[Cialug] Mandriva - open letter to Steve Ballmer

[Dan Sloan]

-----Original Message-----
On 11/2/07, Matthew Nuzum wrote:
>On 11/2/07, Dave J. Hala Jr. <dave at 58ghz.net> wrote:
>> I don't really know what Ballmer did. But after reading the Mandriva
>> "open letter" it would appear that Francios thinks Ballmer did something
>> unethical. Also remember that ethics are "relative"

>You keep saying that, but I don't agree. I'd say that they do change
>over time, but are set by society. Meaning that, as a business, if you
>cross the line you'll hurt yourself.

Matthew is correct.  Ethics are set by the society.  This IS what makes it
relative. From our perspective, in this society, we may view Mr. Ballmer's
tactics as unethical. (assuming the worst)

>From the viewpoint of the other nation's society, bribery and/or threats may
be a normal, *and accepted*, business practice.

Multinational corporations have to deal with this all the time.  If you want
to play globally, you must play by the local rules, else you don't compete.
Now if those rules are a clear violation of our Federal laws, it's a
different story.  

-- Dan