[oclug] Should we invite Microsoft to an OCLUG Meeting

[Ross Jordan]

It would seem Phil Tanguay, on Mon, May 10, 2004 at 11:37:23PM -0400, wrote:
> On Mon, 10 May 2004, Milan Budimirovic wrote:
> > For those of you who were not around in the early days of OCLUG, we 
> > initially had a no-MS-bashing rule. Not because we all loved Microsoft, 
> > but because we wanted to keep the group focused on the positive.
> 
> Very good point.  Personally, I'm not afraid of Microsoft - it's not like
> they'll run out and install Windows XP on my machines while I'm not looking.
> They can try to "sell" their ideas to us, and who knows, we might learn
> something in the process - whether it's from a technology standpoint or other.
> 
> I also find it deliciously ironic that the same clowns that scream
> "censorship" and "free speech" at every turn, are now the ones doing the same
> when it comes to a Microsoft presentation.  The hypocrisy is astounding !
>

I agree. To me, I would never reject someone who wants to talk.
It doesn't mean I have to agree with them -- and perhaps I can
learn something about their strategies/plans that would be useful
to improve what I am doing (perhaps to fight them).

Listening to Microsoft should not be equated with support.

-Ross