What a bunch of hogwash. Get rid of it after 6 months? What does that accomplish? When you can answer that with an acceptable reason, I'll consider it. Until then, the cameras point at public spots, there's nothing from stopping private citizens from doing the same thing. What do we need a "data protection act" for? Sounds like another attempt for political grandstanding and long, complex, unenforceable laws that are worth less than the paper they're printed on.
Hey... nice post. You whine and moan without offering any help or answers! You should consider a career in politics!
Have you been to Baltimore? Drugs and crime. It's not a pleasant city except for the inner harbor, about 6 square blocks of downtown, and the 2 stadiums. Otherwise, I'd not want to be walking around much. Putting a video system in will keep criminals out. Baltimore is trying to keep what little tourism they have left while offering a good chance at identifying criminals with iron-clad proof.
1)
They pay the record stores big $$$ for nice display racks up front where everyone can see it. They pay for local stores to advertise their "hot selections".
It doesn't surprise me that they would buy advertising spots on local radio and sell their music. It's not any worse than informercials on TV. What would be worse is if the radio stations gave the record companies a rate cheaper than anyone else can get. That would make me angry.
2)
The most irritating thing to me is the 6 minutes of previews on DVD that I'm forced to watch when I watch movies like Babe. 6 minutes of previews. 3 different DVD players, and I can't skip forward to the menu. And, since I opened the piece of garbage, I can't return it.
It was a gift to my son, but someone paid $15 for the thing, and they have to watch 6 minutes of CRAP before the movie can start. At least with VHS, you can fast forward. And, they don't declare it on the outside of the box. If they did, I'd avoid DVDs with unskippable ads.
I'd sure like to find the person responsible for that decision. I'd like to mail them 20 lbs of dog crap, postage due.
If people are willing to succumb to sales tactics, then so be it. But selling advertising space isn't scary. It beats having to pay to listen to the radio. And I won't do that. The minute I have to pay for service AND tolerate advertising, I'm out the door. I can't remember the last time I listened to music radio.
Ebay... I don't know anyone who bought a phone or sold a phone on ebay. I worked for a telephone company for the past 10 years too... so I see and hear about this stuff all day long. I know that there are plenty of people who get their phones unlocked. Phones just don't last very long, and Ebay isn't as good of a deal. Too many people get way too caught up in bidding, and they get stupid... paying way too much for a piece of junk.
Frankly, if you have to call customer service, you're already in more trouble than can reasonably be solved by someone on the other end of the phone... I deal strictly with email or I drive down to the local store where I bought the phone.
It's much easier to go back to the people that sold you the phone and try to get them to work it out. They usually do if you don't have newbies working. Jobs selling cell phones are almost McJobs. You never see the same person twice.
If they start to get smart and think they've got me over a barrel, I will give them the following, "You (or your provider) are providing crappy service. I'm going to drop you, I won't pay the disconnect fees, here's my phone. I'm also going to report your crappy service and this entire incident to the Attorney General's office, the state public utilities commission, the state department of commerce, and I might just file a small claims case and sue you for the money I've wasted on your service so far. Now, what would you like to do for me to keep me as a customer?"
That changes their attitude in a hurry. I've never had to go to that length, but I've coached a few timid people into this type of a statement, and they've seen a change of heart from their provider.
One last tactic that's another favorite of mine,
I will call the CEO. I've never reached the CEO, I usually get some administrative assistant or other flunky, but I make it clear to them that I will make their life as miserable for them as their company has for me. Usually, they listen to my complaints, take down information, and someone calls me back within 10 minutes.
I've gotten a lot further that way than by dealing with some call center flunkies working off of a 2 page problem-solving script that ends with, "Thank you for calling."
What happens when a nanobot suffers a mutation, and starts feeding itself with something else?
Not possible? It's these type of possibilities that happen every day with viruses and bacteria.
Some of our greatest inventions were accidents. One simple accident, and we've got rogue nanobots.
Maybe they'll attack stainless steel? Or aluminum? Rubber, or glass? Any one of those would be bad.
Imaigine a widespread virus-like nanobot that only attacked glass? The world would change. Imagine how much lumber would be used to patch holes until plexiglass or something else could be used to replace house windows?
I agree. If someone I know takes bad pictures and posts them to a web page, so what? It can't be any worse than Polaroid in the 1970's.
There are a lot more serious problems in the world than people that take bad pictures.
What are you using in your post-processing? Photoshop? What camera? You might find a users' group for your camera, and ask them. I'm betting you are using point & shoot?
Understanding white balance is a tough one. Until you know what you're doing, you really rely on the automatic settings of the camera. When you know what you're doing, you'll be wanting a better camera with more options.
Color management is probably one of the least understood aspects of digital photography.
Here are 2 links that will help you.
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/
http://www.aim-dtp.net/index.htm
Lastly, here's a book (I bought it too) that will help you a lot if you're a Photoshop 7 or CS user.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240 519426/qid=1086665041/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-97812 95-9436769?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
Cable TV, in order to communicate 2 ways, installed a multiplexor at the neighborhood level. This mux doesn't have redundant power. Most people don't have battery backup for their TV sets, why would CableTV bother to provide battery backup for their stuff? They weren't planning ahead. They never thought to support 911/traditional phone services.
If you had power at your house, with most DSL, it would still work. DSL equipment (in most cases) is powered by the same central office power that runs the analog voice switch. The problem is, you need to provide power to operate your modem, the computer, router, VoIP box, etc. In some cases, a DSLAM is installed in a hut near the neighborhood, and may occasionally suffer from a power outage.
Yes, sounds good. But, how about printer problems? Have you ever been to a polling place? The level of technological help is not high. Personally, I'd put any government office at a higher technological level than a polling station.
Spare printers, printer cartridges, etc, will need to be onhand. In fact, I'd make sure that the "receipt" be capable of displaying on a screen so that people could write it down with a pen and paper. People trained to print the little receipt will need to be on hand. Anything that can go wrong will.
Lastly, none of this stops voter fraud. In many states, it's very easy to vote. Show up with a Drivers' License or a neighbor to vouch, and you're in. You only need to be a resident for 30 days. If you don't have a neighbor, or a drivers' license, you can show up in Minnesota with a utility bill in your name, and that's enough to vote.
This camera has been in my family for over 30 years, still works like a champ, and has all of the manual features, plus the capability for aperture and shutter priority. The mounts haven't changed for the lenses. Here's a link:
http://www.photo.net/nikon/fe
The nice thing about this is that if you want manual features, it's got em. If you want to use some automatic features, it's got 'em. The only thing it doesn't have is auto-focus. This camera will hold its' value too.
I guarantee I'm not causing any noise in NYC. I don't live there. I don't drive there. I don't commute there. Therefore, I don't want to pay for the problems there.
If you read my post, you'll see tolls mentioned. Proper tolls will solve the commuter problem. Taking money from national defense will not. If the free market requires people to travel, they'll find the money to pay the toll. If they don't have the money to pay the toll, they won't use those roads, and there won't be as much need for insulation. I am not the problem, and I don't want to pay for it. I choose my charities. I don't want anyone else choosing for me.
I agree... too many political motives. Here's my $.02
People live in NYC (or any other big city) made a conscious decision to do so. Why should I pay to make their lives more quiet? I didn't contribute to the problem. Why should I pay for the solution?
You want to live there, fine, you pay for it. Put a toll on the roads, whatever, but don't ask me to pay for it. If enough people don't like it, they'll move, and the problem will be solved. If enough people choose to pay an increased toll, you can have your soundproofing.
National defense is another matter. We all need national defense, we all should pay for it.
To ask me to subsidize your decision to live in a noisy city is extremely arrogant. I'm NOT going to allow my tax money to be spent so you can live without consequence.
If you really want socialism, move to France or Sweden, and let us know how much happier you are after you're gone.
Thanks for sharing.
was the MMPI or a variant of it.
Here's the place that developed the test.
565 questions... I've taken it several times.
Plenty of companies use it.
I remember questions like:
I want to be a florist.
I'm afraid of doorknobs.
Here's an alternative to the MMPI, I claim no responsibility for it, I just found it today.
MLMPI
The Microsoft PR juggernaut is hitting full stride. "Any PR is good PR!"
I think somewhere, a Microsoft employee (or contractor) leaked this pre-release copy out to the web just to get some free testing. It makes sense... leak it, and just listen. Learn what the rest of the world has to say. Let's say that the programmers/contractors want to know what the world thinks: If they release a pre-alpha, the news media might not like it, MS would see their market value take a hit. If the pirates don't like it, too bad... but it's not a loss, it's a learning situation.
Secondly, MS, if they were just a bit smarter, could put some positive spin on this event by saying, "Hey, Longhorn is so good that pirates are making $1.50 on pre-alpha copies... just wait until we get a few more bugs worked in... I mean out."
One last thought:
Anyone stupid enough to pay $1.58 for a pre-alpha release has probably gotten exactly what they deserve.
I never suggested that Bill and Redmond would create a quality UNIX-like OS. Afterall, what was DOS originally? A rip-off of UNIX.
I think that, if geeks had their way, the world would be radically different. Instead, we live with what the best corporate/Wall Street thinkers believe (sarcasm intended).
"We need something to compete against UNIX."
"What about XP?"
"No, that's for consumers and ignorant businesses... we need something that geeks will recommend to their bosses. It's the only market left."
"That takes years to build that kind of following. We're MS. It'll never happen."
"What if we buy someone... someone that fills out our portfolio?"
"K... perfect. We've got more money than god."
MS then buys (and ruins) a perfectly good Linux/BSD/Unix distribution.
If Microsoft wants to develop a Unix-like language, they have to use SCO? There are holes in that "promise."
There's nothing to stop them from buying another company with a Unix-like product. "Ooops... it looks like we won't need to develop a Unix-like product with you."
In fact, I'd bet that Microsoft could develop Xenix 2.0, thumbing their nose at SCO. Any lawsuit by SCO might be dismissed due to SCO's shaky financial situation. Many contracts have stipulations that require demonstrable financial stability or the contract is void.
If SCO is on shaky ground, then MS might be off the hook. Financial "shakiness" is a matter of interpretation.
For that matter, SCO could sue MS and say that XP or Windows 2003 are "Unix-like.".
Sure. MS has been doing this stuff for years, and the employees have been telling management about their abilities....
But, like most companies, the upper brass doesn't listen to the employees. They're too arrogant. They want to look good, and listening to the peons doesn't fit into their egos.
Result? They pay a consultant several million to take them to exotic retreats, golf outings, expensive dinners, to tell them the same thing.
Frankly, I prefer Rubbermaid. I hate those tupperware parties. Sitting at someone else's house for 2 or 3 hours, listening to everyone rave about tupperware? It's pointless.
Rubbermaid is the answer. Walk into Target, Wal-Mart, etc, bada-bing. No multi-level marketing.
This whole issue boils down to poor planning from building management. There's a big communication problem.
The "horror" story that they present isn't that uncommon. There are companies that do the same thing in retail spaces all over the country.
There are building managers that are trying to attract tenants. It mentioned a building manager that advertised "plug and play", only to have the new tenant move in and find all of the cables cut. Where was the building manager when the old tenant moved out? This could have been prevented.
Building managers, in hard times, will relax conditions to gain tenants. Then, we hear about it in articles like this. Maybe it's time for a new building manager?
Maybe it's time for the building manager to tighten up their leasing agreements.
Perfect! It shows just exactly how much we (on the other side of the Atlantic) value communication with the French!
I'm all for it. Drop the phones, satellites, and let's just completely cut to these... robots.
It's really simple:
Yahoo needs revenue to maintain Wall Street expectations.
The quickest way to gain revenue is by advertising. I.E. selling subscriber email addresses to "marketing partners."
Everyone does it. AOL did it. Then the partner "sells" those email addresses, or some employee takes them home on disc, sells them to spammers, and that's it. I'm actually surprised that Yahoo told the users to indicate they will be changing.
I suppose that they don't want a ton of angry emails from the users. After they realize how many users will leave, they'll try to put a stop to it by making bold announcements to the press, but the cat will be out of the bag. Nothing changes... you can't offer too much free stuff and expect to stay in business unless you've got the best product with the best services.
All consultants do this. They take money from companies like Microsoft, Sun, Oracle and publish reports allowing a lot of spin for their customer. The companies can then use these reports as PR. Consultants lose crebility because of that behavior.
Consultants crave credibility. They come back with freebies like this one, touting their ability to consolidate a large amount of information. There's nothing earth shattering there, but the rest of the world will suddenly think, "Whew. The cat is out of the bag." SCO is going down the tubes, and this is a desperate act by desperate people."
Consultants are good at publishing "safe" analysis that won't offend anyone. It's already public, it's not that hard to believe. The public buys it.
Away from the consulting biz, most Wall Street analysts couldn't find water if they fell out of a boat. Analysts follow trends. They're more like sheep than anything else. Look at the analysts that follow Rambus. What a spectacle! Completely predictable too. Rambus produces extremely overpriced IP that marginally beats a much lesser priced product. Yet the analysts tout Rambus repeatedly.
Analysts are like sheep. None of them really wants to leave the flock.
If there's a slaughter coming, they'll follow the leader. If you were an analyst, and your butt was on the line every day, how many gambles would you take? Not very many. If you say the same stupid things as the next analyst, you're safe.
99% of the analysts are not very bright. Every once in awhile, you run into an analyst that ventures into uncharted territory, and everyone rips 'em to shreds. It's funny too.
At the rate this is going, Darl is going to save BIG money on taxes... he'll be paying long term capital gains taxes when he dumps all of his stock rather than short term gains. That is a huge chunk of money. The lawyers probably will make it to long term gains at this rate...
Darl is acting like Scarface. Paranoid.
His lawyers know that expanding the scope of this ridiculous witch hunt make for free press, and will lengthen Wall Streets' interest in their stock, allowing them and their attorneys more time to get their money out. I think all stock sales in this lawsuit should be frozen.
Darl has a think tank, and he's asking them how long will they can last, how long can they string out these lawsuits? Who else can they sue?
I'd like to ask the SEC who benefits from all of this? The lawyers, Darl, and cronies. The press keeps giving him free PR. That keeps the stock afloat. A nice big media circus. I wish the SEC would freeze the stock held by directors and executives at SCO.
I wonder why he doesn't have any politicians on his side. Maybe they won't touch him? I'm sure his lawyers have urged him to get in bed with the politicians. Maybe Orrin Hatch has already told him to take a hike?
Slashdot Mirror
UK's data protection act?
What a bunch of hogwash. Get rid of it after 6 months? What does that accomplish? When you can answer that with an acceptable reason, I'll consider it. Until then, the cameras point at public spots, there's nothing from stopping private citizens from doing the same thing. What do we need a "data protection act" for? Sounds like another attempt for political grandstanding and long, complex, unenforceable laws that are worth less than the paper they're printed on.
Hey... nice post. You whine and moan without offering any help or answers! You should consider a career in politics!
Have you been to Baltimore? Drugs and crime. It's not a pleasant city except for the inner harbor, about 6 square blocks of downtown, and the 2 stadiums. Otherwise, I'd not want to be walking around much. Putting a video system in will keep criminals out. Baltimore is trying to keep what little tourism they have left while offering a good chance at identifying criminals with iron-clad proof.
1)
They pay the record stores big $$$ for nice display racks up front where everyone can see it. They pay for local stores to advertise their "hot selections".
It doesn't surprise me that they would buy advertising spots on local radio and sell their music. It's not any worse than informercials on TV. What would be worse is if the radio stations gave the record companies a rate cheaper than anyone else can get. That would make me angry.
2) The most irritating thing to me is the 6 minutes of previews on DVD that I'm forced to watch when I watch movies like Babe. 6 minutes of previews. 3 different DVD players, and I can't skip forward to the menu. And, since I opened the piece of garbage, I can't return it. It was a gift to my son, but someone paid $15 for the thing, and they have to watch 6 minutes of CRAP before the movie can start. At least with VHS, you can fast forward. And, they don't declare it on the outside of the box. If they did, I'd avoid DVDs with unskippable ads. I'd sure like to find the person responsible for that decision. I'd like to mail them 20 lbs of dog crap, postage due.
If people are willing to succumb to sales tactics, then so be it. But selling advertising space isn't scary. It beats having to pay to listen to the radio. And I won't do that. The minute I have to pay for service AND tolerate advertising, I'm out the door. I can't remember the last time I listened to music radio.
Ebay... I don't know anyone who bought a phone or sold a phone on ebay. I worked for a telephone company for the past 10 years too... so I see and hear about this stuff all day long. I know that there are plenty of people who get their phones unlocked. Phones just don't last very long, and Ebay isn't as good of a deal. Too many people get way too caught up in bidding, and they get stupid... paying way too much for a piece of junk.
Frankly, if you have to call customer service, you're already in more trouble than can reasonably be solved by someone on the other end of the phone... I deal strictly with email or I drive down to the local store where I bought the phone.
It's much easier to go back to the people that sold you the phone and try to get them to work it out. They usually do if you don't have newbies working. Jobs selling cell phones are almost McJobs. You never see the same person twice.
If they start to get smart and think they've got me over a barrel, I will give them the following, "You (or your provider) are providing crappy service. I'm going to drop you, I won't pay the disconnect fees, here's my phone. I'm also going to report your crappy service and this entire incident to the Attorney General's office, the state public utilities commission, the state department of commerce, and I might just file a small claims case and sue you for the money I've wasted on your service so far. Now, what would you like to do for me to keep me as a customer?"
That changes their attitude in a hurry. I've never had to go to that length, but I've coached a few timid people into this type of a statement, and they've seen a change of heart from their provider.
One last tactic that's another favorite of mine,
I will call the CEO. I've never reached the CEO, I usually get some administrative assistant or other flunky, but I make it clear to them that I will make their life as miserable for them as their company has for me. Usually, they listen to my complaints, take down information, and someone calls me back within 10 minutes.
I've gotten a lot further that way than by dealing with some call center flunkies working off of a 2 page problem-solving script that ends with, "Thank you for calling."
What happens when a nanobot suffers a mutation, and starts feeding itself with something else? Not possible? It's these type of possibilities that happen every day with viruses and bacteria.
Some of our greatest inventions were accidents. One simple accident, and we've got rogue nanobots.
Maybe they'll attack stainless steel? Or aluminum? Rubber, or glass? Any one of those would be bad.
Imaigine a widespread virus-like nanobot that only attacked glass? The world would change. Imagine how much lumber would be used to patch holes until plexiglass or something else could be used to replace house windows?
I agree. If someone I know takes bad pictures and posts them to a web page, so what? It can't be any worse than Polaroid in the 1970's.
There are a lot more serious problems in the world than people that take bad pictures.
What are you using in your post-processing? Photoshop? What camera? You might find a users' group for your camera, and ask them. I'm betting you are using point & shoot? Understanding white balance is a tough one. Until you know what you're doing, you really rely on the automatic settings of the camera. When you know what you're doing, you'll be wanting a better camera with more options. Color management is probably one of the least understood aspects of digital photography. Here are 2 links that will help you. http://www.drycreekphoto.com/ http://www.aim-dtp.net/index.htm Lastly, here's a book (I bought it too) that will help you a lot if you're a Photoshop 7 or CS user. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240 519426/qid=1086665041/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-97812 95-9436769?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
magnetic pole flipping around?
Cable TV, in order to communicate 2 ways, installed a multiplexor at the neighborhood level. This mux doesn't have redundant power. Most people don't have battery backup for their TV sets, why would CableTV bother to provide battery backup for their stuff?
They weren't planning ahead. They never thought to support 911/traditional phone services.
If you had power at your house, with most DSL, it would still work. DSL equipment (in most cases) is powered by the same central office power that runs the analog voice switch. The problem is, you need to provide power to operate your modem, the computer, router, VoIP box, etc. In some cases, a DSLAM is installed in a hut near the neighborhood, and may occasionally suffer from a power outage.
Yes, sounds good. But, how about printer problems? Have you ever been to a polling place? The level of technological help is not high. Personally, I'd put any government office at a higher technological level than a polling station.
Spare printers, printer cartridges, etc, will need to be onhand. In fact, I'd make sure that the "receipt" be capable of displaying on a screen so that people could write it down with a pen and paper. People trained to print the little receipt will need to be on hand. Anything that can go wrong will.
Lastly, none of this stops voter fraud. In many states, it's very easy to vote. Show up with a Drivers' License or a neighbor to vouch, and you're in. You only need to be a resident for 30 days. If you don't have a neighbor, or a drivers' license, you can show up in Minnesota with a utility bill in your name, and that's enough to vote.
This camera has been in my family for over 30 years, still works like a champ, and has all of the manual features, plus the capability for aperture and shutter priority. The mounts haven't changed for the lenses. Here's a link:
http://www.photo.net/nikon/fe
The nice thing about this is that if you want manual features, it's got em. If you want to use some automatic features, it's got 'em. The only thing it doesn't have is auto-focus. This camera will hold its' value too.
I guarantee I'm not causing any noise in NYC. I don't live there. I don't drive there. I don't commute there. Therefore, I don't want to pay for the problems there.
If you read my post, you'll see tolls mentioned. Proper tolls will solve the commuter problem. Taking money from national defense will not. If the free market requires people to travel, they'll find the money to pay the toll. If they don't have the money to pay the toll, they won't use those roads, and there won't be as much need for insulation. I am not the problem, and I don't want to pay for it. I choose my charities. I don't want anyone else choosing for me.
I agree... too many political motives. Here's my $.02
People live in NYC (or any other big city) made a conscious decision to do so. Why should I pay to make their lives more quiet? I didn't contribute to the problem. Why should I pay for the solution?
You want to live there, fine, you pay for it. Put a toll on the roads, whatever, but don't ask me to pay for it. If enough people don't like it, they'll move, and the problem will be solved. If enough people choose to pay an increased toll, you can have your soundproofing.
National defense is another matter. We all need national defense, we all should pay for it.
To ask me to subsidize your decision to live in a noisy city is extremely arrogant. I'm NOT going to allow my tax money to be spent so you can live without consequence.
If you really want socialism, move to France or Sweden, and let us know how much happier you are after you're gone.
Thanks for sharing.
was the MMPI or a variant of it.
Here's the place that developed the test. 565 questions... I've taken it several times.
Plenty of companies use it.
I remember questions like:
I want to be a florist.
I'm afraid of doorknobs.
Here's an alternative to the MMPI, I claim no responsibility for it, I just found it today. MLMPI
The Microsoft PR juggernaut is hitting full stride. "Any PR is good PR!"
I think somewhere, a Microsoft employee (or contractor) leaked this pre-release copy out to the web just to get some free testing.
It makes sense... leak it, and just listen. Learn what the rest of the world has to say.
Let's say that the programmers/contractors want to know what the world thinks: If they release a pre-alpha, the news media might not like it, MS would see their market value take a hit. If the pirates don't like it, too bad... but it's not a loss, it's a learning situation.
Secondly, MS, if they were just a bit smarter, could put some positive spin on this event by saying, "Hey, Longhorn is so good that pirates are making $1.50 on pre-alpha copies... just wait until we get a few more bugs worked in... I mean out."
One last thought:
Anyone stupid enough to pay $1.58 for a pre-alpha release has probably gotten exactly what they deserve.
I never suggested that Bill and Redmond would create a quality UNIX-like OS. Afterall, what was DOS originally? A rip-off of UNIX.
I think that, if geeks had their way, the world would be radically different.
Instead, we live with what the best corporate/Wall Street thinkers believe (sarcasm intended).
"We need something to compete against UNIX."
"What about XP?"
"No, that's for consumers and ignorant businesses... we need something that geeks will recommend to their bosses. It's the only market left."
"That takes years to build that kind of following. We're MS. It'll never happen."
"What if we buy someone... someone that fills out our portfolio?"
"K... perfect. We've got more money than god." MS then buys (and ruins) a perfectly good Linux/BSD/Unix distribution.
If Microsoft wants to develop a Unix-like language, they have to use SCO? There are holes in that "promise."
There's nothing to stop them from buying another company with a Unix-like product.
"Ooops... it looks like we won't need to develop a Unix-like product with you."
In fact, I'd bet that Microsoft could develop Xenix 2.0, thumbing their nose at SCO. Any lawsuit by SCO might be dismissed due to SCO's shaky financial situation. Many contracts have stipulations that require demonstrable financial stability or the contract is void.
If SCO is on shaky ground, then MS might be off the hook. Financial "shakiness" is a matter of interpretation.
For that matter, SCO could sue MS and say that XP or Windows 2003 are "Unix-like.".
Wireless. I hear it's quite popular.
Sure. MS has been doing this stuff for years, and the employees have been telling management about their abilities....
But, like most companies, the upper brass doesn't listen to the employees. They're too arrogant. They want to look good, and listening to the peons doesn't fit into their egos.
Result? They pay a consultant several million to take them to exotic retreats, golf outings, expensive dinners, to tell them the same thing.
Frankly, I prefer Rubbermaid. I hate those tupperware parties. Sitting at someone else's house for 2 or 3 hours, listening to everyone rave about tupperware? It's pointless.
Rubbermaid is the answer. Walk into Target, Wal-Mart, etc, bada-bing. No multi-level marketing.
This whole issue boils down to poor planning from building management. There's a big communication problem.
The "horror" story that they present isn't that uncommon. There are companies that do the same thing in retail spaces all over the country.
There are building managers that are trying to attract tenants. It mentioned a building manager that advertised "plug and play", only to have the new tenant move in and find all of the cables cut. Where was the building manager when the old tenant moved out? This could have been prevented.
Building managers, in hard times, will relax conditions to gain tenants. Then, we hear about it in articles like this. Maybe it's time for a new building manager?
Maybe it's time for the building manager to tighten up their leasing agreements.
Perfect! It shows just exactly how much we (on the other side of the Atlantic) value communication with the French! ... robots.
I'm all for it. Drop the phones, satellites, and let's just completely cut to these
It's really simple:
Yahoo needs revenue to maintain Wall Street expectations.
The quickest way to gain revenue is by advertising. I.E. selling subscriber email addresses to "marketing partners."
Everyone does it. AOL did it. Then the partner "sells" those email addresses, or some employee takes them home on disc, sells them to spammers, and that's it. I'm actually surprised that Yahoo told the users to indicate they will be changing.
I suppose that they don't want a ton of angry emails from the users. After they realize how many users will leave, they'll try to put a stop to it by making bold announcements to the press, but the cat will be out of the bag. Nothing changes... you can't offer too much free stuff and expect to stay in business unless you've got the best product with the best services.
All consultants do this. They take money from companies like Microsoft, Sun, Oracle and publish reports allowing a lot of spin for their customer. The companies can then use these reports as PR. Consultants lose crebility because of that behavior.
Consultants crave credibility. They come back with freebies like this one, touting their ability to consolidate a large amount of information. There's nothing earth shattering there, but the rest of the world will suddenly think, "Whew. The cat is out of the bag." SCO is going down the tubes, and this is a desperate act by desperate people."
Consultants are good at publishing "safe" analysis that won't offend anyone. It's already public, it's not that hard to believe. The public buys it.
Away from the consulting biz, most Wall Street analysts couldn't find water if they fell out of a boat. Analysts follow trends. They're more like sheep than anything else. Look at the analysts that follow Rambus. What a spectacle! Completely predictable too. Rambus produces extremely overpriced IP that marginally beats a much lesser priced product. Yet the analysts tout Rambus repeatedly.
Analysts are like sheep. None of them really wants to leave the flock. If there's a slaughter coming, they'll follow the leader. If you were an analyst, and your butt was on the line every day, how many gambles would you take? Not very many. If you say the same stupid things as the next analyst, you're safe.
99% of the analysts are not very bright. Every once in awhile, you run into an analyst that ventures into uncharted territory, and everyone rips 'em to shreds. It's funny too.
At the rate this is going, Darl is going to save BIG money on taxes... he'll be paying long term capital gains taxes when he dumps all of his stock rather than short term gains. That is a huge chunk of money. The lawyers probably will make it to long term gains at this rate...
Darl is acting like Scarface. Paranoid.
His lawyers know that expanding the scope of this ridiculous witch hunt make for free press, and will lengthen Wall Streets' interest in their stock, allowing them and their attorneys more time to get their money out. I think all stock sales in this lawsuit should be frozen.
Darl has a think tank, and he's asking them how long will they can last, how long can they string out these lawsuits? Who else can they sue?
I'd like to ask the SEC who benefits from all of this? The lawyers, Darl, and cronies. The press keeps giving him free PR. That keeps the stock afloat. A nice big media circus. I wish the SEC would freeze the stock held by directors and executives at SCO.
I wonder why he doesn't have any politicians on his side. Maybe they won't touch him? I'm sure his lawyers have urged him to get in bed with the politicians. Maybe Orrin Hatch has already told him to take a hike?