On Wed, 1 Aug 2001 01:05, Charlie Oriez wrote:
> 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.
I used StarOffice to read it as well. However, not everyone has this app (it
doesn't come with the ISO version of Mandrake) and many people don't
want it (it's a massive download and is bloated). At all times, open formats
should be used for document delivery. Plain text or a simple web link are
best, since they are the most compact.
> 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.
I found myself thinking the same thing after reading this. It is really sad
to see this happen to a charity. Their behaviour doesn't help anyone.
> 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.
I think you may be right here, especially after Everythinglinux made such a
public announcement offering their help. PCs for Kids is the smallest
Australian charity that specialises in giving away computers, yet they are
the only one that does not use GNU/Linux on their machines.
> <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>
--
Sridhar Dhanapalan.
"There are two major products that come from Berkeley:
LSD and UNIX. We don't believe this to be a coincidence."
-- Jeremy S. Anderson
