The OP was referencing Apple as an example. I agree that Apple is a solid example of his argument. I disagree with you in your all encompassing statement that people buy Apple because 'looks cool'. I've not met anyone who spends their hard earned cash this way. Folks I know purchase the products because they work very well and require the least amount of maintenance from the user.

This! There's so much junk in space it's like you don't have to worry if your ship breaks down. Find an old 1960's version of your broken part floating around (probably be within 10 feet of you) pop it in and your good to go.

Ok, I'll bite. I think you're completely missing the point. I think it's positive influence that several folks on this thread have taken the time to point out a book that helped them. Sometimes you have to read several books on a subject by different authors before you understand the subject. It sounds to me like you're asking for a magic method or algorithm to put in place here. There is nothing like that for this. Changing the way you think is probably one of the hardest things to do. Getting rid of preconceived ideas or negative attitudes and approaching not just the situation but in this case, a book, with an openness and positive attitude will put you in a far better place to understand what's trying to be imparted on you. My 2 cents, oh, and read the book.

Say what you will, OP is correct. All the open source projects are super wealthy with all the honest users donating like they should. Users wouldn't think of just using a product without compensating for it. Would they?

Thanks! I got a good laugh from that!

Lots of applications require to run as administrator to function correctly. I don't care about how that's the program's developer's fault and not MS and back and forth nonsense. As far as I'm concerned it's all of their faults collectively. Regardless of who's fault it is, the problem persists.

Robin Hood isn't real? What about the Tooth Fairy? Surely she's real? Yes?

I'm so confused?

I agree with you if they're just being silent out of malice or laziness, however, I would offer a guess that this isn't usually the case. If you're a witness and the criminal is someone you know, then it's likely you are operating out of fear for yourself or your family from retaliation should you be found a witness against the criminal in your community.

Yes! This strategy of making laws first then letting the Boffins invent stuff is awesome. It's why we have flying cars and make regular trips to the moon! We don't have pollution and food scarcity is all but unheard of ---- because we made some laws!