Dude, I was just pointing out WHY people are nervous, and used Microsoft's handling of Java as a template to illustrate a point.
Not worrying about Microsoft's extension to a competitor product, is like not worrying about a certain one glove singer from the 80's babysitting. They both have a history that warrants a skeptical look on their intentions...
Actually I'm at a loss here. Could you enlighten us as to how these evil tricksies will take place.
People are nervous because we seen this pattern before on a non-open source (at the time) language/library. It went like this:
1. Incorporate JQuery into visual studio and add windows specific code to "enhance the productivity within visual studio".
2. Books and MSDN will refer to the Microsoft extensions as cool ways to get thing done in JQuery, and people new to the software will gravitate to the Microsoft version, colleges will teach it (most colleges use Windows in their labs), and since most people use windows anyway they see no harm in adopting the extended edition.
3. Continue to refer the extended version as JQuery, causing confusion between the Microsoft version and the official version.
4. JQuery loses enough share to the Microsoft version to cause some grief to the non-microsoft developers. Especially since a lot of enterprises are sold on the Microsoft method of IT, and would like their developers to take advantage of the Microsoft technology.
5. By the time damage is done and JQuery complains, Microsoft will rename their version JQ++
6. Eventually Microsoft will abandon JQ++ and move all new development to Query.net.
Yes it is. The refinery didn't blow up, it was just a fire which aren't that rare (the previous one was in 2005) and they take steps to make sure if it does happen the production isn't lost for long.
The only thing I heard was that production was slowed down temporarily due to the ship channel being closed for Gustav. But as far as I know, Cheveron expected the refinery to return to normal production once the channel reopened. I doubled check online and found this http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0134883420080902.
Think of any product of Microsoft which does not make new enemies. Silverlight? A flash me-too. Google? Microsoft has live search. The Xbox is against everyone else in the market.
I agree Microsoft is too aggressive with trying to maintain its dominance in the software market. However, I'm afraid you may have associated a bad behavior with a good one:
If it is a mortal sin to make a "me-too" product then we would not have Linux, nor would we have a me-too desktop called Gnome (that countered KDE), nor would we have a bunch of programmers making open source me-too products.
In fact, "Me-too" products are great. Competition forces developers to come up with more consumer friendly features. Hell, I thought the whole point of open source software is spur a bunch of "me-too" software to benefit the computer user. Don't like what's out there, then make a better one.
BTW: Despite what you may think - Google did not invent web searches or web advertising. Google is a me-too version of AliWeb, or is it a me-too version of WebCrawler, Infoseek, Lycos, AltaVista, Magellan, Excite...?
Speaking of Google - The following could apply to them:
... is going to implode because they make too many enemies. They push too aggressive and try to invade too many islands which bind resources.
History lesson is in order:
Microsoft didn't become number one by holding a gun to everyone's head and forcing them to purchase Windows. They made an OS suite that made the personal computer easier to use, and people like it. Manufacturers bundled it because it was the best out there at the time because it had APPLICATIONS. Microsoft knew that in order for an OS to be successful it needs to have applications and therefore a whole suite of Microsoft products were born.
It is Microsoft's do everything possible to keep the consumer locked into their products that make them evil. If you consider self preservation evil.
I see the potential for the same thing happening with Google. Everyone uses Google because it appears to be the best thing out there. Google isn't forcing us to use their products, but Google understands that in order to be successful they need a suite of products that extend their business model. So they created web applications that drive traffic to their servers, and they are now getting into the phone OS market that will bundle software that would continue to drive business to their server. Basically, they made a bunch of me-too software to further their business model (Worse they own rights to all the information stored within their products).
The question we should ask ourselves is "After all the years of drinking Google's kool-aid, what methods will Google use to keep their market share?"
So what's the point behind my rant which tries to link Microsoft's past to Google's future?
The article rightfully understands the dangers of allowing a company that has a well documented history of extending a standard into something that only a Microsoft product could render.
I'm just pointing out that it's the actions that Microsoft takes to keep their dominance that is harmful to the industry, and we should learn from this.
"Me-too" (regardless who makes them) products are good for the industry and for the consumer, it's the leverage that we allow a single company to gain against us that may come back and haunt us later. We need to make sure all our standards are well written and allows for unfettered implementation by anyone.
I know I'm preaching to the choir, because you ended your comment with:
Microsoft does unfortunately not inspire the developers anymore. In lobbying Microsoft is as evil as it can be, Microsoft thinks they can outspent any government and of course try.
.
I just wanted to expound upon it and make a cautionary tale so that maybe we won't repeat the cycle (oh I know we will - but I could at least say I told you so).
As a fellow Mobilian, I may have an answer for you.
We get our gasoline from refineries in Pascagoula and Saraland. Well within trucking distance. Central Georgia gets their gas from a pipeline that has been down due to production cutbacks from Ike. I heard that demand is not being fulfilled with trucking, and things won't return to normal until the pipeline (and the refineries attached to them) return to full production.
At least that is what I heard from the rumor mill..
The principle is a public figure to the students of the school.
This is as true as saying your boss is a public figure in your office.
The test that needs to be made is whether or not the principle is public enough for MySpace. It would be one thing if the parody was done in an unofficial school paper, however MySpace reaches a much larger outside of the student body.
While a student of that school *might* view it as parody, what about someone 300 miles away?
Besides this wasn't parody, this was a student acting like a jackass...
There's case history with Falwell V. Hustler about fictionally accusing somebody of a crime. Hustler ran a fake ad about Jerry Falwell losing his virginity in an outhouse. Since a reasonable person can be sure that the ad was completely absurd and fake, it was deemed that libel cannot be used against it.
The problem being that Jerry Falwell is a public figure. He has celebrity status and as such can expect to be parodied. Due to his celebrity status, a reasonable person could deduce that the ad was fake.
The principle is not a celebrity nor a public figure. He's an administrator of a school. Since he is unknown to the public, there is no expectation that a reasonable person could deduce the MySpace content as parody.
I believe the school board is trying to look out for the best interest of the child as well as it's employees. I know people will agree with the GP in having the student's punishment decided in the courts, but maybe the best course of action would be suspension from school. Which is worse for the student: Suspension or possible criminal record?
The fact that the child posted defamatory material on MySpace is not being questioned. What is being debated is what was appropriate punishment for his actions.
In most (if not all) school districts, the school system has jurisdiction over the student in cases where the student interacts with school property, school employees, or school sanctioned functions. Therefore, accusing a school system employee of committing a felony during school hours in a public forum would (and should) be under school system scrutiny.
We would expect the school system to remove the employee if the accusation proved to be true, and we would expect the student to be disciplined if the accusation proved to be intentionally false.
This is a case of the student's defense attorney trying to argue free speech as a way to build a defense. While in reality the student's right to free speech was not violated.
The student had no difficulty on posting anything on the MySpace account. It became an issue when the student's ability to post on MySpace, infringed the right of the employee and school board of not being falsely accused of a crime.
I left Dark Ages of Camelot to play WoW during WoW's first season.
Is Warhammer different enough from Dark Ages to warrant another try?
What I found irritating is that people could out dps you during a mob kill and receive the majority of the loot and experience points. It may have made questing easier, but farming was a pain and benefited those with the better gear.
I like WoW's use of first one who damages mob has exclusive right to that mob.
Unless Mystic is promoting contraception, I think the kids will just follow you to Warhammer. Unfortunately the spamming and inappropriate chat comes is a byproduct of WoW being popular.
You can always "/leave 1" and "/leave 2" to get rid of most of the noise.
Actually, Obama began his political career by using Illinois election laws to eliminate his opponents. It would be hypocritical for him to remain on the ballot in Texas.
The moment that major manufacturers stop preinstalling Windows is the day Windows officially starts dying.
Wishful thinking.
Being a OS X / Linux person myself, I still have to admit that:
Windows will remain the dominant operating system as long as the majority of the mainstream software (productivity, games, etc) requires Windows.
HP needs Microsoft more.
Of course Gateway/E-Machines and Dell would love HP to leave the low-cost windows machine market, and HP knows this. I don't see HP having much leverage against Microsoft at the moment.
First of all, I was exchanging a smart ass comment for another one...
possibly even one with receive coverage of the local amateur repeaters so you could listen to the storm spotters and know what's happening even before the broadcast stations.
Nice. Nothing like listening to a bunch of arm chaired weather spotters giving fair weather reports...
Now, would you please come over here and move my house out of this valley?
Everything has its extremes and aberrations, and apparently you are one (at least in the context of television reception).
Really, there are a fair number of people for whom this changeover won't make a god damn lick of difference.
Fair amount? Really? Please...
Companies place broadcast towers where the people are. You just happen to be in a bad spot. But I'm sure when they chose the location for the tower, they picked a spot that allowed reception by *WAY* more people than just you.
I spent a good amount of time in the least populated area in New Mexico, and I can verify that the only OTA broadcast available was public radio. Cable or Satellite was a requirement for any sort of television viewing. However, my advice was aimed for the more densely populated areas where the majority of the people live.
I think you really meant to say that because you live in a location with poor reception, the changeover won't "make a god damn lick of difference" for you.
I am glad to hear that cable and satellite meet your entertainment needs, and that you won't be affected by the changeover.
t's the cutting edge of technology. I call it a "radio".
O really? What is this thing called radio?
I remember back in the old days, people used to sit around a talking box and listen to music, news, and entertainment from a local live DJ.
Unfortunately, now a days most of these radio stations are owned by large media companies that automate most of their operations. Almost all of the radio stations in my area go to network feed after 6pm. The weird thing being that Television is almost exclusively network feed except for programming blocks allocated for local programming (usually syndicated shows), and yet they have actual human beings that man the news room. In fact, I heard rumors that they actually have people in the field reporting conditions and showing live video of the weather event.
But yes, there is radio. That trusty little talk box that allow us to hear music and talk radio. Hell I bet you some of the radio stations rebroadcast the television weather broadcasts during significant weather. Yea, just imagine sitting around an audio only device and listening to the weather man saying "As you can see on the right side of the screen..." and thinking to yourself man I wish I could look at what they were talking about. But no, I had to be the smart ass on slashdot who relied on the radio...
Or better yet, just imagine how nice it would be if you could look at the radar image being broadcasted on the TV and maybe even reading the scrolling text on the bottom. But your right, you can just wait for the next newsbreak or EBS on the radio.
Anyway, thank you dotfile, for reaquanting me with that old technology called radio. Now if only you can show me where the video comes out...
I can't remember the last time a storm knocked-out cable in my area. We live in a civilized area of the U.S. where the cable is buried underground & away from the elements.
Congratulations. You live in an area with mild weather and blessed with reliable cable service.
Where I live (US Gulf Coast) my cable turns to crap quickly. Why? Well for one, I live in a very old city, that is heavily populated, and covers most of a county. It's much cheaper to use telephone poles for power and cable.
Also, comcast here in my neck of the woods don't seem to have battery backup in their distribution network. The power goes out in a section of town, so does the cable. I've had times where I had power but no cable.
Newer subdivisions do have buried utilities. Let me tell you a little secret... (Well at least here) Utility poles carry the power and signal wires until it reaches the subdivisions.
But I guess now that I know that you and and your brother have reliable cable, I can rest a little easier...
Strange, in NY State it tells the speed of the storm, the towns it is projected to pass through and the estimated time of arrival for each town.
True. The program that generates the warning text allows the warning coordinator to enter geographical names with eta in the end text prior to the advice such as stay away from windows..
Couple of problems (well for some):
1. Sometimes the geographical name is an obscure little subdivision name, that few people know about (Hell, sometimes is an old name for a hill).
2. Even if the geographical name is known:
a. People think visually and having it on a screen allows them to quickly determine if they are at risk.
b. People unfamiliar with the area (tourist, newly relocated people, etc), are pretty much screwed. I've been working in a new location away from my home town for at least three years, and I'm still stumped by some of their town names (and I usually don't have a map with me).
Slashdot Mirror
Dude, I was just pointing out WHY people are nervous, and used Microsoft's handling of Java as a template to illustrate a point.
Not worrying about Microsoft's extension to a competitor product, is like not worrying about a certain one glove singer from the 80's babysitting. They both have a history that warrants a skeptical look on their intentions...
People are nervous because we seen this pattern before on a non-open source (at the time) language/library. It went like this:
1. Incorporate JQuery into visual studio and add windows specific code to "enhance the productivity within visual studio".
2. Books and MSDN will refer to the Microsoft extensions as cool ways to get thing done in JQuery, and people new to the software will gravitate to the Microsoft version, colleges will teach it (most colleges use Windows in their labs), and since most people use windows anyway they see no harm in adopting the extended edition.
3. Continue to refer the extended version as JQuery, causing confusion between the Microsoft version and the official version.
4. JQuery loses enough share to the Microsoft version to cause some grief to the non-microsoft developers. Especially since a lot of enterprises are sold on the Microsoft method of IT, and would like their developers to take advantage of the Microsoft technology.
5. By the time damage is done and JQuery complains, Microsoft will rename their version JQ++
6. Eventually Microsoft will abandon JQ++ and move all new development to Query.net.
Sorry didn't check for the reply until today.
Yes it is. The refinery didn't blow up, it was just a fire which aren't that rare (the previous one was in 2005) and they take steps to make sure if it does happen the production isn't lost for long.
The only thing I heard was that production was slowed down temporarily due to the ship channel being closed for Gustav. But as far as I know, Cheveron expected the refinery to return to normal production once the channel reopened. I doubled check online and found this http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0134883420080902.
I agree Microsoft is too aggressive with trying to maintain its dominance in the software market. However, I'm afraid you may have associated a bad behavior with a good one:
If it is a mortal sin to make a "me-too" product then we would not have Linux, nor would we have a me-too desktop called Gnome (that countered KDE), nor would we have a bunch of programmers making open source me-too products.
In fact, "Me-too" products are great. Competition forces developers to come up with more consumer friendly features. Hell, I thought the whole point of open source software is spur a bunch of "me-too" software to benefit the computer user. Don't like what's out there, then make a better one.
BTW: Despite what you may think - Google did not invent web searches or web advertising. Google is a me-too version of AliWeb, or is it a me-too version of WebCrawler, Infoseek, Lycos, AltaVista, Magellan, Excite...?
Speaking of Google - The following could apply to them:
History lesson is in order:
Microsoft didn't become number one by holding a gun to everyone's head and forcing them to purchase Windows. They made an OS suite that made the personal computer easier to use, and people like it. Manufacturers bundled it because it was the best out there at the time because it had APPLICATIONS. Microsoft knew that in order for an OS to be successful it needs to have applications and therefore a whole suite of Microsoft products were born.
It is Microsoft's do everything possible to keep the consumer locked into their products that make them evil. If you consider self preservation evil.
I see the potential for the same thing happening with Google. Everyone uses Google because it appears to be the best thing out there. Google isn't forcing us to use their products, but Google understands that in order to be successful they need a suite of products that extend their business model. So they created web applications that drive traffic to their servers, and they are now getting into the phone OS market that will bundle software that would continue to drive business to their server. Basically, they made a bunch of me-too software to further their business model (Worse they own rights to all the information stored within their products).
The question we should ask ourselves is "After all the years of drinking Google's kool-aid, what methods will Google use to keep their market share?"
So what's the point behind my rant which tries to link Microsoft's past to Google's future?
The article rightfully understands the dangers of allowing a company that has a well documented history of extending a standard into something that only a Microsoft product could render.
I'm just pointing out that it's the actions that Microsoft takes to keep their dominance that is harmful to the industry, and we should learn from this.
"Me-too" (regardless who makes them) products are good for the industry and for the consumer, it's the leverage that we allow a single company to gain against us that may come back and haunt us later. We need to make sure all our standards are well written and allows for unfettered implementation by anyone.
I know I'm preaching to the choir, because you ended your comment with:
.
I just wanted to expound upon it and make a cautionary tale so that maybe we won't repeat the cycle (oh I know we will - but I could at least say I told you so).
As a fellow Mobilian, I may have an answer for you.
We get our gasoline from refineries in Pascagoula and Saraland. Well within trucking distance. Central Georgia gets their gas from a pipeline that has been down due to production cutbacks from Ike. I heard that demand is not being fulfilled with trucking, and things won't return to normal until the pipeline (and the refineries attached to them) return to full production.
At least that is what I heard from the rumor mill..
This is as true as saying your boss is a public figure in your office.
The test that needs to be made is whether or not the principle is public enough for MySpace. It would be one thing if the parody was done in an unofficial school paper, however MySpace reaches a much larger outside of the student body.
While a student of that school *might* view it as parody, what about someone 300 miles away?
Besides this wasn't parody, this was a student acting like a jackass...
The problem being that Jerry Falwell is a public figure. He has celebrity status and as such can expect to be parodied. Due to his celebrity status, a reasonable person could deduce that the ad was fake.
The principle is not a celebrity nor a public figure. He's an administrator of a school. Since he is unknown to the public, there is no expectation that a reasonable person could deduce the MySpace content as parody.
I believe the school board is trying to look out for the best interest of the child as well as it's employees. I know people will agree with the GP in having the student's punishment decided in the courts, but maybe the best course of action would be suspension from school. Which is worse for the student: Suspension or possible criminal record?
The fact that the child posted defamatory material on MySpace is not being questioned. What is being debated is what was appropriate punishment for his actions.
I am not a lawyer, but...
In most (if not all) school districts, the school system has jurisdiction over the student in cases where the student interacts with school property, school employees, or school sanctioned functions. Therefore, accusing a school system employee of committing a felony during school hours in a public forum would (and should) be under school system scrutiny.
We would expect the school system to remove the employee if the accusation proved to be true, and we would expect the student to be disciplined if the accusation proved to be intentionally false.
This is a case of the student's defense attorney trying to argue free speech as a way to build a defense. While in reality the student's right to free speech was not violated.
The student had no difficulty on posting anything on the MySpace account. It became an issue when the student's ability to post on MySpace, infringed the right of the employee and school board of not being falsely accused of a crime.
The student got what he deserved.
We (well at least my generation) didn't see the low memory or EMS or XMS as much of a handicap. Hell we saw it as an improvement!
I think its amusing that youngsters today can't grasp having to do something useful with such antiquated equipment...
I left Dark Ages of Camelot to play WoW during WoW's first season.
Is Warhammer different enough from Dark Ages to warrant another try?
What I found irritating is that people could out dps you during a mob kill and receive the majority of the loot and experience points. It may have made questing easier, but farming was a pain and benefited those with the better gear. I like WoW's use of first one who damages mob has exclusive right to that mob.
Unless Mystic is promoting contraception, I think the kids will just follow you to Warhammer. Unfortunately the spamming and inappropriate chat comes is a byproduct of WoW being popular.
You can always "/leave 1" and "/leave 2" to get rid of most of the noise.
WoW has this. It's called playing on a normal realm, and doing PVP in battlegrounds where you can only fight people near your character level.
Good luck with that. A good chunk of my family was killed during the last time a group of states tried to secede from the union.
Actually, Obama began his political career by using Illinois election laws to eliminate his opponents. It would be hypocritical for him to remain on the ballot in Texas.
I think he objected to the small number of letters:
Maybe you should've typed:
ROFLMAO
Yep. An oldie but goodie tactic...
Having posted the parent.
I do see a future where Microsoft Windows will become weaken due to web-centric applications. Regardless of my opinion on web apps...
Wishful thinking.
Being a OS X / Linux person myself, I still have to admit that:
Windows will remain the dominant operating system as long as the majority of the mainstream software (productivity, games, etc) requires Windows.
HP needs Microsoft more.
Of course Gateway/E-Machines and Dell would love HP to leave the low-cost windows machine market, and HP knows this. I don't see HP having much leverage against Microsoft at the moment.
Yea but it is even easier to google:
china first space walk
First of all, I was exchanging a smart ass comment for another one...
Nice. Nothing like listening to a bunch of arm chaired weather spotters giving fair weather reports...
But why would you advise against taking advantage of a conversion program that allows you to by a converter for a very reduced price?
Price of a converter is small change compared to what the cable company charges for monthly subscription.
Everything has its extremes and aberrations, and apparently you are one (at least in the context of television reception).
Fair amount? Really? Please...
Companies place broadcast towers where the people are. You just happen to be in a bad spot. But I'm sure when they chose the location for the tower, they picked a spot that allowed reception by *WAY* more people than just you.
I spent a good amount of time in the least populated area in New Mexico, and I can verify that the only OTA broadcast available was public radio. Cable or Satellite was a requirement for any sort of television viewing. However, my advice was aimed for the more densely populated areas where the majority of the people live.
I think you really meant to say that because you live in a location with poor reception, the changeover won't "make a god damn lick of difference" for you.
I am glad to hear that cable and satellite meet your entertainment needs, and that you won't be affected by the changeover.
O really? What is this thing called radio?
I remember back in the old days, people used to sit around a talking box and listen to music, news, and entertainment from a local live DJ.
Unfortunately, now a days most of these radio stations are owned by large media companies that automate most of their operations. Almost all of the radio stations in my area go to network feed after 6pm. The weird thing being that Television is almost exclusively network feed except for programming blocks allocated for local programming (usually syndicated shows), and yet they have actual human beings that man the news room. In fact, I heard rumors that they actually have people in the field reporting conditions and showing live video of the weather event.
But yes, there is radio. That trusty little talk box that allow us to hear music and talk radio. Hell I bet you some of the radio stations rebroadcast the television weather broadcasts during significant weather. Yea, just imagine sitting around an audio only device and listening to the weather man saying "As you can see on the right side of the screen..." and thinking to yourself man I wish I could look at what they were talking about. But no, I had to be the smart ass on slashdot who relied on the radio...
Or better yet, just imagine how nice it would be if you could look at the radar image being broadcasted on the TV and maybe even reading the scrolling text on the bottom. But your right, you can just wait for the next newsbreak or EBS on the radio.
Anyway, thank you dotfile, for reaquanting me with that old technology called radio. Now if only you can show me where the video comes out...
Congratulations. You live in an area with mild weather and blessed with reliable cable service.
Where I live (US Gulf Coast) my cable turns to crap quickly. Why? Well for one, I live in a very old city, that is heavily populated, and covers most of a county. It's much cheaper to use telephone poles for power and cable.
Also, comcast here in my neck of the woods don't seem to have battery backup in their distribution network. The power goes out in a section of town, so does the cable. I've had times where I had power but no cable.
Newer subdivisions do have buried utilities. Let me tell you a little secret... (Well at least here) Utility poles carry the power and signal wires until it reaches the subdivisions.
But I guess now that I know that you and and your brother have reliable cable, I can rest a little easier...
True. The program that generates the warning text allows the warning coordinator to enter geographical names with eta in the end text prior to the advice such as stay away from windows..
Couple of problems (well for some):
1. Sometimes the geographical name is an obscure little subdivision name, that few people know about (Hell, sometimes is an old name for a hill).
2. Even if the geographical name is known:
a. People think visually and having it on a screen allows them to quickly determine if they are at risk.
b. People unfamiliar with the area (tourist, newly relocated people, etc), are pretty much screwed. I've been working in a new location away from my home town for at least three years, and I'm still stumped by some of their town names (and I usually don't have a map with me).