This time, I don't really think I have to RTFA because I've done the same thing.
My then new MacBook (back in 2006) was having black-screen-of-death problems at boot up. I had a similar experience with an old iBook G3 (replaced motherboard 3 times). I called AppleCare and asked for a replacement instead of a repair. They said since it was 4 days out of the one month they'd normally do replacements (Apple store does 14 days, calling AppleCare apparently gives you 1 month), I'd have to send it in for repair.
This had me infuriated. It was my first Mac purchase since the dreaded iBook G3 (which I eventually sold because of the 3 different motherboard replacements). I e-mailed Steve's Apple address, knowing full well I wouldn't really get through to him. I asked kindly that whomever is reading this to help me out. I told them how I went through hell with what seemed like similar problems in the iBook G3 and hadn't used a Mac as my main machine since then. Lo and behold, my first Mac in 3 years and I get the same problem.
I then received an e-mail from one of Steve's "executive assistants" and had several phone conversations. I take it that there are many of these executive assistants, this one in particular located in the Sacramento (916 area code) area, miles away from Apple's Cupertino headquarters.
He didn't quite resolve it to my satisfaction though. There was no budging with them about a replacement, originally. I folded and sent back my new MacBook and had them do repairs. One reason I hate sending it in was because my iBook G3 ended up all scratched after its 3 repairs. The same happened with the MacBook. I called the "executive assistant" concerning it and he said he'd see what he can do. Before he could call me back, the MacBook returned with the black screen at boot up problems, prompting me to call him back sooner than expected. He then phoned the closest Apple store to me and arranged for a replacement.
Happily ever after? Not quite. I was happy, at first, about the replacement, but a new problem cropped up. Instead of a black screen at boot-up, I ended up with a scattered rainbow screen a week later on the new replacement. I saw work-arounds on Apple's software forum, but I honestly couldn't take it anymore. I went back to the Apple store directly and the manager was kind enough to give me a full refund. I said I'd wait until all the bugs from Apple's first iteration of MacBooks were worked out, though it's been over a year and I have yet to make a new computer purchase.
Long story, but main point was e-mailing Steve Jobs normally gets you forwarded to an "executive assistant." I'm sure there are a lot of people with that title.
There are many "environmental-conscious" computer uses who like to use Apple's products. Using their campain against Apple's eco-friendliness and future plans to create greener computers, Greenpeace is in fact instilling fear, uncertainty, and doubt in customers. Customers are uncertain whether to buy Apple products because they fear Apple's products are more dangerous to the environment than competing companies'. This leaves customers in doubt about their purchase. So yes, I do believe Greenpace's campaign is based on FUD.
Sorry for the use of the word logic in connection with SCO, but I believe the following scenario wouldn't be too far fetched:
AMD Donates Servers to Groklaw
Search for an IBM/AMD connection through Google: Results 1 - 10 of about 742,000 for ibm amd partnership. (0.13 seconds) [also, note how obvious the connection is by how quickly google came up with an answer]
You know, I used to do the same thing. I used some randomly found grocery shopper cards or ask for one but never fill out the info paper. After reading more about those cards, I realized it was pointless because of my payment patterns.
I don't like carrying more than $40 in my wallet. Whenever I go to the grocery store, I pay using my debit or credit card. I'm also a sucker for the 5% cash back credit card when paying for gas or groceries. That's probably all I use the card for, but 5% is still a big chunk for those two things. There's one way they can easily trace my usage patterns.
If you use check, debit, or credit along with the store card, the store's got attached you to the discount card at that point. They may have some representation for those numbers to keep the data "safe," but I'm sure if they really wanted to, they can find a way to attach the name to the card. They would still have all your data, but you don't get the mailed coupons.
Too lazy to find the article now, but a few years back I read about a man falsely charged with the arson of a building or house he lived in. They were able to connect him to the crime by using the discount card. He didn't fill out the shopper card's application sheet, but they were able to connect a credit card of his with a a discount card that showed he had bought lighter fluid. The same lighter fluid container was found at the scene of the crime. The details are fuzzy, but apparently that was pure coincidence.
I've read articles where the RIAA have sued a person who had no computer. Even then, they don't get as much sympathy as someone who has a disability.
What I really want to see is the RIAA sue someone that is deaf (and MPAA sue someone that is blind). If reported properly, then maybe the general public will finally realize how stupid all these lawsuits are. Instead of being outraged by a nipple on TV, we (the collective we, as a nation) can rise against something that is worth it.
I know it's a slimeball move to exploit someone with a disability, but if they were to be sued, I'm sure they'd love to go after the MAFIAA as well. You have to fight slimeball moves with slimeball moves.
as with many things, Apple isn't the first with this, but they create a big impact to get the ball rolling: mouse, GUI, ethernet, CD-ROM, USB, MP3 player, online media store...
well, if you click on the second link provided, you'll see that it actually does matter if they use the trademark (within the 5 years of your own quote). they have to show continued use of said trademark during those 5 years. that's what the fuss is about photoshopping the logos in, trying to fake their use of it. if not, they have 6 months to file a type of ammendment stating they did use it (which Cisco has filed). funny thing about that filing, employees of Cisco signed under risk of perjury that the trademark was fully in use. if it is later found that it was not, then comes in the other part of your quote stating that it can "only be canceled on certain specified grounds".
the photoshop work is trying to rewrite history. they are essentially rebranding their products to support their current claims on the trademark.
"source would have to be made available" ?
on
iPhone Not Running OS X
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· Score: 4, Insightful
I think you are a bit confused. The license holders, in this case Apple, have the right to license out their works to people in an agreement that defines what the licensees can do with Apple's product. The "Darwin / Apple Public Source licensing agreement" you quote is just this, Apple's agreement with whoever wants to use it. Apple, being the owners of the Mac OS X, can do whatever they'd like with Mac OS X because they own the rights. We, on the other hand, are only licensing it.
In high school, I took an AP Computer Science class that taught C++. If I understood then what I understand now, learning C++ would have been a whole lot easier. My teacher focused too much on the language instead of concepts.
After several failed attempts at trying to learn how to program, I finally understood basic concepts such as variables, integers, arrays, etc. I then took a more basic computer science class, "Algorithm Design/Problem Solving," that used the book Programming Logic and Design. This book does not use or concentrate on any specific programming language. All our assignments were done in pseudo-code and we had to show the logic of what we wanted accomplished. I have to admit it was a lot easier trying to convey the logic without having to worry about the syntax.
It's been a couple semesters since I've taken that class, without any programming in between, and now I've picked up The C Programming Language. I am currently half way through the book and,I must say, I finally understand and appreciate the concepts being taught. I wouldn't quite recommend this book to the pure beginner, because it assumes knowledge about basic concepts such as variables, compiling, etc. The book, at a little less than 300 pages, is written and presented much better than the 1000+ page programming books I've run across.
If I were back in high school, I would love to have these concepts introduced at a gradual progression. Basic programming concepts -> Logic & Design w/ pseudo-code -> the actual language of choice using an easy to learn (30 minute intro) compiler. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and I'm not too sure if I would have paid as much attention to the first two concepts. Since you are teaching in a high school, I take it you have 2 semesters to teach the class. Perhaps dedicate the first half of the first semester with logic. You can have them play different logic games and tie that in with the lessons.
Creating a good foundation makes learning and teaching a whole lot easier.
"Finally, a word for Apple. Apple is extremely stingy with information about their business and public comment. Their unwillingness to comment on the record or off about anything they're working on or any industry results beyond the basic statistics fuels speculation, pro and con, from their supporters and detractors. In the research business we like facts -- and every other technology company is more open with them. So maybe it's time for Apple to share a bit more. When the real bad news hits -- and it's inevitable, no company gets everything right -- that openness would pay off."
To a degree, he has a point. With Apple's secrecy, articles like these are run without having all the facts. Sensationalism becomes rampant. Then he has to go and say "In the research business we like facts." All too often we read more about speculation rather than facts from these research companies. They complain secretive companies like Apple or Google don't give them enough information, but I wonder where the actual "research" in research business has gone.
thieves steal honda civics and accords because they can be easily broken in to. take a flathead screw driver, push it into the car door keyhole, and turn. do the same with the ignition. it really is that easy. now, i also admit they are very common cars. combining the two is a great reason why thieves target them. you'd think some would rather go for high end cars, like mercedes, bmw, etc. the more experienced thieves can and do. but the time and effort is not worth it to many. now, replace the cars i've mentioned with windows and mac os x...
the previous ways to boot windows xp required downloading edited Windows XP files. distributing the files would be in violation (read: illegal) of Microsoft's copyright/license. it's like someone screaming and hollering that a company utilized some GPL'ed source to create the program but didn't release the new source. they would have just violated the copyright/license.
the actual story has to do with internet explorer. the GP was pointing to mac os x and mozilla, but i think the more direct comparison is safari. while people love mozilla because of it's "openness," safari's webkit gives people almost the same luxury. you get to examine, tinker, and compile the backend to your delight. sure, you don't get to mess around with the interface, but people have created their own. pretty long winded explanation as to why i linked to webkit instead...
Re:The 3 reasons for the iPod's rule
on
iPod Video Dissection
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· Score: 5, Insightful
i'm confused... when you say de-geeked interface, i get images of "easier to use." isn't that a good thing? the world doesn't doesn't like compiling their own software, using a CLI, or tweaking every single option just to get a merginal speed boost. that's what i think of when i hear geek interface. that's what i see when i look at other MP3 players with "more features." yes, it's great that it can decode mpeg2, divx, ogg vorbis, and [insert latest codec here], but does it achieve its original purpose easily? people buy these MP3 players (it's become generic... MP3 player = digital music player, though MP3 is still the dominant format used) to play their MP3s. if it does it well, then great!
and the iPod does indeed play MP3s well. no, i don't mean just sound quality, but on how people can actually play their music. people can easily browse and navigate their player to find the songs they want. they can easily create playlists with the provided software, iTunes. they can manage their giant music collections,again easily, and load them onto their iPod. from the clickwheel, to the iPod interface, to the syncing software, Apple has been very keen to look at the minute details on what it takes to actually play one's music.
after that, everything else is secondary. now, Apple's made it easy to watch television shows and music videos on the iPod. i really do think that's the approach all these music player companies should take. first, make sure the very basic features are complate, then work on the added stuff. sure, as a geek i'd love more options and more codecs, but please, PLEASE, for the love of [deity], perfect your original function first before trying to add on other fluff.
i've played a couple twisted metal games and don't quite remember it being a go-kart game like mario kart. you know, with the racing aspects of it and all. the battling part is secondary. in mario kart, you try to finish first in what's typically a three lap race. all the items and attacks are there simply to slow your opponent down, so you in turn can take the lead. damage never lasts and you're back to your original state after a few seconds. twisted metal seemed more like a demolition derby event, with various weapons. you won by not being beat up the least.
actually, it was later reported that Sheehan was never told exactly why she was being "escorted" out during the actual event, aside from the fact the police officer called her a "protestor" right after she took off her jacket, revealing the shirt. The police claim she refused to cover up her shirt while Sheehan argues she was never told such. Her words were, "If I had been asked to do any of those things...I would have, and written about the suppression of my freedom of speech later. I was immediately, and roughly (I have the bruises and muscle spasms to prove it) hauled off and arrested for 'unlawful conduct.'"
Ironically, in an interview with Fox News, Beverly Young, wife of Florida Replublican congressman Bill Young, said she was also escorted out without being told why. In the interview, she said that if she knew why she was being escorted out, she would not have complied and they would have had a hell of a time getting her out of there (paraphrased... sorry no actual quotes, but you might be able to find the transcripts at Fox News). I believe she said she was in there for several hours, shirt in plain view, before the incident even took place.
One woman arrested, one woman simply escorted out. "Crazy old woman" or not, the differing actions of the police officers infer some signs of prejudice.
over 500 million purchases (not including the free songs given away via pepsi promotions) argue that many people wouldn't mind "paying $.99 for poor quality DRM'd music." the fact is, lots of people do not care about DRM or the "quality" issues. they prefer legally buying just one song instead of one song and a lot of filler. the rest of your arguement shows perhaps why the ipod isn't meant for you and that's why you don't get the "hype" behind all of it.
"But if you're watching a series as it airs, you're going to be paying $2/ep, coming out to $48."
so you admit you're comparing two different things. You can buy season 1 of Lost on Amazon for $38 because it's a finished, complete season. you can similarly buy it on iTunes for $34, becasue it is a finished, complete season. Yes, you can get better qualitiy, packaging, etc. the point of $2 a pop is instant gratification. instead of waiting for months to see an episode you missed or to even get the entire season, you can just download. i've been waiting for 24 season 4 (a fox series) for a while now and it doesn't come out on DVD till december. i've already missed the first few episodes of Lost season 2. should i wait till the DVD comes out to watch it? iTunes lets me catch up to the current ones.
somewhere some geek is looking for a date that'll show 2000, post it annonymously, and reply with their actual account to say 2000 isn't technically in the 21st century either. you know you're out there... admit it!
Slashdot Mirror
i clicked on "3 replies beneath your current threshold" just to see if someone would comment on that. thanks for not failing me slashdot =)
This time, I don't really think I have to RTFA because I've done the same thing.
My then new MacBook (back in 2006) was having black-screen-of-death problems at boot up. I had a similar experience with an old iBook G3 (replaced motherboard 3 times). I called AppleCare and asked for a replacement instead of a repair. They said since it was 4 days out of the one month they'd normally do replacements (Apple store does 14 days, calling AppleCare apparently gives you 1 month), I'd have to send it in for repair.
This had me infuriated. It was my first Mac purchase since the dreaded iBook G3 (which I eventually sold because of the 3 different motherboard replacements). I e-mailed Steve's Apple address, knowing full well I wouldn't really get through to him. I asked kindly that whomever is reading this to help me out. I told them how I went through hell with what seemed like similar problems in the iBook G3 and hadn't used a Mac as my main machine since then. Lo and behold, my first Mac in 3 years and I get the same problem.
I then received an e-mail from one of Steve's "executive assistants" and had several phone conversations. I take it that there are many of these executive assistants, this one in particular located in the Sacramento (916 area code) area, miles away from Apple's Cupertino headquarters.
He didn't quite resolve it to my satisfaction though. There was no budging with them about a replacement, originally. I folded and sent back my new MacBook and had them do repairs. One reason I hate sending it in was because my iBook G3 ended up all scratched after its 3 repairs. The same happened with the MacBook. I called the "executive assistant" concerning it and he said he'd see what he can do. Before he could call me back, the MacBook returned with the black screen at boot up problems, prompting me to call him back sooner than expected. He then phoned the closest Apple store to me and arranged for a replacement.
Happily ever after? Not quite. I was happy, at first, about the replacement, but a new problem cropped up. Instead of a black screen at boot-up, I ended up with a scattered rainbow screen a week later on the new replacement. I saw work-arounds on Apple's software forum, but I honestly couldn't take it anymore. I went back to the Apple store directly and the manager was kind enough to give me a full refund. I said I'd wait until all the bugs from Apple's first iteration of MacBooks were worked out, though it's been over a year and I have yet to make a new computer purchase.
Long story, but main point was e-mailing Steve Jobs normally gets you forwarded to an "executive assistant." I'm sure there are a lot of people with that title.
There are many "environmental-conscious" computer uses who like to use Apple's products. Using their campain against Apple's eco-friendliness and future plans to create greener computers, Greenpeace is in fact instilling fear, uncertainty, and doubt in customers. Customers are uncertain whether to buy Apple products because they fear Apple's products are more dangerous to the environment than competing companies'. This leaves customers in doubt about their purchase. So yes, I do believe Greenpace's campaign is based on FUD.
Sorry for the use of the word logic in connection with SCO, but I believe the following scenario wouldn't be too far fetched:
Okay, so I probably read it on slashdot. After a quick search, this was one of the first articles to pop up:
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/01/29/0You know, I used to do the same thing. I used some randomly found grocery shopper cards or ask for one but never fill out the info paper. After reading more about those cards, I realized it was pointless because of my payment patterns.
I don't like carrying more than $40 in my wallet. Whenever I go to the grocery store, I pay using my debit or credit card. I'm also a sucker for the 5% cash back credit card when paying for gas or groceries. That's probably all I use the card for, but 5% is still a big chunk for those two things. There's one way they can easily trace my usage patterns.
If you use check, debit, or credit along with the store card, the store's got attached you to the discount card at that point. They may have some representation for those numbers to keep the data "safe," but I'm sure if they really wanted to, they can find a way to attach the name to the card. They would still have all your data, but you don't get the mailed coupons.
Too lazy to find the article now, but a few years back I read about a man falsely charged with the arson of a building or house he lived in. They were able to connect him to the crime by using the discount card. He didn't fill out the shopper card's application sheet, but they were able to connect a credit card of his with a a discount card that showed he had bought lighter fluid. The same lighter fluid container was found at the scene of the crime. The details are fuzzy, but apparently that was pure coincidence.
your attempt at posting anonymously was a flop...
I've read articles where the RIAA have sued a person who had no computer. Even then, they don't get as much sympathy as someone who has a disability.
What I really want to see is the RIAA sue someone that is deaf (and MPAA sue someone that is blind). If reported properly, then maybe the general public will finally realize how stupid all these lawsuits are. Instead of being outraged by a nipple on TV, we (the collective we, as a nation) can rise against something that is worth it.
I know it's a slimeball move to exploit someone with a disability, but if they were to be sued, I'm sure they'd love to go after the MAFIAA as well. You have to fight slimeball moves with slimeball moves.
as with many things, Apple isn't the first with this, but they create a big impact to get the ball rolling: mouse, GUI, ethernet, CD-ROM, USB, MP3 player, online media store...
well, if you click on the second link provided, you'll see that it actually does matter if they use the trademark (within the 5 years of your own quote). they have to show continued use of said trademark during those 5 years. that's what the fuss is about photoshopping the logos in, trying to fake their use of it. if not, they have 6 months to file a type of ammendment stating they did use it (which Cisco has filed). funny thing about that filing, employees of Cisco signed under risk of perjury that the trademark was fully in use. if it is later found that it was not, then comes in the other part of your quote stating that it can "only be canceled on certain specified grounds".
the photoshop work is trying to rewrite history. they are essentially rebranding their products to support their current claims on the trademark.
I think you are a bit confused. The license holders, in this case Apple, have the right to license out their works to people in an agreement that defines what the licensees can do with Apple's product. The "Darwin / Apple Public Source licensing agreement" you quote is just this, Apple's agreement with whoever wants to use it. Apple, being the owners of the Mac OS X, can do whatever they'd like with Mac OS X because they own the rights. We, on the other hand, are only licensing it.
In high school, I took an AP Computer Science class that taught C++. If I understood then what I understand now, learning C++ would have been a whole lot easier. My teacher focused too much on the language instead of concepts.
After several failed attempts at trying to learn how to program, I finally understood basic concepts such as variables, integers, arrays, etc. I then took a more basic computer science class, "Algorithm Design/Problem Solving," that used the book Programming Logic and Design. This book does not use or concentrate on any specific programming language. All our assignments were done in pseudo-code and we had to show the logic of what we wanted accomplished. I have to admit it was a lot easier trying to convey the logic without having to worry about the syntax.
It's been a couple semesters since I've taken that class, without any programming in between, and now I've picked up The C Programming Language. I am currently half way through the book and ,I must say, I finally understand and appreciate the concepts being taught. I wouldn't quite recommend this book to the pure beginner, because it assumes knowledge about basic concepts such as variables, compiling, etc. The book, at a little less than 300 pages, is written and presented much better than the 1000+ page programming books I've run across.
If I were back in high school, I would love to have these concepts introduced at a gradual progression. Basic programming concepts -> Logic & Design w/ pseudo-code -> the actual language of choice using an easy to learn (30 minute intro) compiler. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and I'm not too sure if I would have paid as much attention to the first two concepts. Since you are teaching in a high school, I take it you have 2 semesters to teach the class. Perhaps dedicate the first half of the first semester with logic. You can have them play different logic games and tie that in with the lessons.
Creating a good foundation makes learning and teaching a whole lot easier.
He concludes with this statement in his blog:
To a degree, he has a point. With Apple's secrecy, articles like these are run without having all the facts. Sensationalism becomes rampant. Then he has to go and say "In the research business we like facts." All too often we read more about speculation rather than facts from these research companies. They complain secretive companies like Apple or Google don't give them enough information, but I wonder where the actual "research" in research business has gone.
only a bit better than linking to their direct download links...
http://distribution.openoffice.org/p2p/ torrents for Linux, Solaris, and Windows.
A Mac OS X version of 2.1 does not seem to be available yet.
thieves steal honda civics and accords because they can be easily broken in to. take a flathead screw driver, push it into the car door keyhole, and turn. do the same with the ignition. it really is that easy. now, i also admit they are very common cars. combining the two is a great reason why thieves target them. you'd think some would rather go for high end cars, like mercedes, bmw, etc. the more experienced thieves can and do. but the time and effort is not worth it to many. now, replace the cars i've mentioned with windows and mac os x...
the previous ways to boot windows xp required downloading edited Windows XP files. distributing the files would be in violation (read: illegal) of Microsoft's copyright/license. it's like someone screaming and hollering that a company utilized some GPL'ed source to create the program but didn't release the new source. they would have just violated the copyright/license.
the actual story has to do with internet explorer. the GP was pointing to mac os x and mozilla, but i think the more direct comparison is safari. while people love mozilla because of it's "openness," safari's webkit gives people almost the same luxury. you get to examine, tinker, and compile the backend to your delight. sure, you don't get to mess around with the interface, but people have created their own. pretty long winded explanation as to why i linked to webkit instead...
*ahem* source code?
i'm confused... when you say de-geeked interface, i get images of "easier to use." isn't that a good thing? the world doesn't doesn't like compiling their own software, using a CLI, or tweaking every single option just to get a merginal speed boost. that's what i think of when i hear geek interface. that's what i see when i look at other MP3 players with "more features." yes, it's great that it can decode mpeg2, divx, ogg vorbis, and [insert latest codec here], but does it achieve its original purpose easily? people buy these MP3 players (it's become generic... MP3 player = digital music player, though MP3 is still the dominant format used) to play their MP3s. if it does it well, then great!
and the iPod does indeed play MP3s well. no, i don't mean just sound quality, but on how people can actually play their music. people can easily browse and navigate their player to find the songs they want. they can easily create playlists with the provided software, iTunes. they can manage their giant music collections,again easily, and load them onto their iPod. from the clickwheel, to the iPod interface, to the syncing software, Apple has been very keen to look at the minute details on what it takes to actually play one's music.
after that, everything else is secondary. now, Apple's made it easy to watch television shows and music videos on the iPod. i really do think that's the approach all these music player companies should take. first, make sure the very basic features are complate, then work on the added stuff. sure, as a geek i'd love more options and more codecs, but please, PLEASE, for the love of [deity], perfect your original function first before trying to add on other fluff.
i've played a couple twisted metal games and don't quite remember it being a go-kart game like mario kart. you know, with the racing aspects of it and all. the battling part is secondary. in mario kart, you try to finish first in what's typically a three lap race. all the items and attacks are there simply to slow your opponent down, so you in turn can take the lead. damage never lasts and you're back to your original state after a few seconds. twisted metal seemed more like a demolition derby event, with various weapons. you won by not being beat up the least.
actually, it was later reported that Sheehan was never told exactly why she was being "escorted" out during the actual event, aside from the fact the police officer called her a "protestor" right after she took off her jacket, revealing the shirt. The police claim she refused to cover up her shirt while Sheehan argues she was never told such. Her words were, "If I had been asked to do any of those things...I would have, and written about the suppression of my freedom of speech later. I was immediately, and roughly (I have the bruises and muscle spasms to prove it) hauled off and arrested for 'unlawful conduct.'"
Ironically, in an interview with Fox News, Beverly Young, wife of Florida Replublican congressman Bill Young, said she was also escorted out without being told why. In the interview, she said that if she knew why she was being escorted out, she would not have complied and they would have had a hell of a time getting her out of there (paraphrased... sorry no actual quotes, but you might be able to find the transcripts at Fox News). I believe she said she was in there for several hours, shirt in plain view, before the incident even took place.
One woman arrested, one woman simply escorted out. "Crazy old woman" or not, the differing actions of the police officers infer some signs of prejudice.
yes, because it worked oh so well for the laserdisc.
over 500 million purchases (not including the free songs given away via pepsi promotions) argue that many people wouldn't mind "paying $.99 for poor quality DRM'd music." the fact is, lots of people do not care about DRM or the "quality" issues. they prefer legally buying just one song instead of one song and a lot of filler. the rest of your arguement shows perhaps why the ipod isn't meant for you and that's why you don't get the "hype" behind all of it.
"But if you're watching a series as it airs, you're going to be paying $2/ep, coming out to $48."
so you admit you're comparing two different things. You can buy season 1 of Lost on Amazon for $38 because it's a finished, complete season. you can similarly buy it on iTunes for $34, becasue it is a finished, complete season. Yes, you can get better qualitiy, packaging, etc. the point of $2 a pop is instant gratification. instead of waiting for months to see an episode you missed or to even get the entire season, you can just download. i've been waiting for 24 season 4 (a fox series) for a while now and it doesn't come out on DVD till december. i've already missed the first few episodes of Lost season 2. should i wait till the DVD comes out to watch it? iTunes lets me catch up to the current ones.somewhere some geek is looking for a date that'll show 2000, post it annonymously, and reply with their actual account to say 2000 isn't technically in the 21st century either. you know you're out there... admit it!