To: coloradan
Well, I am probably the least microsoft-friendly person around. But since Bush200 took his 'niceness vow' this week, I will help him out:
The main difference between your two examples is that a drug pusher's activities are clearly illegal. Microsoft's tactics, while pushing the envelope, are not *quite* outside the 'really aggressive business practice' realm. The intent might be the same, but Microsoft left themselves enough wiggle room to argue that recipients had the clearly-stated option to return the software.
Jeez, I'm defending Microsoft. Someone just slap me until I snap out of it...
8 posted on
03/11/2004 10:13:33 AM PST by
blowfish
To: blowfish
But since Bush200 took his 'niceness vow' this week, I will help him out:ROFLMAO!
12 posted on
03/11/2004 10:22:53 AM PST by
Howlin
(Charter Member of the Incredible Interlocking Institutional Power!!!!)
To: blowfish; Poohbah; Howlin; veronica
Furthermore, this freebie is no different than what they give the private sector.
As Vic Deakins once said, "I don't see what the big deal is."
16 posted on
03/11/2004 10:26:14 AM PST by
hchutch
(Why did the Nazgul bother running from Arwen's flash flood? They only managed to die tired.)
To: blowfish
The only difference is that drugs are contraband and software isn't. Bribes are illegal, and "gifts" that might influence purchase decisions for government agencies are arguably bribes, even if the decision isn't made because of the niceness of the gift, but because only future purchases will be compatible with the gifts.
19 posted on
03/11/2004 10:30:35 AM PST by
coloradan
(Hence, etc.)
To: blowfish
Pushees are free to return drugs, too.
21 posted on
03/11/2004 10:32:38 AM PST by
coloradan
(Hence, etc.)
To: blowfish
The main difference between your two examples is that a drug pusher's activities are clearly illegal. Er, giving a gift over $50 to a government employee whose agency does business with you or regulates you is every bit as "clearly illegal" as a storage locker full of crack cocaine.
22 posted on
03/11/2004 10:37:09 AM PST by
steve-b
To: blowfish
its ok I agree the drug pushing analogy is over the top...
53 posted on
03/12/2004 5:10:55 AM PST by
N3WBI3
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