Re: Microsoft Cleared In Conn. Of Antitrust Violations

["Norm" <normanmo@clark.net>]

On Mon, 19 Jul 1999 09:49:21 -0400, John J. Urbaniak wrote:

>>      You're right Mitch, no single action is going to become a 'silver
>> bullet' against M$.  But don't be too quick to dismiss the value of the
>> cumulative effect all these suits could have on M$.  Any loss for M$
>> will only open the door to even more antitrust suits against them, and
>> the more they lose the easier it will be for the next.  But like you I
>> also believe that if this fight is to ever be won it's going to have to
>> be won on the consumer level, and if nothing else everything
>> surrounding all these suits has been a real PR nightmare for M$.  I
>> agree it's only a start, but it's gotta start somewhere.
>>
>
>Yes, but I have yet to see a genuine concern, either in the press or from the
>public to the effect that "this company is so corrupt, why do I have to buy their
>software when I purchase a computer?"


     I have, but I must admit it's not enough by itself.  The problem
is that even those who would rather not do business with M$ still feel
they have no other choice.  Lately I've had no trouble finding people
who'd rate M$ somewhere below pond scum, but the problem is they'll
still use their products.  This is the attitude that's going to be the
most difficult to change, but it's also the most important.  Hating M$
doesn't mean squat if they're still buying their products...but like I
said, seeing M$ for what they are is at least a start (and a necessary
one).

--
 ...Cheers,

 ...Norm

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