[plug] Fwd: Open source

[skribe]

This was posted to me.  Would someone care to write back to Phil and explain 
why this is not a problem with OSS?

----------  Forwarded Message  ----------
Subject: Open source
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 22:30:50 +0800
From: "Phil Gaudet" <philgaudet at bigfoot.com>
To: <skribe at plug.linux.org.au>


Hello,

First of all I just want to say this is not a question digging at LINUX.
I actually think LINUX is quite good. I would like to ask though; with
LINUX being open source that means all different companies can get hold
of the LINUX kernel and build around it. However with so many variations
then, that kind of mish mash would end up confusing more people then
attracting them.

I guess what I am saying is, Microsoft's success was gained not from any
great O/S (we all know that) but rather the uniformity and compatibility
of it. If some of these companies would pool their resources (Red Hat
etc), they might come up with an excellent O/S that would topple or at
least shake up old Mr Gates. I for one would convert.

Phil Gaudet

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.343 / Virus Database: 190 - Release Date: 22/03/2002

-------------------------------------------------------

skribe
-- 
Public key information available at:
http://www.amber.com.au/~skribe/publickey.html
Key fingerprint = A855 9CA3 953B 5195 C518  12F2 0E05 DCCD 5A88 E8A4 

An excellence-oriented '80s male does not wear a regular watch.  He wears
a Rolex watch, because it weighs nearly six pounds and is advertised
only in excellence-oriented publications such as Fortune and Rich
Protestant Golfer Magazine.  The advertisements are written in
incomplete sentences, which is how advertising copywriters denote excellence:

"The Rolex Hyperion.  An elegant new standard in quality excellence and
discriminating handcraftsmanship.  For the individual who is truly able
to discriminate with regard to excellent quality standards of crafting
things by hand.  Fabricated of 100 percent 24-karat gold.  No watch parts
or anything.  Just a great big chunk on your wrist.  Truly a timeless
statement.  For the individual who is very secure.  Who doesn't need to
be reminded all the time that he is very successful. Much more successful
than the people who laughed at him in high school.  Because of his acne.
People who are probably nowhere near as successful as he is now.  Maybe
he'll go to his 20th reunion, and they'll see his Rolex Hyperion.
Hahahahahahahahaha."
		-- Dave Barry, "In Search of Excellence"