David Wertheimer
President, Paramount Digital Entertainment
dwertheimer@pdent.paramount.com
I am recommending your name as a witness in the continuing Department of
Justice investigation of Microsoft under the Antitrust Statutes and the
Sherman Act.
Once upon a time, the motion picture studios owned the theaters, much as
Microsoft owns the operating system for consumers and small business.
The break up of these studio monopolies led to the proliferation of
independent producers, and prime time shows pitched from beyond the
studio stables. This allowed Gene Rodenberry to create The Franchise.
Collusion with Microsoft in such a blatant fashion on your website will
destroy thirty years of good will between the computer community and The
Franchise. Mr. Spock would consider such exposure to be illogical, like
New Coke replacing old Coke.
Microsoft cares less about The Franchise than Paramount. Captain Kirk
would be saying "Reboot, Scotty! Fatal Errors are crashing the
Enterprise! Are we performing illegal operations, Mr Spock?"
Mr. Spock: Illegal operations are a matter of syntax. The Enterprise has
been shut down by what we logicians call 'infinite defects.' A common
occurence from Alpha to Beta."
Ms. Reno has shown a vicarious interest in heating up the entertainment
industry, over less petty affairs than Microsoft's business practices.
Paramount should be more cautious in the future.
Sincerely,
Charles A. Behney III
charleaugust@theriver.com