I hate to say it and I hope no one takes it the wrong way but what you're saying has been the long standing problem with open source for open source's sake.

People generally need a reason to switch platforms. So far almost everything from open source that hasn't been on the server side has been about how the product is "just as good" as the closed source equivalent. Do the open source advocates really think I'm going to switch platforms over something that is "just as good" with no clear advantages? I think that's where a lot of resistance comes from and frankly I don't blame people who see it this way. I really can't imagine someone switching from Windows to Linux or OSX without someone to hold their hand through the process. There is a remarkable effect on the user by having someone to ask a question to. Search engines just don't cut it if you don't know what you're talking about in the first place. At least not like an experience user would.

Android had a virtue of being ready to make a go of it in a fertile emerging market. No one using a dumbphone had anything to lose by going with the Android handset. The same won't be true of Ubuntu phone. Google has done a fine job of value added services like Google Play in the same way Apple did with iCloud and iTunes Match. If MS would have had the same advantages about two years before getting back into the phone market they would have had a great marketshare now too. MS is only making real headway in (tada!) emerging markets.

I can't speak for what global market saturation really looks like but unless Shuttleworth can get his foot in the door there his phone is going to remain a niche player that likely will never see numbers better than Windows phone let alone iPhone.

First off, don't "quote" me on something I never said. That's a massive fail right there.

And you really think that someone's position on the presidents birth certificate can really be compared to someone questioning scientific fact? Really? Ok. I'm done here. You're trying to talk in a circle that has no valid endpoint. You won't bother to stay on topic and you're trying to make it look like I said something I never did.

Care to cite?

Religion was invoked as a singular example, don't try to re-frame the argument.

Who tried to reframe the argument here, Mr. AC? While the quote you offer is insightful you certainly could have leaned on that instead of involving religion because it would have taken it out of the equation early on. Don't blame me that you had to lean on religion and the fact of what you cited of mine still stands as relevant. It, in no way, tried to divert attention from the general notion of what was being said.

The vast majority of the pushback you're seeing today didn't exist back with people were more enclusive and religious ideology was much higher than it is today. The modern day social schism we have isn't the norm regardless of your thoughts on religion.

That's the thing about Tyson and just about every public scientist out there today, they're not inclusive like Sagan was. That's what made Sagan great and even gave the naysayers a reason to lend an ear. He opened himself up to the "what ifs" of the world and didn't shout people down for their own way of being as long as it wasn't harmful to others.

We need a feeling of unity more than anything else at this place in time for humanity's sake. I just don't see Tyson doing that although he may be the most qualified to do so. We really do need another Sagan.

an iPhone is just stripped and just the screen sold, that is at least a couple C-notes right there

What? You can get good ones with a warranty from Amazon for 60-90 USD.

Not to say that people won't steal them to part them out but I think you need to go and see what the parts are really worth. Samsung Galaxy screens are worth a bit more but they're OEM whereas the Apple replacements seem to be knock offs. Either way, you're still getting a warranty out of either purchase but you still need to do the job yourself.

By Dice forcing this "Beta" crap on us they'll be forcing us to find better sites elsewhere. The only people who will be left will be the same ilk that think that NBCnews.com improved their site with the garbage they throw out there today.

I hope this works out for you. When there is an alternative hopefully the users will move on and start anew. It's time anyway.

Thank you for your efforts.

So what's the real difference here? The difference is that Intel is selling something of real world value. Dice is destroying something of real world value.

An excellent question. This could be the foot-in-the-door some motivated young webdevs are looking for. I'm open to new sites that are willing to take on the feel of the Slashdot community without any of the mind numbingly stupid looks of beta.

I hope these people who are interested in taking up the reigns and perhaps becoming a voice for the science and tech enthusiasts will step forward with URLs and ideas that are being waylaid by Dice.

This is an opportunity that is looking for a taker. The time is now.

The Beta will mark an end to some of the most informative and most insightful users from their daily input on Slashdot. Many have voiced disgust but Dice has decided to be tight lipped and head strong in the face of civil disruption.

If you want a progressive and forward thinking Slashdot you must voice your opinion on the matter now. Dice is moving to what will certainly be a call for exodus.

Why would Dice buy Slashdot only to destroy it?

I'm tired of scrolling through pages of Beta nagging and filtering actual comments from all the bitching.

Can we get over it already? The nagging is not that bad. If you don't like it, there are other sites you can go to. Or, less talk more action, GTFO. I'm tired of scrolling through pages of whiner nagging and filtering actual comments from all the bitching's bitching.

Don't like my whining? Then go whine somewhere else!

Gollum: I hates the Slashdot Beta, fat hobitses!!!