The Rational Reasons
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The connected community should embrace diversity.
Microsoft seems to have become a default data exchange format because
Microsoft dominates the PC operating systems. Linux is a free (and many
think superior) operating system for PCs. Many still use unix
workstations--without which the web probably would not be as functional
today. Because we should not force anyone to buy a particular
technology in order to communicate, we should not communicate using a
commercial standard.
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Sending a document that can fork an execution by a
user that can write or delete files on which the operating system
depends is simply stupid.
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A wordprocessing system sends extra information
about formatting that may not be used or affect the content in any way.
Sending copies of a wordprocessed document as an attachment to hundreds
of recipients is a waste of disk space and band width. Consider putting
your document on the web in html; in this way, those who wish to read,
can seek out your document. Furthermore, you can make changes to your
document at any time.
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Consider the consequences of sending a document to
someone who can edit it and resend it themselves.
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Alternative technology and software is potentially
superior.
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The cost of Microsoft software is several times the average
monthly salary in many developing nations---this eye-opening bit of
information underscores the absurdity of adopting a commercial standard
for electronic communication or information sharing.
-
Many refuse to be held hostage to a corporate anti-Linux/Unix
agenda
The Irrational Reasons
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Because I don't have to use microsoft products.
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Because I don't like microsoft products.
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Because microsoft products are always inferior to an
alternative.
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Because we don't tolerate any other cases where one
product dominates an entire market, we should not support this case by
simple acquiescence.
A Parable
A tourist walks into a very nice restaurant in a lovely village in the
French countryside and mutters an english question, ``Are you still
serving lunch?'' No one reacts immediately, so he says louder, ``Do you
have a TABLE where I might DINE?'' Recognizing a few words and
realizing that the tourist must only speak English or doesn't care to
try to speak in a language that might have a better chance of being
understood, one of the employees shuffles off to find someone who might
be able to help the ignorant tourist. After a long delay, someone comes
and interprets the simple request and negotiates a seat in the
restaurant. The tourist is handed a menu. ``I can't read this! It is in
French! What are Cervelles anyways?" The helpful interpreter is
called back and the tourist has the whole menu explained to him and is
finally ready to order a meal. The touris is getting hungry and
frustrated and, in just the way everyone gets when they are frustrated
and hungry forgets their manners and blurts, ``By the way, I would like
to order in english so I am sure what I am getting---and for the
priviledge of taking my order, I demand that you pay the Queen of
England a small sum for the use of this language which I can't
understand why you don't just use anyway like everyone else.''
After this last sentence is finally translated back to the previously
friendly proprietors, the kitchen is closed and the tourist is sent
packing,