On Tuesday 31 July 2001 07:56, Sridhar Dhanapalan wrote:
> Charlie,
>
> Just a couple of simple requests to preserve sanity on the list:
>
> 1. Don't post e-mail attachments. They can bog-down the mail server and
> make mail downloads unnecessarily lengthy for users.
My bad. I apologize for that. it was early in the morning here and I wasn't
thinking yet. I should have known better, since that's a standard rule.
>
> 2. The last time I checked, Microsoft had not released a version of MS Word
> for GNU/Linux. Can you please post in plain text, or link to a site?
I read it with Star Office which came with 8.0.
Checking their home page, they don't have it posted. I put a text copy
inline at the bottom of this with the fancy letterhead stripped.
>
> With that said and done, here's my commentary.
>
> These charity people are just plain imbeciles. Though I greatly respect
> their work, I can't figure out why they still bitch and moan even after
> things like this (http://www.linuxworld.com.au/news.php3?nid=861&tid=4)
> occur.
>
I read it. Perhaps I should send a note to them with the link expressing
happiness that the problem has been resolved. :-)
I don't think they are imbeciles. I suspect something else that I run across
every now and then. I'm starting to sense that this guy is a professional
victim. That is, being a victim is more important than solving the problem,
and he will avoid easy solutions because then the problems, and the attention
that comes with being a victim, will go away.
In the US at least, directors of charitable organizations are required to act
in the best interests of the organization and their intended beneficiaries.
If he shuts down to preserve his victim status rather than switch to linux, I
have to wonder if he might be running afoul of similar australian
requirements.
<begin press release>
Tuesday, 31 July 2001
MICROSOFT BACKSTABS CHARITY "PC's FOR KIDS"
The Pc's for Kids project of assisting less fortunate children with donated
computers is facing their toughest battle to date and the outlook looks bleak
following a decision by Microsoft Australia today.
The US software giant will not grant any copyright exemptions that would
allow Pc's for Kids to continue providing refurbished computers to needy kids.
"We simply do not have the funds to purchase the old software needed for the
refurbished machines," Pc's for Kids President and founder Mr. Colin Bayes
said.
In a letter sent to Mr. Bayes today, Microsoft has said it will provide
assistance to the Geelong YMCA and will provide 150 packs of Windows-95 to be
sent to East Timor via the Rotary International scheme (DIK)
If Pc's for kid's folds, who are going to build these systems, I am sure no
Rotarian will accommodate Microsoft. The other issue is more like, "Microsoft
Snubs Aussie Kids" Bayes states.
"However, this kind offer does not address the copyright issue which leaves
us with countless of children on our waiting list and the many who will need
systems in the future."
"Our project is a grass roots community driven project. We have achieved
miracles with little support.
"We at Pc's for Kids have one question for the well-known philanthropist Mr.
William Gates.
"Why should less fortunate kids be made to pay again for software already
donated by our community?"
"As the founder of Pc's for Kids I am deeply ashamed at this halfhearted
offer by Microsoft and urge all our supporters to call Microsoft and voice
your concern at their lack of compassion.
Press Release Issued By: Tuesday, 31 July 2001
Colin Bayes President / Founder (0402) 149719 24 Hours Contact
Pc's for Kids Inc Ph: (03) 52444146 Fax: (03) 52436026
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<end>
--
"Microsoft is a cross between the Borg and the Ferengi. Unfortunately,
they use Borg to do their marketing and Ferengi to do their programming."
-- Simon Slavin in asr
