Microsoft Hatred FAQ

[Peter T. Breuer]

In comp.os.linux.misc David Schwartz <davids at webmaster.com> wrote:
> Peter T. Breuer wrote:

>> In comp.os.linux.misc David Schwartz <davids at webmaster.com> wrote:

>>>                            Microsoft was not going to let a business
>>> parasitically use Windows to build a business that touted the
>>> advantages of competing products.

>> Well, it should have, because that's what manufacturers of operating
>> systems, washing machines, and so on, are supposed to do. And so says
>> the legal system. Attempting to subvert market economics like that is
>> illegal.

>     Actually, there are washing machines that are only available in 
> particular stores. I believe Kenmore washing machines, for example, are only 
> available wholesale as part of a franchise deal.

Good for them - I guess nobody else would want them (I certainly
wouldn't want something which hadn't been subjected to the test of a
competetive market)! 

In case you hadn't noticed, there are also JAMs and TINNED CUCUMBERs
which are only available in certain stores!  It's called an "own brand",
and they are normally cheaper than branded equivalents, not having paid
for the advertising or in some cases actually using cheaper and generic
products. 

That's UP TO THE FRIGGING STORE (in contrast to the MS situation).  The store
doesn't have to tell its supplier to make its product also availabel to
other stores (but it probably will, under a differnt label - all these
things come from the same canneries).  It's not forced on them sellerby
the manufacturer.  And attempts by manufacturers (notably sports shoe
brands) to dictate which shops may sell their brands (in order that they
may control the pricing) have been rebuffed by the courts as well.

> I don't know why you think 
> that's an attempt to subvert market economics,

Because "it is".

> it's actually just a normal 
> part of the way the market works.

No it isn't.

I think I'll just plonk you. Absurd and outlandish statements like
that put you beyond the pale. The law has spoken on the matter - the
courts have judged, and "that is illegal" and "that is a monopoly" 
and "that is an illegal  trade practice" are its judgments.




Peter