Label "soviet" here means period, something like Renaissance or Modernism. As much Lem would like to avoid or deny it, he lived in that time and was influenced by it.
I have to admit, although U.S.S.R. and so called "Bolshevism" has written lot of dark pages in history while building "Communism", those dreams about future when humanity together working to defeat universe at least in subjective scale, expressed in these pictures and stories from Stanisaw Lem and other soviet sci-fi writers are which I am more found of. Yes, western sci-fi usually spells more doom and gloom, power of coorporations, profit over science and discovery, etc. Both "schools" have beatiful exceptions, like Lem sci-fi fairy tales or "I, Robot" series by Isaac Asimov. When I think of sci-fi, I usually think of "The Magellanic Cloud". This novel from then-young Lem is something I still fill very exceptional. In Soviet times it was published in so called "Winning Communism edition", but after collapse of Eastern Block it was published in non-tweaked edition, as Lem said first edition was too rosy about communism. What I like about it is that even in old version Lem touches (but only touches) issues of conflict as aims of society vs. aims of personality, as it challenges people who try to reach only closest star system. In some way, it is similar to western sci-fi - it doesn't say anything nice about way the Western lives and how it ends. But as socialist Lem of course tries to provide alternative. Of course, big question is - is this possible.
Anyway, what I wanted to underline that so called "Socialism in space" was more than propaganda, it had different mind set, and sometimes it was for me as small boy easier to connect to those stories with all scientific stuff and challenges of scientists against their egos and needs. Also they definitely tried to imagine how life of people would be in future, how social and moral elements change - for good, of course. While Western sci-fi (as it holds roots more in Scepticism) bashes human nature and don't find escape from it, however there are lot of funny and hopeful authors. I still wait for sci-fi who would embrace both of these - western and "socialist" styles. That would definitely exciting to read.
In resume, I really miss sci-fi which could inspire and lift up, not just show future from very pessimistic point of view. Yes, we as humanity has huge issues, starting with problem to lacking people who value humanity over their egos, who work together with others to achieve something. It is not said that everyone should work and live together as brothers, but at least we should not try to kill each other because of small petty differences.
Yes, you can clearly TRUST Wikipedia on articles about Russia, because they are so well treated from "editors who knows *real* truth what's going on in Russia".
FYI, there are SPECIAL team to edit out ANY bad references against Putin's Russia, Russia and of course, U.S.S.R in Wikipedia (No, it is not a myth and I have talked to those guys). I suggest you to read Talk page for that article and also more general ones. You will be surprised, how they think they are right - and everyone else who oppose them are totally wrong, are liars, and fascists/Nazi.
Kasparov stands for democracy in Russia. He went in exile from U.S.S.R., so, obviously, he simply can't be far left. Maybe a left-center.
And please, what is all about "Kasparov is not better"? It is DEMOCRACY, EVERYONE has right to say what they think. In fact, he even have opposed those who said that Russia must be taken back to course by force. No, he thought that it is better to be politically active. My God, it is a sin, isn't it?
What a load of bs. No offence, but when next time make such claims about Russia or related topics, please investigate DEEPLY (and it means not only Wikipedia) anything. Because amount of disinformation these days coming from there is absurdly big.
Disclaimer: I am from Latvia, but I don't hate Russians:) I hate Russian apologists and "historians" who wants to prove that "alternative" history exist.
They will get there, obviously. First they have to prepeare nation for it. Then they will label all who oppose terrorists (taking page from US book, what a irony) and they will be shot by gun squad without any court. Harsh times.
Because there are actual people who would call it irrelevant. Usually there are the same people who try to edit ANY Wikipedia article who has at least a little criticism against Soviet Union or Russia to suit their needs.
Yes, it is a little overboard, but better safe, than sorry.:)
Because there are people who actually love authoritarian power in Russia - and aboard. So it is no surprise that someone express such sentiment.
I know, that's nuts. But people are brainwashed and don't believe in real democracy. It is more like wanting to be blind just because you can't handle real life. You want someone else (in this scenario Putin) to deal with all shit in your country.
Russia never was a democracy, and never wanted to be. At least seems to me.
Yeah, I know, it sucks, because no one wants another Cold War. But seemingly US and West pays now for their lack of involvement of helping Russia to scurb corruption, investigating old crimes and anything else.
Let's be honest - Microsoft knows that if not Fast Track, then nothing will save OOXML for loosing any chance to "approved" by ISO. ODF is already to it's way to have 1.2 version to have very improved accessibility and formula issues, so pratically it can't stop support for ODF growing. Their only way was to have ISO label to their own format, but as it is failed, they have to go back to usual "lock-in" schemes, which are too obvious even for CEOs now.
As it is not only Russians problem (almost all post-Soviet nations share similar sentiment. I know, as citizen of Latvia), I think problem hides in that people thought democracy is a miracle - it will come and it will work. Wow, corruption. Wow, hunger, lies, rising crime. Ahh, nah, democracy just doesn't work. Let's go back to Soviet times? Damn, USSR is gone? What a shame. Heck, let's have supreme lea...errr, strong president then.
Let's remember how it was in US 100 years _after_ their Constitution was created. KKK, crime by army and police, religious nuts, US Indians issue. Capitalism wasn't rosy game altogether. Even now they still have problems. But heck, they are trying, even if there is some nuts like Bush who trying to undo all achieved.
People simply need to be more patient, and work on democracy to achieve it best. However, people want to have miracle already. Lot of problems, including huge bribery and corruption in post-Soviet countries, are just consequences of so called "fall out generation", which were in their best years when USSR felt. Generation which knew that they won't see fruits of huge work in democracy today, so they want everything NOW.
As I dislike arm race of Cold war, we must admit that US started it, because they hated Commies so much. If Russia won't have nuclear arsenal, I think it would be matter of time before US would try to sweep them out. And then lot of people would be dead for sure.
So this man somehow bring balance (yes, rather unpleasant, but still) in the world again. USSR having nukes stopped any other nuclear attacks just because US didn't want to risk with it.
I don't admire or celebrate what he did, but definitely it wasn't easy time for anyone, because both countries were at constant readiness to blow each other in pieces.
Said already enough. All these actions - playing Antiamerican cards, claiming Russia "best nation in the world", trying to "correct" international thinking about Stalin etc. etc. at absurdum - is to get already tired people from all this bullshit to vote for Putin comrades. Economy is going down (nevermind huge sales of oil and gas), inflation goes trough the roof, common people only see that one type of oligarchs have been replaced by another, more nationalistic/militaristic, but still don't caring much about nation. But Russians dies out as a people, trough heavy drinking/hunger/strong disillusion about the country. They become more dangerous than any radical Islamists, who cause at least could be understood.
Imperialists don't want to admit simply that Russia as "strong arm dictarionship" is dead horse, which will never work in modern time settings. I just hope their last resort won't be trying to play "hard" with the rest of the world. As we easily know how it is to have people who have nothing to loose.
When people will get this that Bush isn't that stupid. However, his and his "elite" reasoning seems very wrong to us. Why? Because they simply think and therefore act different. They are shortsighted, and this is a catch - lot of clever people have been. Cleverness and high IQ have nothing to do with skill of insight, skill of understanding balance of the world, skill of knowing how to vet out our opinion and not to be so righteous about it. Skill of understanding of giving something good and getting it back.
I know that there is common misunderstanding and false assumption that bribery is only possible in government level. No, in business world it happens even more frequently and it IS illegal (Even if some business people would like to think otherwise). I won't get into details how much laws Microsoft broke with doing this, but please, people, keep that in mind - business or government level, such actions are illegal and can get your sorry ass to the courtroom in any country.
Yes, but ODF un OOX is already enough. If even some document format looks good on paper and concept, it doesn't mean that they missed the train. Actually, I think OOX even did, because no way Office Vista will be universally acepted as old Office releases and lot of people already fine with OO.o/NeoOffice.
So it is just someone's wet dream to add another format in this brouhaha. I even thing it is done intentionally to add confusion. Yes, you can say that it is nuts, but Microsoft have done ANYTHING and then some to have ODF brought down, OOX accepted universally and even corrupted ISO system to push it trough as ISO standard just because they want so.
I guess it talks into volumes that Microsoft can easily use such proxy to move their agenda forward. Unfortunately, I don't believe in any such organistaions which consists from business people, because they only know business, how much it costs, not concepts in long term.
First, it was disability support. It was shot down.
Second, it was not supported by Microsoft Office. It was shot down too, with developed plugins already available for organisations.
Third, it was "let's have two formats and let's live together peacefully". Yeah, right. Formats don't get accepted by ISO just because there are "very important to keeping in touch with old good ole Microsoft Office".
And finally, we get "interoperability with Microsoft formats" argument. What a croak.
Get this people - truely open document format will NEVER have anything to do with Microsoft Office wet dream to keep domination. NEVER.
Really? It doesn't seem so to me, because I saw zero comments for this article who would at least honestly criticize GNOME, not talking about supporting it. Everywhere I go, be it Slashdot, Digg or OSNews, KDE guys seems much more trollish and willing to flame than GNOME guys. Of course, both sides have people who are reasonable with their arguments and fan boys who even don't know their idol. But that doesn't even matter - it just leaves bad taste in my mouth.
And this is strange, because in live discussion people are nowhere close that harsh. In my local community, we live together - GNOME, Xfce, KDE people - and simply don't care what your environment is. There is unwritten consensus that GNOME is for common crowd and people who love simpleness, KDE for "superusers" and friends who wants control, and rest of bunch just uses what fits their day. Yes, criticism still exists, but with such attitude it's very evaluable and useful.
p.s. I like Kbabel and some of KDE apps. However, whole environment is not for my taste. And it is matter of taste. People are different, get used to it;)
Or maybe just a little better understanding about format? He and his guys have been working with Microsoft Office format support for years. Of course, he favors that format he diggs better.
Yes, supporting OOXML is wrong and while I can see reasoning why GNOME Foundation did it (ISO or not ISO, OOXML will be reality for rather long time, let's not slip there in wishful denial), it doesn't seem right. But as this bashin...sorry opinion piece doesn't hold any hints from even trying to get GNOME Foundation answer these accusations, I don't see any reason for flaming.
What I hate more than trying to hype MS tech is flaming from KDE/anti-GNOME guys and trying to trump up KDE and put down GNOME as badass environment. Come on, let's be at least honest. Yes, Gconf is not perfect, but it has proven it's role over time. Yes, someone won't like Mono, but I use Tomboy and love it, while hating slow-to-death Banshee. Some technologies do work, and some not. Some things in GNOME is I can't live without (yes, some people *love* less verbosity in desktop) and there are some things I easily disagree with.
It is really love or hate contest? Do really KDE fans believe that their DE is only one? Then I am really sorry for them, because I think that diversity of free desktop is amazing achievement. That possibility to choose CSharpGtk or PyGTK for coding application is great. That possibility to choose have super-verbose or minimalistic environment is a main reason why free desktop advances so fast.
But heck, what I know, I am not KDE user:) (joke, people)
Hmmm, I was with you there until last sentence. Why stupidity?
He is engineer. Yes, he doesn't care about Microsoft tactics, he cares about technology. Yes, MS tech isn't perfect, but interesting and yes, MS tactics are disgusting.
But why Microsoft is so beloved in this whole world? Why Linux doesn't have 30% marketshare, if everyone hates Microsoft?
It's not that simple. It's not "stupidity", it can be called "having different values than us". Some people don't care about ethics or monopoly in computer world. Some even thing that having multiple competeting techs are wrong, that if Microsoft does it, let it be that one, even if it breaks and doesn't work quite right.
Slashdot Mirror
Label "soviet" here means period, something like Renaissance or Modernism. As much Lem would like to avoid or deny it, he lived in that time and was influenced by it.
:)
So nothing to get angry about
I have to admit, although U.S.S.R. and so called "Bolshevism" has written lot of dark pages in history while building "Communism", those dreams about future when humanity together working to defeat universe at least in subjective scale, expressed in these pictures and stories from Stanisaw Lem and other soviet sci-fi writers are which I am more found of. Yes, western sci-fi usually spells more doom and gloom, power of coorporations, profit over science and discovery, etc. Both "schools" have beatiful exceptions, like Lem sci-fi fairy tales or "I, Robot" series by Isaac Asimov. When I think of sci-fi, I usually think of "The Magellanic Cloud". This novel from then-young Lem is something I still fill very exceptional. In Soviet times it was published in so called "Winning Communism edition", but after collapse of Eastern Block it was published in non-tweaked edition, as Lem said first edition was too rosy about communism. What I like about it is that even in old version Lem touches (but only touches) issues of conflict as aims of society vs. aims of personality, as it challenges people who try to reach only closest star system. In some way, it is similar to western sci-fi - it doesn't say anything nice about way the Western lives and how it ends. But as socialist Lem of course tries to provide alternative. Of course, big question is - is this possible.
Anyway, what I wanted to underline that so called "Socialism in space" was more than propaganda, it had different mind set, and sometimes it was for me as small boy easier to connect to those stories with all scientific stuff and challenges of scientists against their egos and needs. Also they definitely tried to imagine how life of people would be in future, how social and moral elements change - for good, of course. While Western sci-fi (as it holds roots more in Scepticism) bashes human nature and don't find escape from it, however there are lot of funny and hopeful authors. I still wait for sci-fi who would embrace both of these - western and "socialist" styles. That would definitely exciting to read.
In resume, I really miss sci-fi which could inspire and lift up, not just show future from very pessimistic point of view. Yes, we as humanity has huge issues, starting with problem to lacking people who value humanity over their egos, who work together with others to achieve something. It is not said that everyone should work and live together as brothers, but at least we should not try to kill each other because of small petty differences.
Just my two euro cents,
Peter.
Yes, you can clearly TRUST Wikipedia on articles about Russia, because they are so well treated from "editors who knows *real* truth what's going on in Russia".
:) I hate Russian apologists and "historians" who wants to prove that "alternative" history exist.
FYI, there are SPECIAL team to edit out ANY bad references against Putin's Russia, Russia and of course, U.S.S.R in Wikipedia (No, it is not a myth and I have talked to those guys). I suggest you to read Talk page for that article and also more general ones. You will be surprised, how they think they are right - and everyone else who oppose them are totally wrong, are liars, and fascists/Nazi.
Kasparov stands for democracy in Russia. He went in exile from U.S.S.R., so, obviously, he simply can't be far left. Maybe a left-center.
And please, what is all about "Kasparov is not better"? It is DEMOCRACY, EVERYONE has right to say what they think. In fact, he even have opposed those who said that Russia must be taken back to course by force. No, he thought that it is better to be politically active. My God, it is a sin, isn't it?
What a load of bs. No offence, but when next time make such claims about Russia or related topics, please investigate DEEPLY (and it means not only Wikipedia) anything. Because amount of disinformation these days coming from there is absurdly big.
Disclaimer: I am from Latvia, but I don't hate Russians
They will get there, obviously. First they have to prepeare nation for it. Then they will label all who oppose terrorists (taking page from US book, what a irony) and they will be shot by gun squad without any court. Harsh times.
Because there are actual people who would call it irrelevant. Usually there are the same people who try to edit ANY Wikipedia article who has at least a little criticism against Soviet Union or Russia to suit their needs.
:)
Yes, it is a little overboard, but better safe, than sorry.
Because there are people who actually love authoritarian power in Russia - and aboard. So it is no surprise that someone express such sentiment.
I know, that's nuts. But people are brainwashed and don't believe in real democracy. It is more like wanting to be blind just because you can't handle real life. You want someone else (in this scenario Putin) to deal with all shit in your country.
Russia never was a democracy, and never wanted to be. At least seems to me.
Yeah, I know, it sucks, because no one wants another Cold War. But seemingly US and West pays now for their lack of involvement of helping Russia to scurb corruption, investigating old crimes and anything else.
Now we all pay the price.
Let's be honest - Microsoft knows that if not Fast Track, then nothing will save OOXML for loosing any chance to "approved" by ISO. ODF is already to it's way to have 1.2 version to have very improved accessibility and formula issues, so pratically it can't stop support for ODF growing. Their only way was to have ISO label to their own format, but as it is failed, they have to go back to usual "lock-in" schemes, which are too obvious even for CEOs now.
I guess no one. Because that will be what they do.
They are like Bush or any other radical right wing politician - you are with us or against us. It has nothing to do with Open XML.
Heck, I bet this could become most popular tag for /. stories.
And, most ironic of that, that it fits ohh so perfectly to Cold War, it could be even a tagline for it.
As it is not only Russians problem (almost all post-Soviet nations share similar sentiment. I know, as citizen of Latvia), I think problem hides in that people thought democracy is a miracle - it will come and it will work. Wow, corruption. Wow, hunger, lies, rising crime. Ahh, nah, democracy just doesn't work. Let's go back to Soviet times? Damn, USSR is gone? What a shame. Heck, let's have supreme lea...errr, strong president then.
Let's remember how it was in US 100 years _after_ their Constitution was created. KKK, crime by army and police, religious nuts, US Indians issue. Capitalism wasn't rosy game altogether. Even now they still have problems. But heck, they are trying, even if there is some nuts like Bush who trying to undo all achieved.
People simply need to be more patient, and work on democracy to achieve it best. However, people want to have miracle already. Lot of problems, including huge bribery and corruption in post-Soviet countries, are just consequences of so called "fall out generation", which were in their best years when USSR felt. Generation which knew that they won't see fruits of huge work in democracy today, so they want everything NOW.
Just my humble opinion,
Peter.
As I dislike arm race of Cold war, we must admit that US started it, because they hated Commies so much. If Russia won't have nuclear arsenal, I think it would be matter of time before US would try to sweep them out. And then lot of people would be dead for sure.
So this man somehow bring balance (yes, rather unpleasant, but still) in the world again. USSR having nukes stopped any other nuclear attacks just because US didn't want to risk with it.
I don't admire or celebrate what he did, but definitely it wasn't easy time for anyone, because both countries were at constant readiness to blow each other in pieces.
Said already enough. All these actions - playing Antiamerican cards, claiming Russia "best nation in the world", trying to "correct" international thinking about Stalin etc. etc. at absurdum - is to get already tired people from all this bullshit to vote for Putin comrades. Economy is going down (nevermind huge sales of oil and gas), inflation goes trough the roof, common people only see that one type of oligarchs have been replaced by another, more nationalistic/militaristic, but still don't caring much about nation. But Russians dies out as a people, trough heavy drinking/hunger/strong disillusion about the country. They become more dangerous than any radical Islamists, who cause at least could be understood.
Imperialists don't want to admit simply that Russia as "strong arm dictarionship" is dead horse, which will never work in modern time settings. I just hope their last resort won't be trying to play "hard" with the rest of the world. As we easily know how it is to have people who have nothing to loose.
When people will get this that Bush isn't that stupid. However, his and his "elite" reasoning seems very wrong to us. Why? Because they simply think and therefore act different. They are shortsighted, and this is a catch - lot of clever people have been. Cleverness and high IQ have nothing to do with skill of insight, skill of understanding balance of the world, skill of knowing how to vet out our opinion and not to be so righteous about it. Skill of understanding of giving something good and getting it back.
Man, people these days...
I know that there is common misunderstanding and false assumption that bribery is only possible in government level. No, in business world it happens even more frequently and it IS illegal (Even if some business people would like to think otherwise). I won't get into details how much laws Microsoft broke with doing this, but please, people, keep that in mind - business or government level, such actions are illegal and can get your sorry ass to the courtroom in any country.
Bingo! So true that I wanted to second that with this one useless post :)
Cheers,
Peter.
Very simple. Cisco would actally fight back. This suit is complete fishing expedition, just get bigger war chest to go after Cisco, Intel and guys.
Yes, but ODF un OOX is already enough. If even some document format looks good on paper and concept, it doesn't mean that they missed the train. Actually, I think OOX even did, because no way Office Vista will be universally acepted as old Office releases and lot of people already fine with OO.o/NeoOffice.
So it is just someone's wet dream to add another format in this brouhaha. I even thing it is done intentionally to add confusion. Yes, you can say that it is nuts, but Microsoft have done ANYTHING and then some to have ODF brought down, OOX accepted universally and even corrupted ISO system to push it trough as ISO standard just because they want so.
I guess it talks into volumes that Microsoft can easily use such proxy to move their agenda forward. Unfortunately, I don't believe in any such organistaions which consists from business people, because they only know business, how much it costs, not concepts in long term.
First, it was disability support. It was shot down.
Second, it was not supported by Microsoft Office. It was shot down too, with developed plugins already available for organisations.
Third, it was "let's have two formats and let's live together peacefully". Yeah, right. Formats don't get accepted by ISO just because there are "very important to keeping in touch with old good ole Microsoft Office".
And finally, we get "interoperability with Microsoft formats" argument. What a croak.
Get this people - truely open document format will NEVER have anything to do with Microsoft Office wet dream to keep domination. NEVER.
Yeah, another stupid, flaming, fanboyish, conspirancy loving comment.
But...I really don't see any other reasoning here. Compatibility with OOXML?! Last year?! Wtf!
ODF went ISO in 2005. In last year it achieved some kind of visibility because of OOXML ISO fight. What is his arguments?
Really? It doesn't seem so to me, because I saw zero comments for this article who would at least honestly criticize GNOME, not talking about supporting it. Everywhere I go, be it Slashdot, Digg or OSNews, KDE guys seems much more trollish and willing to flame than GNOME guys. Of course, both sides have people who are reasonable with their arguments and fan boys who even don't know their idol. But that doesn't even matter - it just leaves bad taste in my mouth.
;)
And this is strange, because in live discussion people are nowhere close that harsh. In my local community, we live together - GNOME, Xfce, KDE people - and simply don't care what your environment is. There is unwritten consensus that GNOME is for common crowd and people who love simpleness, KDE for "superusers" and friends who wants control, and rest of bunch just uses what fits their day. Yes, criticism still exists, but with such attitude it's very evaluable and useful.
p.s. I like Kbabel and some of KDE apps. However, whole environment is not for my taste. And it is matter of taste. People are different, get used to it
Or maybe just a little better understanding about format? He and his guys have been working with Microsoft Office format support for years. Of course, he favors that format he diggs better.
Yes, supporting OOXML is wrong and while I can see reasoning why GNOME Foundation did it (ISO or not ISO, OOXML will be reality for rather long time, let's not slip there in wishful denial), it doesn't seem right. But as this bashin...sorry opinion piece doesn't hold any hints from even trying to get GNOME Foundation answer these accusations, I don't see any reason for flaming.
:) (joke, people)
What I hate more than trying to hype MS tech is flaming from KDE/anti-GNOME guys and trying to trump up KDE and put down GNOME as badass environment. Come on, let's be at least honest. Yes, Gconf is not perfect, but it has proven it's role over time. Yes, someone won't like Mono, but I use Tomboy and love it, while hating slow-to-death Banshee. Some technologies do work, and some not. Some things in GNOME is I can't live without (yes, some people *love* less verbosity in desktop) and there are some things I easily disagree with.
It is really love or hate contest? Do really KDE fans believe that their DE is only one? Then I am really sorry for them, because I think that diversity of free desktop is amazing achievement. That possibility to choose CSharpGtk or PyGTK for coding application is great. That possibility to choose have super-verbose or minimalistic environment is a main reason why free desktop advances so fast.
But heck, what I know, I am not KDE user
Hmmm, I was with you there until last sentence. Why stupidity?
He is engineer. Yes, he doesn't care about Microsoft tactics, he cares about technology. Yes, MS tech isn't perfect, but interesting and yes, MS tactics are disgusting.
But why Microsoft is so beloved in this whole world? Why Linux doesn't have 30% marketshare, if everyone hates Microsoft?
It's not that simple. It's not "stupidity", it can be called "having different values than us". Some people don't care about ethics or monopoly in computer world. Some even thing that having multiple competeting techs are wrong, that if Microsoft does it, let it be that one, even if it breaks and doesn't work quite right.
Not everyone values choice and freedom as we do.