"Ryan S. Dancey" wrote:
> If Microsoft followed that path, the screams of delight from the marketplace
> would be defeaning. The exclusive right to copy, modify and distribute the
> Windows source code is the single most valuable equity asset ever created by
> mankind. If Microsoft were to relinquish their exclusive rights to do so
> completely and unreservedly (like the OGL does for the D&D game) the world
> would be a shatteringly different place in mere days (maybe hours).
Step away from the coffee . . . While Microsoft has had an enormous
impact on business practices of last two decades or so, I think it's a
little crazy to state "The exclusive right to copy, modify and
distribute the Windows source code is the single most valuable equity
asset ever created by mankind." The world is a lot bigger than that.
Immensely bigger. There are many industries that seriously dwarf the PC
industry. The automotive and petrochemical industries are two that come
to mind immediately. There are other "intellectual properties" that
have held orders of magnitude greater value. In the 1900's look at the
vacuum tube, the transistor, AT&T's prior reign over long distance
service, Coca Cola, and all air waves controlled by the FCC. These are
just a few examples of knowledge, or access to knowledge, that has
tremendous value. Going further back, and leaning a bit more
philosophical, there is the right to read, a right which once was
controlled by those of wealth and power. Public education has been of
inestimable value.
So, take a deep breath and let's keep things in perspective. ;-)
Tom
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