IMAP is an open API - truly open, because it's a standard and multiple people support it. RSS is an open API - because I can use an RSS reader with anyone I like.

If an API is only supported by one site then it's still lock-in, and if they change it (or close down, or raise their rates) then you're still fucked.

Thank you!

Particularly as those of us behind corporate firewalls can't get to Dropbox...

Version 10 no longer invalidates addons.

Version 12 (I believe) will do silent updates.

Oh yes. If you _are_ going to create a product that depends on other people's then you want to use a supported interface, rather than depending on your knowledge of the underneaths of things.

My point would be that accessing the features that other people own is a dangerous thing, because they are not _your_ features, they are someone else's.

I don't remember saying anything about source code.

Let's take another example - Google Maps:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15523050
or Google App Engine:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/cloud-computing/platform/231600672

Many companies have built their products on top of someone else's APIs, to have those APIs change, vanish, or develop charges later on. Do be aware of the pitfalls before you make yourself totally dependent on someone who does not have your best interests at heart.

But it's not. Nobody can look on a map and see your name, If they're standing by your house and can receive the signal then they can tell where they are, but that's all.

(Unless Google are now publishing the complete lookup table, in which case I feel somewhat different.)

Then don't broadcast it!

They aren't doing any snooping on your private data here, just noting where different SSIDs are broadcasting. Unless your SSID name consists of your name, DOB, mother's maiden name, etc. you have nothing to worry about.

Borderlands.
Modern Warfare 3.
Heck, Steam in general.

(And yes, I know there are hacks, but Windows Just Works for me. I can't think of a good reason to switch.)

I'll happily pay £10/month for access to all the books I can read.

They are being modded troll because it links to a goatse.cx image...

Depends how you've been treated.

If the company has gone out of its way in the past to look after you, then treat them likewise. At the least, you could see if a two month changeover would make their life easier (if the new company would be willing to do that).

If you've been treated as just another employee, then behave that way.