Tom,

>>Lynda,
>>
>>>We don't all share your perspective or your business plan. I don't need/want another OS at the moment, or a new version of Office either. I already have newer versions of all of these than most of my clients will see for several years to come. Most of them are minority-owned small businesses and non-profits; many are struggling to get started or to stay afloat. I recently abandoned 60+ hour work weeks, a 6 figure income, and MSDN Universal, in order to do the work I love for people I enjoy and for whom my efforts can make a real contribution to their success. These customers are actually accustomed to being treated as second class citizens in the business community; I guess I'm the one having difficulty adjusting.
>>
>>It's nice to be able to afford to do what you have chosen to do. My guess is that after several years of profitable endeavors you are now in a position to 'really help' as you suggest. Very cool. However, I doubt that businesses are out to make you feel like a second class citizen. Their 'mission' in life is to make a profit for their owners. While I personally, should I ever be in position to so do, would be quite willing to follow the JC Penny model and would so do, my guess is that most business decision makers don't share those beliefs and opinions m- or perhaps there's not enough 'wiggle room' in their minds for them to haelp (a position I'd disagree with). Still, de Tocqeville did point out that 'enlightened self interest' by said businessmen would lead them to positions of charity. Perhaps you can come up with a new or better 'model' to present to them that will help them to see the benefits to them by aiding your efforts??
>>
>>If not, go the Linux + Star Office route. <g>
>
>Doug;
>
>I believe I know what Lynda means by "These customers are actually accustomed to being treated as second class citizens in the business community". I have seen this attitude in Silicon Valley and I might add I have done my share to help non-profits - free of charge - on many occasions. On Friday, I saw a download for a FTP file - free for use at home or office - but not free for non profits! Seems like a kick in the face to me but then we all have our own code of ethics and business practices!
>
>Tom

Don't misunderstand.. I think that non-profits should be given consideration - just not that this consideration should be expected. A gift not given willingly is no gift, it seems to me. If non-profits depend upon voluntary contributions then IMO they have to follow through on their end as well and not gripe as though others owe them anything. Again.. Please do not misunderstand. I think that it would and should be that businesses help non-profits as much as they deem proper or appropriate and to construct rules that demonstrate this attitude but I see no moral compulsion evident that should somehow compel them to so do.

Perhaps there is some sort of IRS rule that places these businesses in this conundrum? Or, perhaps as non-profitable 'type' organizations they fall under the governmental rules that allow for the unfettered copying of programs much like the federal government has abrogated to itself and which must be fought off with specific declarations of the restrictions of those rights?

I'd bet that there's more to this than we are aware of at this point... Maybe someone else has some additional info.