Richard Stallmann vs Cloud computing

[PicassoCT]

http://bostonreview.net/BR35.2/stallman.php

Nice article of OS vs Google

[Neddie]

While the position he takes is extreme, it is true that cloud computing reminds me of taking the horrors of distributed workstation computing into the home. Who in their right mind would rather sit at a WYSE or Solaris workstation than at a full computer?

Now, think for a moment and ask yourself if your coworkers/family members/friends might be better served by having less power and/or running machines which cost less and/or having less to mess up.

Tricky, isn't it?

[Peet]

This is a goldmine. Stallman is like the ultimate strawman for the neutral individual's use...except he is a real person that actually holds those views!

[KDR_11k]

While the position he takes is extreme

That's why he is RMS!

[SwiftSpear]

I kind of agree... but it's likely to be a long time before things like translation algorithms are widely available to the public domain. If we want to do some of that stuff, we don't have much option BUT going through the system.

There are also certain functions where it makes sense to use the server approach for reasons aside from malicious data control. Things like preventing a user from hacking in a competitive game are desirable, not destructive.

[Neddie]

On modding. Not what you hear in the film, from the 2007 script rather.

SIMON
That... would be cheating.

HUMANZ BROTHER
A mod, that's all. Like that
guidance system you hacked on three
weeks ago lets you track
motherfuckers around corners and
shit.

SIMON
(nervous)
Uhhh...

HUMANZ BROTHER
The game got to mutate, after all.
It got to evolve, you feel me?

SIMON
I do. I do feel you.

HUMANZ BROTHER leans back - he has him.

HUMANZ BROTHER
Then let's rock, baby.