🚀 go-pugleaf

> A boycott of Apple-related newsgroups, on the other hand, would have
> a totally negligeable effect on Apple`s revenues. It'd be very
> effective in frustrating the users and developers who are completely
> innocent in this controversy.

Well, they may not have known about Apple/AT&T/Coherent's litigious
nature when they bought their machine, but I wouldn't say they are
innocent.  They are, after all, supporting Apple/AT&T/Coherent with
their dollars.  Without them we would be rid of the companies in short
order.  (Well, perhaps AT&T could get into some other line of
business. ;-)

Part of the goal of any boycott is to bring the issues out to the
masses.  Preferably this is done in such a way that the users of the
boycotted goods are affected and will use this fact in future purchase
decisions and recommendations.  A boycott of Apple, AT&T, and Coherent
newsgroups does exactly that.

I would venture a guess that most Apple/AT&T/Coherent users still
don't know or care that their computer manufacturer is abusing our
patent and copyright system.  All they know about is how much neat
stuff they can get off of the net.  When asked for computer purchase
recommendations they would most likely recommend an system just like
theirs. 

I plan to do my part to make buying an Apple/AT&T/Coherent slightly
less attractive.  If enough other newsadmins join in, then present
users and prospective buyers will have no choice but to hear this
message loud and clear; If you buy from one of these companies you
risk being locked out of one of the largest sources of reliable free
information in the world.

-wolfgang

PS.  Up until recently I was against the FSF Apple boycott.  I thought
     it served no useful purpose and wasted a lot of energy.  Then AT&T
     and Hayes decided to jump on the bandwagon and harass other
     companies with their bogus patents.  It became clear to me that
     this trend is only going to get worse unless some corrective
     pressure is applied.  This is my token amount of pressure.

     I see a newsgroup boycott as an ideal vehicle.  Once set in
     motion it requires no mental energy to maintain; something that
     can't be said of the FSF boycott of Apple and the considerable
     effort on rms' part to post his "Please don't help Apple" pleas.
-- 
Wolfgang Rupprecht    wolfgang@wsrcc.com (or) uunet!wsrcc!wolfgang
Snail Mail Address:   Box 6524, Alexandria, VA 22306-0524