>>Date: Fri, 03 Dec 1999 17:33:11 -0700
>>To: farber@cis.upenn.edu
>>From: "David M. Rose" <drose@azstarnet.com>
>>Subject: Microsoft and eBay--partners in intimidation?
>>
>>Hello Dave,
>>
>>Recently, I bought 3 Compaq Professional Workstations, which came with
>>Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Workstation on 3 CD-ROMs and were accompanied by 3
>>engraved hologram-bedizened Certificates of Authenticity.
>>
>>Since I plan on running these units under Linux and never using Win NT on
>>them, I put the Win NT OSs up for auction on eBay.
>>
>>After a couple of days, eBay cancelled the auction, citing Microsoft's
>>instructions to them to disallow all "fraudulent" auctions. eBay, further,
>>cancelled all of my other auctions for computer parts. Note that I run
>>these auctions as a hobby: I'd imagine that those whose families depended
>>on eBay for their livelihoods would be infinitely more discomfited.
>>
>>Who is, in your opinion, in the right? If you pay for a license, I guess
>>that it can never be transferred, per MS and eBay. This POV, in my opinion,
>>would come as a great shock to restaurateurs, whose liquor licenses form,
>>in many cases, a significant part of their assets. Ditto with NYC cab
>>drivers, where the licenses to pick up passengers (AKA medallions) have
>>bankable worth.
>>
>>I would welcome all thoughts, pro and con, as to whether a bought and paid
>>for license is worth what was paid for it or, in fact, has been declared
>>worthless due to a corporate decree and a weak-kneed response from a
>>leading auction house. What I was taught at the Harvard B-School tells me
>>that my rights are inviolate, however, I'm not an intellectual property guru.
>>
>>Finally, hasn't billg realized that his bullying tactics have run their
>>course--heh, good while they lasted.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>David M. Rose
>>drose@azstarnet.com