[SLL] OLPC

[Glenn Stone]

On Fri, Jan 04, 2008 at 07:21:47PM -0800, Jerry Horvath wrote:
>Citing "philosophical" differences, Intel has withdrawn its funding
>and technical help from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project.
>
>This news is sad.  However, the news is expected.  The "philosophical
>differences" are as anticipated.  It seems that something given to the
>world is unacceptable in some social/economic structures.
>
>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7171201.stm

Well, *duh*... Intel's legally bound purpose in life is to try to take over
the wo.... err, Maximize Shareholder Value.  That means *everybody* else
gets screwed.  Employees, customers, and sure as heck, Open Source
projects.  Now, sure, there's been some good code out there (ee100, e.g.)
but it's all been in the name of Sell More Hardware.  An OLPC isn't Intel
hardware.  Therefore Intel is legally bound to detract as much from it as it
can.  Regrettable?  yes.  Surprising?  Not in the least.  

And some people don't Get It that you take over the world by giving it
away.  But some do.  Ask Jonathan Coulton.  Or Eric Flint. 

-- Glenn