[mdlug] Linspire caves in to Microsoft patent threat

[Ingles, Raymond]

> From: Wolfger

> I'm perfectly happy with the GPL as I know it, and Linux, and my
> closed-source Nvidia drivers. I eagerly await the day that (more)
> closed source proprietary video games are written with Linux
> compatibility in mind. There is no contradiction here. If the Linux
> kernel, the GNU operating system and KDE all moved to closed source
> proprietary code tomorrow, I'd still use them all, and be darned near
> as happy about it.

 I wouldn't. Some types of software are best produced with a closed-source
model; commercial games are one I can think of. But that's "best" in the
sense of "most overall utility for everyone involved". Having the game be
closed-source helps limit piracy and cheating (note: doesn't eliminate it)
and the temporary competitive advantage one can garner by being the only
one able to produce certain effects or implementations helps offset the
(substantial) risk involved in making a game. So, if all games were
open-source, I think we'd see less games.

 That being said... I think Id Software's got the right idea, open-sourcing
their older engines to allow people to develop new games and ideas on the
cheap. They retain their competitive advanatages as long as practical, and
then force the game industry ahead by making sure commercial games have to
be better than the old state-of-the-art to have a chance of making money.

 But those arguments do *not* apply to utility and productivity software
like operating systems or desktop environments. Those are *much* better
served by being fully open-source, for *all* the reasons typically given
for open-source software in general.

 If Linux, KDE, et. al. became closed source, they would immediately lose
nearly all of their advantages. Imagine if all screws suddenly could only
be turned by proprietary screwdrivers...

 Sincerely,

 Ray Ingles                                               (313) 227-2317
 
 Executives get to pick ONE:
 A) I'm a total idiot. I had no idea what my company was doing - I'm not
    liable for the company's misdeeds.
 B) I knew exactly what was going on. That's what I'm paid for. I'm
    personally responsible for the acts of my company.
 If A, they forfeit all their money and assets as reparation for fraud.
 If B, they face criminal penalties.

 Now, ask yourself, why AREN'T executives held to this standard?

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