I finally can't stand it any more, and feel compelled to comment on several points: 1. In a post to this list, someone who identified themselves as from MCE did not have a problem with Calvin posting the information. MCE is providing a SERVICE, and although they may utilize skills and techniques that they have developed to provide that service well, the customer is paying for the service. Given that, and the points below, I don't think any of us should have a problem with Calvin's post either. 2. Proprietary information can be protected in several ways, legally. These are, to my knowledge, Trade secret, copyright, trademark, and patent. A patent doesn't apply if there has not been an application. Copyright and trademark clearly do not apply in this case. Trade secret requires that the method be kept secret. If someone else figures it out, there is no further protection, unless the person figuring it out obtained the information illegally, by breaking and entering, for example. Opening your own machine clearly does not violate any laws, and if the modification can be figured out by just looking inside your own property, it cannot be protected by trade secret if someone does this. 3. I frequently pay others to do things that I could and have done myself, either because I feel that it would not be a good use of my time (launder and iron shirts), or because I don't feel confident about doing it (My first duodock power supply replacement) or I feel that someone else will do the job better and faster (auto tune-up). It seems that this is the service that MCE is providing for those who would be interested in the information provided by Calvin. 4. In the most extreme form, if someone used the information to set up their own cardbus activation business, as far as I can tell, it would not be illegal in any way. I, personally, would still choose to do business with MCE, based on my positive past experience with the company, along with that of others on this list. If I were very constrained by money, and the alternative was much cheaper, I might be willing to risk it. That is part of the free market. DTL ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list... Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/ Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
