Of course it's a good thing while there is still a chance to make money on the "standard". If it was all settled and everyone agreed, that eliminates some opportunities for making money (such as selling converters and translators).
This isn't an "evil" comment from MicroSoft, but an expected one.
They won't ever learn the lesson you want them to (and by "you" I mean the public, not you specifically), because it doesn't allow them to continue their current lifestyle / business practices.
They aren't motivated to learn the lessons, and therefore they never will.
Until someone comes along and hands them their collective lunches - killing big record labels in the process - by rendering them obsolete as a middleman between artist and audience by reinventing THAT relationship, they have no reason to learn the lesson, and EVERY reason to fight it tooth and nail every step of the way.
This isn't about "common sense" or "morality", it's about business.
There's also a limit to what a homeowner is expected to do to "maintain" the sidewalk. (Where I live, I don't own it, the city still does).
I am required to keep it free and clear of movable impediments - snow, gravel, etc... but if it cracks and heaves, that's not my responsibility to fix, that's the city's.
He's making fun of the fact that there are people out there actively wishing for a full cast movie of Full House. And trying to make the point that if you don't like Serentity, then perhaps that's the camp of television viewer you belong in...
Unfortunately, the reaction will no doubt be "Cool!" followed by high-five's, followed by a moment of introspection, followed by the pressing of the remote to change to a new channel in search of the next 15 second thrill.
Actually, I see it more as sueing someone who has perfect memory.
It should get laughed out of court based on the following comparision:
If I can remember a conversation word-for-word 10 years later, and it can be proven that my memory is a completely accurate representation of the facts as they stood at that moment in time, then my word could be taken as fact.
Why would the Wayback Machine be seen as anything other than a perfectly preserved moment in time? Sure, a company may want to engage in revisionist history, but just like they couldn't force me to remember something differently than I do, they can't complain when the facts are still available as they were on public record in the past.
What's next? Sueing a photocopy machine manufacturer because someone reproduced a memo that later was subject to shredding?
I'm always pleasantly surprised when a clerk in a store actually checks my signature on the back of my credit card to the one I sign on the slip.
The signature strip is completely worn off the card (overuse - so sue me), and I'll compliment them on their diligance if they ask me if I have any other ID which has a signature on it to verify.
We may disclose
aggregate user community information in special cases when we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury to or interference (either intentionally or unintentionally) with our rights or property, other Web site users or anyone else that could be harmed by such activities. Since aggregated data is not associated with any particular person, no personally identifiable information about you or your account status will be disclosed.
emphasis theirs
So, they appear to be saying "We'll only ever disclose information at an aggregate level and no one will ever know it's you". But how does that assist law enforcement "...when bringing legal action against someone..."? It appears that they WILL sell you out.
Planes and Trains which are massively computer controlled and require humans for monitor duty only, are monitored by professionals who have been trained for the task, and who don't have to deal with screaming kids in the back seat.
Your average driver? NOT a professional. NOT generally even qualifed to monitor a technical series of systems.
On the other hand, think of the benefits. Speeding becomes a thing of the past for most people (yes, someone will "hack the system") but that'll likely be beyond the purvey of most people. School Zones restrictions get obeyed. Highway Construction Zones get obeyed. I think it's a good thing if they can solve the "id10T" problem.
And shall I leap to the conclusion - based on your weak attack on my character - that you don't find those ads morally repugnant? That you don't wish that politicians campaigned on the strength of their own party's platform and ideals?
Shall I assume as well that you live in a trailer park, watch reality TV and Jerry Springer all day long, beat your wife and kids and loudly proclaim that you hope "we get them durned ragheads" to any and all who'll listen or have the misfortune of ending up within hearing range of your rants on how life has dealt you a bad hand and someone somewhere shoudl do something about it? I could, but, I won't. Because that would be wrong, since I don't know anything about you.
Actually, there's a part of me that's glad the Dems lost the election for failing to grasp this. The alternative is that they pursued that same religious neo-conservative vote and the election became all about the Jeebus.
Down that path lies every religiously run nation that the US hates because they hate you. America is showing signs of developing into a right-wing religious state not unlike Iran.
Far better for there to be a credible alternative for other people to flock to.
However, another thing I don't understand is how people who represent themselves as the morally superiour choice can justify the hateful ad campaigns that every single one of them run. I live close enough to the border that we get local US stations as well as the nation superstation broadcasts --- US politics is just plain nasty.
And at the end of every ad, from both parties, the gleeful candidate smugly provides the voiceover "I'm Baal, Lord of the 3rd Circle of Hell, and I endorse this ad". Or even worse the "this ad was not endorsed by Baal. Ad paid for by The Citizens to see Baal Re-elected"... as if somehow Baal couldn't control his supporters and they ran that ad over his objections. I mean c'mon!
Kerry lost largely on high voter turnout for those who opposed him on moral grounds, especially gay marriage.
As a non-American, that is what boggles the mind.
With everything going on, the election is decided on "moral issues"? Me no understand...although, you gotta hand it to Bush's campaign people for realizing near the end that it was the only type of campaign they could win.
Slashdot Mirror
Of course it's a good thing while there is still a chance to make money on the "standard". If it was all settled and everyone agreed, that eliminates some opportunities for making money (such as selling converters and translators).
This isn't an "evil" comment from MicroSoft, but an expected one.
They won't ever learn the lesson you want them to (and by "you" I mean the public, not you specifically), because it doesn't allow them to continue their current lifestyle / business practices.
They aren't motivated to learn the lessons, and therefore they never will.
Until someone comes along and hands them their collective lunches - killing big record labels in the process - by rendering them obsolete as a middleman between artist and audience by reinventing THAT relationship, they have no reason to learn the lesson, and EVERY reason to fight it tooth and nail every step of the way.
This isn't about "common sense" or "morality", it's about business.
There's also a limit to what a homeowner is expected to do to "maintain" the sidewalk. (Where I live, I don't own it, the city still does).
... but if it cracks and heaves, that's not my responsibility to fix, that's the city's.
I am required to keep it free and clear of movable impediments - snow, gravel, etc
That was an AMAZINGLY bad pun.
First one I've seen to rival the old chestnut "So, a termite walks into a bar. He asks 'Is the bar tender here?'"
The original poster said "For the vast majority of people who use the internet, the only real concern is getting on it. "
I believe what he meant was that, given the content on the net, for the vast majority of people, the only real concern is getting it on! "
You're missing the point.
He's making fun of the fact that there are people out there actively wishing for a full cast movie of Full House. And trying to make the point that if you don't like Serentity, then perhaps that's the camp of television viewer you belong in...
Unfortunately, the reaction will no doubt be "Cool!" followed by high-five's, followed by a moment of introspection, followed by the pressing of the remote to change to a new channel in search of the next 15 second thrill.
Umm, Pee-Wee Herman?
Your rhymes are lame, yo, truly dull ... and straight to /dev/null
Get off the stage
"Peace out, Middleton!"
(yeah, that's just dumb. I agree that they are now taking themselves too seriously. See: rap, everyone else)
...and charged for the hate crimes he was being held in jail for here.
Actually, I see it more as sueing someone who has perfect memory.
It should get laughed out of court based on the following comparision:
If I can remember a conversation word-for-word 10 years later, and it can be proven that my memory is a completely accurate representation of the facts as they stood at that moment in time, then my word could be taken as fact.
Why would the Wayback Machine be seen as anything other than a perfectly preserved moment in time? Sure, a company may want to engage in revisionist history, but just like they couldn't force me to remember something differently than I do, they can't complain when the facts are still available as they were on public record in the past.
What's next? Sueing a photocopy machine manufacturer because someone reproduced a memo that later was subject to shredding?
Where's the "breasts" option? ;-)
... WEAR IT and .... SHARE IT!
That works.
I'm always pleasantly surprised when a clerk in a store actually checks my signature on the back of my credit card to the one I sign on the slip.
The signature strip is completely worn off the card (overuse - so sue me), and I'll compliment them on their diligance if they ask me if I have any other ID which has a signature on it to verify.
Happens maybe twice a year...
If the user base has all the features they want in those mature apps, why would they buy the new "elegant/Perfect" software design?
You're not giving them anything new, so economically, you will fail since you won't attract enough interest.
"They".
*CIA_Silent_Running_botServ Activated ("comrades" key word - class naughty detected)
///Initiate background_check_with_extreme_prejudice @ user EM_Adams///
///Begin create_fake_logs in (#overthrow, #terrorcentral, #McVeyDaMan!)///
///AutoGenerate GitMo_Reservation///
emphasis theirs
So, they appear to be saying "We'll only ever disclose information at an aggregate level and no one will ever know it's you". But how does that assist law enforcement "...when bringing legal action against someone..."? It appears that they WILL sell you out.
Not that THAT should come as any great surprise.
Actually, THIS portion of Blizzard's fan base won't be buying into WoW because of the monthly fee structure.
Yes, I love their games. Diablo rocks hard, and I play it almost every day.
But, I can only justify that on a "one time cost vs. ongoing enjoyment" basis.
MMO's ARE a new business model as others have suggested, just not one that's got where it needs to be to attract my $$$ yet.
According to this site http://www.comicspriceguide.com/p-issues.asp?t_ID= 1098 , roughly $5 bucks a pop for "near mint".
That's $5 bucks for each comics, extra couple for issue #1, you're sitting on about $125 bucks worth of comic.
Actually, the real difference is this:
Planes and Trains which are massively computer controlled and require humans for monitor duty only, are monitored by professionals who have been trained for the task, and who don't have to deal with screaming kids in the back seat.
Your average driver? NOT a professional. NOT generally even qualifed to monitor a technical series of systems.
On the other hand, think of the benefits. Speeding becomes a thing of the past for most people (yes, someone will "hack the system") but that'll likely be beyond the purvey of most people. School Zones restrictions get obeyed. Highway Construction Zones get obeyed. I think it's a good thing if they can solve the "id10T" problem.
Pot to Kettle: "You're black."
And shall I leap to the conclusion - based on your weak attack on my character - that you don't find those ads morally repugnant? That you don't wish that politicians campaigned on the strength of their own party's platform and ideals?
Shall I assume as well that you live in a trailer park, watch reality TV and Jerry Springer all day long, beat your wife and kids and loudly proclaim that you hope "we get them durned ragheads" to any and all who'll listen or have the misfortune of ending up within hearing range of your rants on how life has dealt you a bad hand and someone somewhere shoudl do something about it? I could, but, I won't. Because that would be wrong, since I don't know anything about you.
Go troll somewhere else...
Actually, there's a part of me that's glad the Dems lost the election for failing to grasp this. The alternative is that they pursued that same religious neo-conservative vote and the election became all about the Jeebus.
... as if somehow Baal couldn't control his supporters and they ran that ad over his objections. I mean c'mon!
Down that path lies every religiously run nation that the US hates because they hate you. America is showing signs of developing into a right-wing religious state not unlike Iran.
Far better for there to be a credible alternative for other people to flock to.
However, another thing I don't understand is how people who represent themselves as the morally superiour choice can justify the hateful ad campaigns that every single one of them run. I live close enough to the border that we get local US stations as well as the nation superstation broadcasts --- US politics is just plain nasty.
And at the end of every ad, from both parties, the gleeful candidate smugly provides the voiceover "I'm Baal, Lord of the 3rd Circle of Hell, and I endorse this ad".
Or even worse the "this ad was not endorsed by Baal. Ad paid for by The Citizens to see Baal Re-elected"
As a non-American, that is what boggles the mind.
With everything going on, the election is decided on "moral issues"? Me no understand...although, you gotta hand it to Bush's campaign people for realizing near the end that it was the only type of campaign they could win.