http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/07/17/1815210&from=rss

Yes, I see what’s going on and I agree with you.

I do understand the nature of proprietary industry, in software as well as others. My iPod, my gMail account, my Calabria Pro V, my Zune, my Dodge, my Dell laptop, my gym membership, etc. They all do it to me.

They all provide a service or product that I have to commit to. I have to invest myself, my time, and my money into it. There is a high barrier to exit. But it’s worth it to me. I like my gadgets, I like my cars, I like my boat, and I like my gym membership.

I pay for proprietary products and services with “lock-ins” because the services are valuable to me. Are there alternatives? Yes, I could run Linux (I do), or run in the park (I do), or listen to FM radio (I do), or walk or bike (I do). But that doesn’t mean I don’t find value in proprietary products and services that “lock” me in.

I like all the “free” and “open” services but they don’t provide the same level of value for me in my chosen field, software development.

Here’s a related example, I started blogging with blogger.com. I didn’t like feeling locked into their system so now I host my own WordPress installation. The open alternative was of greater value to me.

I see what’s going on, yes, I lock myself in to Microsoft professionally all the time. I do it consciously because it’s the best option for me and it provides value that I haven’t found elsewhere.

If you like the “taste” of Microsoft then by all means use it. Just try to realize what’s really going on.