On Wed, 26 Sep 2001 05:27:48 -0400 (EDT), Thomas Mueller wrote:
> Some MS software carries license restrictions prohibiting criticism of
> Microsoft, and Front Page could not be used to produce a Web site putting
> Microsoft in a bad light.
I don't think such a license restriction would be held as legal if
challenged in court. It seems to be an abridgement of free speech.
Allowing such a restriction to stand is equivalent to permitting
a typewriter manufacturer to include a terms of use license with his
product which prohibits the user from using the typewriter to
criticise the manufacturer. The typewriter, like MicroSoft Front
Page, is only a writing tool. If it doesn't work the way you think
it should, you should have the right to use the tool for the
purpose of criticising it. Suppose I were to buy an adjustable
wrench which is advertised to fit bolts and nuts up to one inch.
If it will only fit bolts and nuts up to 15/16, I should be allowed
to use the tool to demonstrate that it won't work as advertised.
Sam Heywood
-- This mail was written by user of The Arachne Browser - http://arachne.cz/
