And Because I'll Be at a Linux Expo in Ten Days...

[howardtayler]

So.. I just confessed to replacing XP with a drive-scrubbing clean install of Windows 7. Why didn't I move to Linux instead?

Three things, really:

1) Text boxes in Microsoft Word 2003: These things have defined my process for creating scripts, and are now so integral that I can't imagine life without them. I tried Open Office, and the boxes didn't

Comments

[theswede]

I feel you're overstating your case when you say you don't *want* to use open source software. Your examples are cases where you *need* features or functionality not present in open source equivalents, or where your present skill set doesn't translate. From what I read, you're saying "I use what works for me, and right now open source software doesn't", not "I just don't want to use open source software". If I am wrong, and it is quite possible I am, it would be interesting to hear your specific points against open source software in general.

[howardtayler]

Let me rephrase: I will concede that it is possible for my processes to be reforged around open source software, but I would rather spend my time and energy on something productive. Switching to Linux or to a Mac, for that matter -- the same argument may apply for scripting, I haven't tried it -- would be a waste of time, and I'm paid quite well for the time I spend writing and illustrating.

I'm not paid at all for dicking around with computers.

So, "I don't want to use Open Source software" translates into "I want to be paid for a larger percentage of the time I use."

[theswede]

You make your point well, and I agree with you. The problem I have is more with the ambiguity of the English language, where a simple quote from you could be used to make it seem like you're against open source on some form of principle when I suspect that is not the case. Since you carry some prominence (whether you wish to or not) I just wanted to highlight that. I'm not at all saying you're being deceptive or anything. Language, however, is.

[howardtayler]

Oh yeah, language totally bites. If our vulgar (in the classical sense) tongues had checksums we'd all be much better off.

This is why rephrasing is so useful, and why the works of Isaiah and the other Hebrew prophet-poets are so beautiful: sometimes when you say the same thing twice, and say it in two different ways, you create meaning that could not have been created in a single statement.

[unixronin]

Oh yeah, language totally bites. If our vulgar (in the classical sense) tongues had checksums we'd all be much better off.
GRIN
I am SO putting that in my quote file. :)