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Story: Microsoft patents software access limits
The psychology of Windows use reflects Battered Women's Syndrome
The four stages of "Battered Women's Syndrome" are:
Stage 1 - Denial - occurs when the battered woman denies to others, and to herself, that there is a problem.
Stage 2 - Guilt - during this stage, most battered women will take on the blame or responsibility of any beatings they may receive.
Stage 3 - Enlightenment - occurs when a battered woman starts to understand that no one deserves to be beaten.
Stage 4 - Responsibility - at this stage battered women choose to take the necessary steps to leave their abusers and begin to start new lives.
See any similarities for Windows users?
Stage 1 - Denial - "Oh it's nothing. This software patent abuse doesn't really affect me. MS are just protecting their commercial interests. They're people are so intelligent, and Bill gives all that money to charity"
Stage 2 - Guilt - "Hold on, that little pop-up box says I need to 'upgrade' but I don't know why. What have I done wrong? Oh no, I'm a criminal! My non-payment is affecting MS's ability to innovate. Its all my fault!!"
Stage 3 - Enlightenment - "Free software? Open Source? And you can do all that for free?"
Stage 4 - Responsibility - "Actually, MS can go to hell. I'm not putting up with their abusive behaviour anymore. I want to be free."
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