[It shouldn't be too hard to figure out who "nobody" is:] Blanc writes...

I can't say that everything that billg does or makes arrangements for with his clout will be defensible; I can point out that any arrangements which he makes with others depends upon those individual's consent, their agreeableness, and not to coercion or the elimination of choice altogether. (I don't know all of the details of how the closing ... The threat of a monopolization of power which (someone) mentioned as being presented by Microsoft's dominance in the market is not of the same type as is presented by the government's. From what I know about "intellectual property", this concept is supposed to establish the source of what has been produced (software) as belonging to its creator, and therefore as something akin to an object or service which can be traded and from which one can receive payment. It's a way to make a living, in other words, based on the recognition of a value.

I think we agree philosophically. Where we diverge is in our understanding of things-as-they-are. I contend that large companies, MS being one example, often enlist the government and its coercive powers in their service. One issue where I think I've seen MS's hand is "intellectual property". My concern about "intellectual property" is that MS and some others have changed the terms of the debate ["property" is protected more than "privilege"] and the law to further their own interests, to the detriment of the rest of us.

The only way that I can think of to counter the dominance of one company in the free exchange of goods is to desist from the purchase of that company's offerings, or better yet to produce better ones and make a better case for them with the buying public.

We need to reduce the power of government so that it cannot be enlisted in any company's service. That said, I am following your advice: With the exception of the ubiquitous DOS/Windows operating systems, I've gotten rid of every MS product on my machines. If OS/2 ever grows up [can handle a 14.4k faxmodem for example], I'll be MS free. -------------------------------------------------------------------- One example of why I'm ticked at SPA folks ...

Date: [Recently] To: [Us] From: [Them]

Comprehensive Computer Inspection

Beginning [Soon], [We] will conduct a comprehensive inspection ...

...[T]the sofware inventory and licensing compliance issue will be emphasized. Each user should make certain that the report from the latest sofware inventory list is up-to-date and is readily available for the inspector. (...)

When confronted by potential inspectors... No "smart" remarks ...

I'm tired of this shit. Now, imagine if SPA owned the internet....