🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <kp6biiINNgfv@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> chased@rbbb.Eng.Sun.COM (David Chase) writes:
>These some examples of where custom service is not value-added.  I
>don't know if these are the common cases, but I suspect that they are.

  I regularly rebind keys under emacs to perform a specific function
that I need to do for an hour. The most important key on my keyboard
is the one bound to global-set-key.

>The FSF arguments regarding look-and-feel cut both ways -- what good
>is a customized typewriter keyboard?

  When faced with a brain damaged PC keyboard, or new-style Sun
keyboard? It has a lot of advantages. 

>particularly what I want to pay for on a regular basis.  When I get my
>car repaired, I do go someplace where I like the service, but I regard
>it as a defect in the car that it needs service at all.

  You are dreaming if you think that a complex mechanism like your
car is going to stay in top shape without service. I wish there was
someone around that would be willing to come and service my 
refridgerator -- I don't like the way the ice-maker works. I'd sure
like to get someone in to remove it. The fridge came with the house,
and works just fine otherwise.

>Presumably, the bigger picture has appeared to you.  Can you provide
>examples of where "quality service for software products" is an
>interesting (i.e., profit-making) concept?
>
>David Chase
>Sun

  I dunno, how about Sun?
  I'd pay for Sun 3/60 software support since I have one in my
basement. I could probably do a lot of the support myself if I had
kernel source, but I know plenty of people that could use a used 
3/60 (rather than a silly MSDOS clone), and could get one cheaper
than the clone, but for whom support is an issue. 
  When the GNU Hurd is available for 3/60s and 386s, I think that
Interactive, SCO and Sun are going to find themselves in significant
competition from the consultants. People hire consultants to
help them with current commerical Unix offerings as it is. If the
software has no original cost, and doesn't have a price that scales
with the number of copies bought it sure makes the consultant a lot
more competitive. Being able to offer custom modifications, instant
bug fixes or enhancements is something that I wish we could do now.