If they let this lopsided article stand, perhaps we can conclude that they don't really care about truth. How about engaging the conscience? Better late then never.
The case of the OpenSSH domain names lies at the intersection of several interesting issues. I came across the OpenSSH project a few months ago in my quest for a free SSH implementation on Linux; as the owner of several domain names and, more generally, a citizen and participant in a democratic and capitalist society (US), I'm curious to see the evolution of intellectual property rights in the age of the network.
Despite this standing interest, I found the original article on the OpenSSH domain "squatting" of only mild amusement until the posting of the update when learned that Alex De Joode is the "squatter" and read his reply. I found a name that I've known and respected for several years through my tinkering with crypto. I immediately read through all the threads to flesh out the debate.
Of the many points that have been made in the debate, I want to amplify one: the reputation of a good man has been wrongfully attacked. Those of us familiar with Alex de Joode's efforts on the behalf of crypto and privacy through the years--or those who have taken the initiative to discover it for the first time--and have read his statement cannot believe the accusations--direct and indirect--and judgement made against him. Those who don't know his work and too lazy or busy to learn about his character through a few minutes of research will dismiss him as a opportunistic squatter. I hate to see a good man villianized by ignorance.
I ask that all conscientious people who have benefitted from or simply respect the efforts of Alex de Joode--his USENET postings, his anonymous remailers, his FTP site, etc.--to please reply to this thread. Of course, if you want to maintain your privacy, post as an Anonymous Coward through an anonymizer. Please don't post more than once, and, worse, post nothing at all.
"Linus explains that the techno-savvy is the result of two things: electronic know-how developed as part of post-World War II reparations the nation delivered to Russia, and an extremely homogeneous population which easily adopts new technology."
I don't understand the relationship between Russia and Finland's techno-savvy. Could someone explain? Did Finland pay reparations to Russia? (Why?) Did the Finnish pay in electronic gadgets?
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If they let this lopsided article stand, perhaps we can conclude that they don't really care about truth. How about engaging the conscience? Better late then never.
The case of the OpenSSH domain names lies at the intersection of several interesting issues. I came across the OpenSSH project a few months ago in my quest for a free SSH implementation on Linux; as the owner of several domain names and, more generally, a citizen and participant in a democratic and capitalist society (US), I'm curious to see the evolution of intellectual property rights in the age of the network.
Despite this standing interest, I found the original article on the OpenSSH domain "squatting" of only mild amusement until the posting of the update when learned that Alex De Joode is the "squatter" and read his reply. I found a name that I've known and respected for several years through my tinkering with crypto. I immediately read through all the threads to flesh out the debate.
Of the many points that have been made in the debate, I want to amplify one: the reputation of a good man has been wrongfully attacked. Those of us familiar with Alex de Joode's efforts on the behalf of crypto and privacy through the years--or those who have taken the initiative to discover it for the first time--and have read his statement cannot believe the accusations--direct and indirect--and judgement made against him. Those who don't know his work and too lazy or busy to learn about his character through a few minutes of research will dismiss him as a opportunistic squatter. I hate to see a good man villianized by ignorance.
I ask that all conscientious people who have benefitted from or simply respect the efforts of Alex de Joode--his USENET postings, his anonymous remailers, his FTP site, etc.--to please reply to this thread. Of course, if you want to maintain your privacy, post as an Anonymous Coward through an anonymizer. Please don't post more than once, and, worse, post nothing at all.
"Linus explains that the techno-savvy is the result of two things: electronic know-how developed as part of post-World War II reparations the nation delivered to Russia, and an extremely homogeneous population which easily adopts new technology."
I don't understand the relationship between Russia and Finland's techno-savvy. Could someone explain? Did Finland pay reparations to Russia? (Why?) Did the Finnish pay in electronic gadgets?