Opportunism in FUD?

September 16, 2001 2:08 AM

Opportunism in FUD? Once a term used only for Microsoft, it seems FUD is a common problem these days. The linked site is decidedly anti-MS and seems to be appropriating FUD for their own ends. When someone uses the WTC tragedy to try and discredit their opponent in a technical debate have they gone too far?
posted by soulhuntre (5 comments total)

According to this dictionary, FUD is a coinage of Gene Amdahl "after he left IBM to found his own company."
posted by pracowity at 3:07 AM on September 16, 2001

Besides, just a nit, this doesn't seem like FUD. Just a bad argument.

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt is intended to make someone stop in their tracks long enough for you to move. I doubt that Microsoft will stand in it's tracks because of this webpage, y'know?
posted by fooljay at 3:19 AM on September 16, 2001

In America, all non-governmental activity stopped in its tracks on the 11th and 12th ... except Microsoft's lawyers. It was inappropriate and rude, and this site is simply pointing it out.
posted by jragon at 10:10 AM on September 16, 2001

Life goes on. One of the most important things that Americans can do right now is to GET ON WITH LIVING. Mourn, reflect, yes...but *life* does not stop. There's a world out there -- and we must engage.

Some could argue that posting trivial comments to MetaFilter is "trivial" or "inappropriate and rude." After all, isn't there SOMETHING more constructive that we could all be doing in regards to Tuesday's events?
posted by davidmsc at 10:21 AM on September 16, 2001

BoycottXP.com is perhaps the worst discussion site I've ever taken part in. The people are (in general) Linux-nazis who say that "microsoft must fall for the good of humanity", and people use MS software because of their "ingorance and beloved capitalism (television)" when prompted for discussion. I am not making this up.

I think I have yet to see one news story posted that actually explains -why- we should be boycotting XP. It all seems to be random pro-linux anti-MS babble. It's like a slashdot where the users have no social skills.

I'm actually surprised they didn't blame Bill Gates outright for using windows to remotely fly the planes into the WTC.
posted by Jairus at 1:17 PM on September 16, 2001