I began my career working on a Microsoft/PC platform. Over the years I have watched as Microsoft's "typical audacity" has reared its' head time and time again. As always, it is Microsoft's way or the highway. What it can't control today, it tries to subvert for its' use tomorrow. The Goal? M$ Tax on every user.

I am serving notice. No XP and no .NET for me, thank you very much. My goal is to wean myself away from Microsoft products and services and learn to leverage Open Source technologies.

So, to every developer I say, don't bother with "embrace and extend" -- I won't buy your latest software if it depends on the latest Microsoft platform. I'm sure as heck not going to pay for your beta program, buy your shrinkwrap, and then pay to actually use the software in the box I bought. To every marketer I say, don't bother peddling your wares on .NET -- I'm not entrusting my personal information and internet identity to Microsoft. Nor will I adapt my computing needs to Microsoft's dictate. I'll throw my PC out the window first. When Microsoft learns to play the market instead of owning it, then maybe we'll talk.

Signed, Richard Parkin.