In Europe, Microsoft aims to mute open-source 'noise'

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Sorry you don't have it most of the time.

You wrote:
Actually, the is something called OpenOffice, which I am told runs on Linux. Oh that's right, our users in pilot groups are using it at this time.

Do they feel about it as instructed?
Do they take work home to fire up Office?
Do you hear the wistful chant, "Give us freedom; give us Microsoft!" wafting gently through the halls?
Or has intimidation cost them hope.

Sounds like a real test of the human spirit is being conducted. I believe people always want to be free, that somehow they will find a way to get what they want, what does best for them.
Even if they do end up with OpenOffice.

To me [seriously], one of the great heroes of the century past was the man in the white shirt who slowed down the tanks rolling to Tianenmin Square with a simple conversation. He didn't stop them, but then again he wasn't shot.
We all should do what we can, and he took the risk to try.

You also wrote:
OpenOffice is only the default at the office, meaning I could fall back to MS if some glitch occurred, but I didn't even bother to reload Office 2000 at home when I upgraded the machine three months hence.

I appreciate the gesture of solidarity. Your acceptance of suffering in response to others' suffering is noble. But it's not necessary.

Using what works is a gesture of defiance, an assertion of the human spirit far greater than embracing misery.

As open source is foisted on people randomly in the next few months before it dies away, a few heroes will arise and say to the assembled authorities,
"I'd like Microsoft, please."
As Oliver Twist proves, the villainy that causes a simple statement of resistance to be considered heroic may die away, but the ideal of resolve will live forever.

We will have Windows. We will have Office. I swear it.


[Enough of a punchline for you?!]

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 06/30/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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