When and if scamsters attempt to pierce any market, 3rd party organizations like Consumer Reports or Better Business Bureau will quickly report the scams--not to mention the millions of blogs and independant media websites that snap at the chance to boo-hoo bad products (iPod Nano anyone?).
No one is arguing that cheats don't exist, it's just that we freedom loving folks are arguing that the free market and free speech are much more efficient mechanisms for protecting consumers against fraud. And besides, at the end of the day, as far as I'm concerned, it's buyer beware. I'd rather have the freedom to choose, than have some big-brother entity stamp everything with their approval (after a long beauracratic process--and of course a fee).
I can confirm the truth of this. When I was 16, I worked at Subway and was made manager after only 6 weeks. I ordered the soda syrup (and the mystery meat etc) and also opened the utility bills (filtered water + electricity = ice). Ice and concentrated syrup are extremely cheap (the most profitable item any restaurant/bar/fast-food-joint/convenience-store has). Subway, and every other place on the planet that sells diluted syrup doesn't care how much ice you have. They are making 1000%+ profit either way.
The primary reason Americans use so much ice is because we like our soft drinks COLD. Simple as that. Oh, and almost every place in America gives you free refills, so we'd rather have our drinks the way we like them (cold) and keep getting refills.
Re:15 Reasons to boycott IMDb
on
IMDb Turns 15
·
· Score: 1
4. Quotes full of mistakes to test your knowledge.
5. Several films or programmes all with exactly the same name with no way of telling which one is which, this makes using the site more exciting.
I've never been a grammar nazi before, but your sig's poor punctuation and pronoun problems are really annoying me today.
Please change it to one of the following:
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll." It is distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll." Each classification is distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll" as the two are distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll" as both classifications are distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Jesus said, "If any of you should cause one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for you if a millstone were tied around your neck and that you be cast into the uttermost depths of the sea."
And...
Jack Thompson doesn't want your money. He isn't asking you to be a client. What he wants is for you to get up out of your chair because you're as mad as Hell about the video game industry's assault on our children and you're not going to take it anymore!
Interestingly, Network, the movie alluded to in the quote above, is rated "R."
So...Jesus hates "M" rated video games but is cool with "R" rated movies.
You must understand, my frustration arises from the huge disparities between Linux distros. I don't care if a package manager handles all the installs (like synaptic), but I would like there to be ONE file type or format for ALL distros to use to install and manage programs. I've been using Ubuntu (just upgraded to 5.10) and the hell I had to go through to get java 1.5 to work (and properly managed by the package manager) was absurd. Other distributions...made installing java very easy (or automatic). The same goes for my ATI card (I'll never buy ATI again by the way)...on one partition with another distro, my 3D works beautifully, but with Ubuntu, I had to install drivers (and try about a dozen "how-to's") and I still don't have it working. With windows, it always works exactly the same way (download catalyst drivers, double-click, hit install, ok, ok, ok).
My point is this: I want there to be ONE universal "install" file that all Linux distros can download (and install/manage however they want) without forcing people to worry which distro they have. If the software creators are able to make different files for different distros (if they are thoughtful), surely all the distros can collaborate on a tool that automates the differentiation at install time rather than at download time. Not every piece of software can be added to ever distro's repository...but I think it IS possible to have one type of file available on the developer's website that CAN work on all distros.
I just want Linux to be as easy as it is secure so that more people are inclined to use it without doubts or hesitation (or confusion and frustration).
Connect to a US Proxy server. When I signed up for real rhapsody a year ago, I had to sign up via a US proxy server (I'm in the Caribbean). Once signed up they didn't check my location for ordinary streaming sessions...but even if they did, there's plenty of free fast US proxy servers around. Google search for them and also download the nifty firefox proxy button extension to make switching between your normal connection and the proxy easy. Good luck.
Just wanted to say thanks. Those themes are awesome. Thanks also for introducing me to http://gnome-look.org/ as well. Never really cared much about how the OS looks...but if I can impress friends...they might be more inclined to give ubuntu a try.
Re:Wrong... This is why open source is so great!
on
Linux Instant Messengers
·
· Score: 2, Funny
I never understand how we can't remain on topic when it concerns the difficulty of Linux installations. Instead of focusing on the problems of Linux, we are led into a whole other discussion about its security features. Yes, we all realize that Linux has a more secure list of "safe" software and has a better software installation procedure (with its package managers only). That doesn't negate the fact that many people want to go outside of the box (and their sources list) and install new software that hasn't been whitelisted and packaged for their distro (yet or ever). Once you require this and you are a linux novice, you are screwed. Security is great, but what good is that if you can't install the software you want without spending hours on some forum with a bunch of other confused users with different configurations and non-universal setups?
There is absolutely no reason for this. Linux *could* copy the windows intaller model add a sudo password requirement dialog (just like when you use a package manager), and automate the installation process no matter what distro is being used. Linux could do this, but it doesn't.
Installing a package from source is no different from downloading an installer from the internet concerning security. There IS a big difference however to the novice computer user: In Windows they can actually install their desired program, in Linux they are mystified.
Linux is great for people that need the internet, office, email etc. But for "power users" that are not programming pros, linux is a nightmare when they start adding and customizing and upgrading and tweaking and so forth. Linux has the security thing down. But software for linux needs to be universal across distros and easy to install. You know it, I know it, and so do 98% of desktop users that don't use Linux.
I think you've made a good point which will unfortunately be ignored here. Microsoft, in my opinion, has HELPED foster competition, not hurt it. The consumer wins because Microsoft mass produces software and sells it at a lower price (or gives it away for free). What Microsoft did to the browser market (and the office market in the 90's) is no different from what Google has done to the web based email industry. Sure some businesses fall by the wayside because they can't compete with free or really cheap, but so what? It's not the consumer's responsibility to protect ailing businesses. The only responsibility consumers have is to create demand for higher quality and lower prices. Microsoft has met much of that demand...and that is why they are where they are today.
Re:Wrong... This is why open source is so great!
on
Linux Instant Messengers
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
How many windows installers do you have an option to do it by hand when the installer won't work??
Umm, whenever I used a windows installer, it works, period. I've NEVER encountered a windows installer that didn't work. Ever. The program might suck, but it installs and novices knows predictably WHERE it installed as well (and without using "whereis" commands).
I am a Linux user...but I don't think anyone can argue that installing packages that are not in your sources list is easier than downloading and doubleclicking on a "install.exe" file in windows. But I DO enjoy your point about shell scripts that can do it all for you (which is really what windows installers are). It would make alot of sense if linux programs could simply be downloaded to desktop, doubleclicked on, ask for your sudo password, then go the the install motions AUTOMATICALLY detecting your disto, configuration, etc...and possibly asking if you'd like a shortcut installed to your app menu, if you want to make it the default program for a particular set of filetypes and so on...just like windows installers do. Linux can learn alot from windows when it comes to installation ease, and obviously in turn, windows can learn from linux when it concerns security (and making sure users really know what they are installing).
Until Linux packages are as easy to install as install.exe's, Linux loses big time in that respect. There's no debate there. I argue that it is THIS problem alone that really holds linux back from the big time, not instant messengers. If instant messengers were easy to install (and worked without odd hacks and forum digging), they would improve exponentially because their audience would have increased expontially as well to justify the extra development.
Linux is headed in the right direction...but the persistant folly of installation and upgrading woes is heavy plow holding it back.
I don't think that's the point. I think the point is, whether it's "the people," corporate lobbyists or psycho-activists, there's usually an agenda being pandered, not a solution. And by the way...why is it the "laws" job to have "solutions"? I thought it was the laws job simply to protect freedom and liberty? I don't remember the Consititution endorsing moralistic-crusaders with non-scientific "solutions" by allowing them to intrude on the people's freedoms. I DO seem to remember that the first ammendment garauntees free speech (and there are no footnotes in the original). This means that no matter what laws California comes up with, they can't abridge free speech especially when there is NO evidence that it causes a clear and present danger to children or anyone else.
The pure and simple truth is that "the people" don't really read or care about REAL issues including their children's welfare...most people just want to be told that everything is going to be ok, and that everything is UNDER CONTROL...so they are under the ILLUSION that they are raising their children correctly. But we all know that REAL parents would never vote away their children's freedom just so they could pretend that they are doing a good job. Real parents don't need laws to protect their children, because real parents take the time and effort to give their kids what they really deserve: love, boundries, attention, discipline and patience.
This law is bullshit like almost every other law and it completely contradicts the Constitution and the whole reason the United States was founded. Laws like these are only designed to further political agendas. When are we going to learn?
If you feel like the quality isn't good enough then don't spend your money.
Trust me, I don't.
Major labels will never allow users to purchase DRM free tracks online. It just won't happen
Which is why I will continue to obtain my DRM free tracks from the ed2k network or any other network the actually supplies the market with what consumers want: FREE music.
My problem is when people who know better complain about the DRM
People who complain are the ones that shape and change the world--usually for the better. Without "complainers" women wouldn't be voting, freedom wouldn't be protected, and corporate monoliths could sell us crap and get away with it. Complainers improve things. People that acquiece and accept substandard conditions are fools and deserve the rotton fruit of their apathetic cowardice.
Yeah, but the CD you're making has no where near the quality of a REAL CD. Problem not solved. Problem glossed over like a lies in a presidential press conference.
I used Real Rhapsody for a while, but then switched to Yahoo simply because it was cheaper (I paid the whole year for $60--less than one month of my satellite tv bill). I think of the internet music subscription services like I think of satellite tv or satellite radio: except they:
a)are WAY cheaper
b)have WAY more content
c)provide content on demand
Internet music subscription services do not detract from my music acquisitions anymore than satellite tv detracts from my desire to buy dvds. In a way, by watching TV, I see advertisements for movies that makes me MORE likely to go see movies. Similarly, music subscription services make me more likely to make actual acquisitions of the music I listen to. It is just another convenient way to browse music at a relatively minuscule price in order to be entertained and/or research new genres and artists for potential acquisitions.
As a side note: I really wouldn't consider buying a DRM'd song (a la iTunes) an ownership acquisition since selling the songs in secondary markets is next to impossible compared to selling a CD or a DVD. If you can't place something on the market, then it's not worth anything except as a service. So iTunes, in my opinion is just another subscription service--except it's much more expensive. I don't know why anyone would buy an itunes song when they could listen to virtually unlimited (mainstream) songs for 5 bucks a month. I don't see the iTunes model working after more people know what the music subscriptions services are all about. 5 bucks a month for virtually unlimited (mainstream) music is a bargain.
You're not one of those packrats that has to navigate through pillars of newspapers and dustmite cities because you can't throw anything away are you?
shutter.
Oh, and since you aren't willing to pay for a fireman to rescue you when your garbage laden time-bomb of an apartment goes up in flames, at least the police will be able to come by and write you up for criminal negligence and reckless endangerment of the public health.
the basics: learn how to ride properly, wear a good helmet (full face, DOT and SNELL approved), obey the speed and traffic laws, don't drink and drive.
The first time I went "down" was when I rolled up to a stoplight, drunk, and forgot to put my feet on the ground.
Like I said, "call me ignorant." In other words, thanks for the clarification. I honestly didn't know the answer. If only all my questions were so swiftly executed...
Slashdot Mirror
A good arguement on why all campaign finance laws and limits on free political speech should be repealed: Campaign Finance Laws.
No one is arguing that cheats don't exist, it's just that we freedom loving folks are arguing that the free market and free speech are much more efficient mechanisms for protecting consumers against fraud. And besides, at the end of the day, as far as I'm concerned, it's buyer beware. I'd rather have the freedom to choose, than have some big-brother entity stamp everything with their approval (after a long beauracratic process--and of course a fee).
To each his own.
The primary reason Americans use so much ice is because we like our soft drinks COLD. Simple as that. Oh, and almost every place in America gives you free refills, so we'd rather have our drinks the way we like them (cold) and keep getting refills.
5. Several films or programmes all with exactly the same name with no way of telling which one is which, this makes using the site more exciting.
That was fun-e. Thanks for the laughs.
Please change it to one of the following:
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll." It is distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll." Each classification is distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll" as the two are distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Don't moderate flamebait as "Troll" as both classifications are distinct. Know the difference or get meta-moderated.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Jesus said, "If any of you should cause one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for you if a millstone were tied around your neck and that you be cast into the uttermost depths of the sea."
And...
Jack Thompson doesn't want your money. He isn't asking you to be a client. What he wants is for you to get up out of your chair because you're as mad as Hell about the video game industry's assault on our children and you're not going to take it anymore!
Interestingly, Network, the movie alluded to in the quote above, is rated "R."
So...Jesus hates "M" rated video games but is cool with "R" rated movies.
If that ain't comedy, I don't know what is.
Thanks. Even at 130...that's a deal. I already bought one for myself. Might buy another 5 for christmas presents when they go back on sale.
Jeesh...I've been living i the caribbean too long. That is damn cheap. Please give me a link to that baby so I can buy a few. Thanks.
My point is this: I want there to be ONE universal "install" file that all Linux distros can download (and install/manage however they want) without forcing people to worry which distro they have. If the software creators are able to make different files for different distros (if they are thoughtful), surely all the distros can collaborate on a tool that automates the differentiation at install time rather than at download time. Not every piece of software can be added to ever distro's repository...but I think it IS possible to have one type of file available on the developer's website that CAN work on all distros.
I just want Linux to be as easy as it is secure so that more people are inclined to use it without doubts or hesitation (or confusion and frustration).
Connect to a US Proxy server. When I signed up for real rhapsody a year ago, I had to sign up via a US proxy server (I'm in the Caribbean). Once signed up they didn't check my location for ordinary streaming sessions...but even if they did, there's plenty of free fast US proxy servers around. Google search for them and also download the nifty firefox proxy button extension to make switching between your normal connection and the proxy easy. Good luck.
And don't forget the Apple Newton
I'd rather pay $0 without the commercials and watch it on a big screen. Oh yeah, I do. (Bittorrent).
Just wanted to say thanks. Those themes are awesome. Thanks also for introducing me to http://gnome-look.org/ as well. Never really cared much about how the OS looks...but if I can impress friends...they might be more inclined to give ubuntu a try.
I never understand how we can't remain on topic when it concerns the difficulty of Linux installations. Instead of focusing on the problems of Linux, we are led into a whole other discussion about its security features. Yes, we all realize that Linux has a more secure list of "safe" software and has a better software installation procedure (with its package managers only). That doesn't negate the fact that many people want to go outside of the box (and their sources list) and install new software that hasn't been whitelisted and packaged for their distro (yet or ever). Once you require this and you are a linux novice, you are screwed. Security is great, but what good is that if you can't install the software you want without spending hours on some forum with a bunch of other confused users with different configurations and non-universal setups? There is absolutely no reason for this. Linux *could* copy the windows intaller model add a sudo password requirement dialog (just like when you use a package manager), and automate the installation process no matter what distro is being used. Linux could do this, but it doesn't. Installing a package from source is no different from downloading an installer from the internet concerning security. There IS a big difference however to the novice computer user: In Windows they can actually install their desired program, in Linux they are mystified. Linux is great for people that need the internet, office, email etc. But for "power users" that are not programming pros, linux is a nightmare when they start adding and customizing and upgrading and tweaking and so forth. Linux has the security thing down. But software for linux needs to be universal across distros and easy to install. You know it, I know it, and so do 98% of desktop users that don't use Linux.
This attitude is exactly why so many people don't pick any Linux distributions at all. Windows will always install new software. No excuses.
I think you've made a good point which will unfortunately be ignored here. Microsoft, in my opinion, has HELPED foster competition, not hurt it. The consumer wins because Microsoft mass produces software and sells it at a lower price (or gives it away for free). What Microsoft did to the browser market (and the office market in the 90's) is no different from what Google has done to the web based email industry. Sure some businesses fall by the wayside because they can't compete with free or really cheap, but so what? It's not the consumer's responsibility to protect ailing businesses. The only responsibility consumers have is to create demand for higher quality and lower prices. Microsoft has met much of that demand...and that is why they are where they are today.
Umm, whenever I used a windows installer, it works, period. I've NEVER encountered a windows installer that didn't work. Ever. The program might suck, but it installs and novices knows predictably WHERE it installed as well (and without using "whereis" commands).
I am a Linux user...but I don't think anyone can argue that installing packages that are not in your sources list is easier than downloading and doubleclicking on a "install.exe" file in windows. But I DO enjoy your point about shell scripts that can do it all for you (which is really what windows installers are). It would make alot of sense if linux programs could simply be downloaded to desktop, doubleclicked on, ask for your sudo password, then go the the install motions AUTOMATICALLY detecting your disto, configuration, etc...and possibly asking if you'd like a shortcut installed to your app menu, if you want to make it the default program for a particular set of filetypes and so on...just like windows installers do. Linux can learn alot from windows when it comes to installation ease, and obviously in turn, windows can learn from linux when it concerns security (and making sure users really know what they are installing).
Until Linux packages are as easy to install as install.exe's, Linux loses big time in that respect. There's no debate there. I argue that it is THIS problem alone that really holds linux back from the big time, not instant messengers. If instant messengers were easy to install (and worked without odd hacks and forum digging), they would improve exponentially because their audience would have increased expontially as well to justify the extra development.
Linux is headed in the right direction...but the persistant folly of installation and upgrading woes is heavy plow holding it back.
I don't think that's the point. I think the point is, whether it's "the people," corporate lobbyists or psycho-activists, there's usually an agenda being pandered, not a solution. And by the way...why is it the "laws" job to have "solutions"? I thought it was the laws job simply to protect freedom and liberty? I don't remember the Consititution endorsing moralistic-crusaders with non-scientific "solutions" by allowing them to intrude on the people's freedoms. I DO seem to remember that the first ammendment garauntees free speech (and there are no footnotes in the original). This means that no matter what laws California comes up with, they can't abridge free speech especially when there is NO evidence that it causes a clear and present danger to children or anyone else.
The pure and simple truth is that "the people" don't really read or care about REAL issues including their children's welfare...most people just want to be told that everything is going to be ok, and that everything is UNDER CONTROL...so they are under the ILLUSION that they are raising their children correctly. But we all know that REAL parents would never vote away their children's freedom just so they could pretend that they are doing a good job. Real parents don't need laws to protect their children, because real parents take the time and effort to give their kids what they really deserve: love, boundries, attention, discipline and patience.
This law is bullshit like almost every other law and it completely contradicts the Constitution and the whole reason the United States was founded. Laws like these are only designed to further political agendas. When are we going to learn?
Trust me, I don't.
Major labels will never allow users to purchase DRM free tracks online. It just won't happen
Which is why I will continue to obtain my DRM free tracks from the ed2k network or any other network the actually supplies the market with what consumers want: FREE music.
My problem is when people who know better complain about the DRM
People who complain are the ones that shape and change the world--usually for the better. Without "complainers" women wouldn't be voting, freedom wouldn't be protected, and corporate monoliths could sell us crap and get away with it. Complainers improve things. People that acquiece and accept substandard conditions are fools and deserve the rotton fruit of their apathetic cowardice.
Yeah, but the CD you're making has no where near the quality of a REAL CD. Problem not solved. Problem glossed over like a lies in a presidential press conference.
a)are WAY cheaper
b)have WAY more content
c)provide content on demand
Internet music subscription services do not detract from my music acquisitions anymore than satellite tv detracts from my desire to buy dvds. In a way, by watching TV, I see advertisements for movies that makes me MORE likely to go see movies. Similarly, music subscription services make me more likely to make actual acquisitions of the music I listen to. It is just another convenient way to browse music at a relatively minuscule price in order to be entertained and/or research new genres and artists for potential acquisitions.
As a side note: I really wouldn't consider buying a DRM'd song (a la iTunes) an ownership acquisition since selling the songs in secondary markets is next to impossible compared to selling a CD or a DVD. If you can't place something on the market, then it's not worth anything except as a service. So iTunes, in my opinion is just another subscription service--except it's much more expensive. I don't know why anyone would buy an itunes song when they could listen to virtually unlimited (mainstream) songs for 5 bucks a month. I don't see the iTunes model working after more people know what the music subscriptions services are all about. 5 bucks a month for virtually unlimited (mainstream) music is a bargain.
You're not one of those packrats that has to navigate through pillars of newspapers and dustmite cities because you can't throw anything away are you?
shutter.
Oh, and since you aren't willing to pay for a fireman to rescue you when your garbage laden time-bomb of an apartment goes up in flames, at least the police will be able to come by and write you up for criminal negligence and reckless endangerment of the public health.
The first time I went "down" was when I rolled up to a stoplight, drunk, and forgot to put my feet on the ground.
Like I said, "call me ignorant." In other words, thanks for the clarification. I honestly didn't know the answer. If only all my questions were so swiftly executed...