[nzlug] 'MS Tax' versus Commerce Commission

[Michael Field]

Ah! You've lumped the likes of "Dell" with "Good [bicycle] vendors". I
like to think of them as 'MacDonald's for computers'. 

Linux users are definitely more of the "specialist/enthusiast market",
who when it comes to other products would pay a premium to get the
product and service that they want. But some how we don't think we are.

In our case I agree Windows is the "'get-you-home' junk seats/pedals"
that us cyclists end up with in the garage.... you know you are paying
for them but will never use them.

Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: nzlug-bounces at linux.net.nz [mailto:nzlug-bounces at linux.net.nz] On
Behalf Of Denise Bates
Sent: Monday, 2 July 2007 7:09 p.m.
To: NZLUG Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nzlug] 'MS Tax' versus Commerce Commission

Michael Field wrote:

>  - A bicycle without any handlebars?  (aka The Euston Tube Tax)

A bad analogy!
* Top-of-the-line bicycles (if they aren't completely custom 
built) are often sold without a seat or pedals (or are supplied 
with "get-you-home" junk seats/pedals at no charge). Other 
components, including handlebars, can be swapped over without drama.
* Good vendors will allow quite a lot of customisation of 
medium-range bicycles (if they don't, serious cyclists will avoid 
patronising them).
* Only rubbishy chain-store bicycles are usually supplied in a 
manner analogous to the "Microsoft Tax" (you pay for, and take the 
whole box of s**t, no negotiations!).

Perhaps this reflects the relative status difference between Linux 
and high-quality bicycles <g>.

regards,
*********************************************
Dr Denise J. Bates,
PO Box 50,
Meremere 2441
New Zealand
E-mail: dbates at iconz.co.nz
Telephone 09-2336433
Mobile 021-2541330
*********************************************

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