Hey Rakesh, You've made some interesting points. Some comments inline - bear in mind these are all based on my perspective.
>1. Wants to control what you can do with its products. >2. Couldn't care less about Java or Java developers (in the large). >3. Wants to make money, lots and lots of money using traditional >capitalist principles (as opposed to that BS Sun was trying to do by >giving away its software for free). > >Now the above could apply to Microsoft too but no one would bat an eyelid. I agree that might be the case now, but only after years discussion about Microsoft and their practices. It could be that in a sense, it's been done to death, and there's really been no huge shift in what they do to merit new, widespread discussion. But I don't agree that Microsoft are somehow given a free pass for the actions it takes - for instance, there's been a fair amount of discussion on their EU browser ballot. >So why the heated debates? Simple, loads of you have gone out and >bought Apple products and can't stand that the company behind these >products does not subscribe to your world view. I also don't agree with the implication (deliberate or not) that Apple are being victimised for betraying ideals which have been projected on to them. I disagree with some of their choices, that's all. Having never owned or used an Apple product (not out of spite or ideals, just preference) it's not because I feel betrayed. For me, the issue is that there are people just cannot bear to accept there are legitimate reasons to question Apple. I see an apologist culture that views you as either for them or against them - i.e. if you're not part of the Apple solution, you're part of the problem. So you see discussions where professional software developers who disagree with a particular policy are insulted, instead of being debated with on the relevant points. >If you really have an issue with the way Apple does business - stop >buying their products. I also see a problem with this argument. Whether or not you buy their products, and whether you like it or not, Apple is playing a part in shaping the future of the software industry. I believe we, as professional developers, have a responsibility to be aware of this, and help spread knowledge and awareness. It has been implied in debates that if you don't buy Apple products, or develop for them, you have no right to discuss them. For changes that affect the entire software industry, it's a vacuous argument. Boycotting Microsoft products didn't prevent their monopoly abuse. I believe the brutal truth is that there is not enough pragmatism, from both sides[1], and that is the fuel which heats the debates. That, and everyone loves a good online argument! Kind regards, Graham [1] To offer my own demonstration of pragmatism, a family member recently asked my advice about buying an iPhone, my response: "I wouldn't buy one, but the reasons I wouldn't get one are unlikely to bother you. It should suit your needs." -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
