On 16 Dec 2002 at 19:30, Arnoud Galactus Engelfriet wrote:
I think you are being extremely unfair here. You make a value judgment about today's society regarding software patents. I respect that, but I make a different judgment. I can only tell you how I view the world and whether I am happy with the world.
Now you make it sound as if I am a completely selfish arrogant bastard who is incapable of caring about anyone but himself. I don't think I deserve that. I have different opinions than you, but that does not make me an evil person.
In fairness, I think Marcus was being "robust" in his reply, not offensive. He did not actually say your view would be the death knell for all society.
I do feel however he was not being constructive in his argument. The whole point of argument is primarily to state opinion yes, but it is also about /changing/ of opinion. That can occur on your own end or of that of others. This list *is* called "discussion@fsfeurope.org" and therefore I would imagine would involve discussion of opinions via argument. If I'm wrong here, please tell me and I'll unsub!
So, I am not going to continue our discussion here because I feel it is pointless. We are incapable of appreciating each other's arguments, and I do not like participating in a debate where it is fair game to insult your opponent.
Well I personally was gaining from your discussion, so I hope you reply to my replies. I very much value your input as a professional lawyer as I believe no one else on this list has such qualification. I personally hope you reconsider and continue to provide your views on this list. If not, then thank you for the time you have already contributed!
Yours respectfully, Niall