[K12OSN] OT: Open Source counter-arguments

["Terrell Prudé Jr."]

Brad Thomas wrote:
> "Support list for open source software in schools." <k12osn at redhat.com>
> writes:
>   
>> So which would you rather be remembered for: making a ton of money
>> selling stuff that didn't work that well or changing the world by
>> empowering everyone with tools they can use and modify?
>>     
>
> This question made me think of the iPod (and Steve Jobs) -- does it (he)
> fit either category? I don't think it (he) does. It's great hardware and,
> combined with iTunes (and the fact that Jobs got major corporations to
> agree to distribute their music on-line), it created a cultural revolution
> (podcasting, etc.). The iPhone may have similar effects. Jobs wants to
> both create great products and make money. He benefits, but so do
> consumers who buy the iPod.

Actually, it was a combination of Napster, MP3.com, and the Diamond
"Rio" MP3 player that created that cultural revolution, not Steve Jobs
and his iPod/iTunes.  The latter is a Johnny-come-lately that uses
Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) to essentially force you to "rent"
your music instead of buy it.  That's how it got blessed by the big
music studios (their fright of another Napster somewhere showing up
jolted them awake).

The problem for the end users is that, with Apple's iTunes, you're
restricted as hell with what you can do w/ the music that you paid for. 
And Apple keeps changing the rules, never in the users' favor.

Jobs had an empire before, with the Apple II, until IBM came along with
its IBM PC that used actual open specs.  Jobs had another chance with
the Mac...and he stayed too closed and proprietary, losing that market
to Microsoft (MS was, at the time, considerably more open than Apple). 
Now he has an empire again (the iPod), and he's making the same
mistakes...again.

--TP
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