Re: [tlug] Asus EEE in Japan [C&C]

["Stephen J. Turnbull" <stephen@example.com>]

SL Baur writes:

 > On 1/26/08, Stephen J. Turnbull <stephen@example.com> wrote:
 > 
 > > Your yen are far less important to the continuation of Microsoft's
 > > domination of the industry than your example would be to the promotion
 > > of freedom (in many senses, not just "software") in Japan.  If
 > > "boycotting Microsoft" is your rationale, please reconsider.
 > 
 > That makes no sense, Steve-san.  Enlighten me, brother.

By removing software he's paid for he is making a very strong
statement about his assessment of its quality == "not good enough".
By showing a Linux-based PC to people, he is demonstrating concretely
that it *is* good enough.

As for the money, Microsoft of course wants all the 5000 yen or
whatever contributions it can get.  But there will be no upgrades, no
purchase of Wort or Expel or even a hole Orifice, etc.  That hurts
them quite enough, I think.

As for non-software freedom, I think the idea of replacing the OS on a
PC is kinda revolutionary in a country where I've met people who don't
know that the lid on a toilet tank comes off.