Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.
Why I object to the AOL-Netscape-Sun deal...
Author: Jeff A. Campbell Posted: 11/27/1998; 1:03:18 PM Topic: Anti-trust problem or opportunity? Msg #: 538 (In response to 536) Prev/Next: 537 / 539
I would tend to agree with those who are worried about letting the government interject - but this is a touchy matter. As much as government conspiracy theories abound, I don't feel that the corporate sector has much of a moral high ground in comparison. At least, not as represented by the likes of AOL and Microsoft.On one hand, setting a precedent for the government's involvement in the tech' sector is a Very Bad Thing. Having had Microsoft push its hand to the point of govt. becoming involved is something that should have been avoided - and would have, if Microsoft were happy in a competition-filled marketspace.
However, I'm finding myself hard-pressed to think of a 'net controlled by these two forces. I envision the return to closed, proprietary standards. I can easily see AOL and Microsoft partnering to close it off to outside competitors. Neither company has created what could be called a 'stellar success' of an online community. Netscape, at least, started out with a positive start.
The moment that the 'net becomes like AOL is the moment I turn my computer off and start watching TV. That would be a great loss for such a promising frontier...
There are responses to this message:
- Is John Doerr Untouchable?, Dave Winer, 11/27/1998; 1:42:58 PM
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