", or "pure". As in "calculation only" (no external landmarks).
Not to pull rank, but I got my information from Wikipedia. Let's see you trump that!
But seriously, I am curious about the etymology of the word. Do you remember where you got the information that its origin is cloudy?
Oh, and "screw /. beta" or something. I forget what I'm supposed to say today.
How do you know it's the admins doing that? I can't remember having the ability to see which users mod a given post.
Actually, since EA is publicly traded, couldn't this count as a material misrepresentation to the stock market?
Is this not criminal misrepresentation of their product?
It's probably too late to turn back the clock on this, but it's actually spelled "ded" reckoning. Short for "DEDuced".
That sounds noble. But I think it's noteworthy that about the only Japanese software I ever come across is hiding in embedded systems. So I'm not sure we can point to that Japanese model as something we should clearly emulate.
Spoken like a true /. member!
I realize why they outsource, because they believe in the market and think they will get the best deal. However the government needs enough IT work done that they could hire their own army of IT workers. A whole organization who's only mandate is to provide IT services to all the other departments in the government.
I don't think it's just that. The federal civil service laws make it very hire to lay people off (because they're no longer needed) or to fire them (because they suck). This means that staffing up for a big project is by incurs a long-term obligation to pay workers, many of whom you no longer want, need, or should be spending budget on.
It's way easier to get rid of contractors.