Doug,

>
>Nahh.. As I mentioned above I wouldn't be surprised that there's a sort of relationship as both software vendors and the BSA benefit. Dunno about the nature of the relationship...

I'll give you that one. I can say there is a 100% chance that there is a relationship between the BSA and the software companies and its the software companies getting the benefit. Why form an alliance it you can't receive some sort of benefit.

They way I see it:

1. Microsoft owns the product, you do not.

2. They have the right to protect their property from theft, as do you. They have the right to bring charges against those who violate the copyright.

3. Since they own it, they can decide the protection scheme.

4. You have the right to refuse to purchase their product.

5. You can't buy another OS that runs NASCAR Racing 4 by Papyrus so you're stuck :)

Many people have stated how bad the activation will be. SSNs, Mother's maiden name, Church Affiliation, blah, blah, blah. I think Mike Stewart posted something that pretty much shot down those arguments, for now.

I've have not heard anyone propose a better solution to protect Microsoft. Should MS make you have the CD mounted when you turn on the machine? There scheme sounds OK to me. I'm sure some might be inconvienced here and there, but they need to relaize that it's the pirates who are to blame, not MS. Look at what they do at the mall. You have to walk through these 'scanners' that look for 'price' tags or something. I'm not a thief, why do I have to walk through them and feel like I'm not trusted? The same people who complain about MS activation should complain about these as well.

TGIF.

Dan