I see things differently.
Yes, everybody has opinions. You have them. PJ has them. I have them. If you agreed to 'everything' on Groklaw, you might actually share many of my opinions, although perhaps not all (not everything I care about is discussed on Groklaw).

The 'consensus' on Groklaw seems to be that claiming (software) patents are a 'bad' thing. I happen to agree.
I did read Groklaw on this case the last few days, and did find interesting facts in there. As to whether everything reported is 'true', that is hard to verify from here; I did for instance not hear any of the jurors myself, so cannot testify as to how any statements could or should be explained. But discussing HOW they could be interpreted seems legitimate enough.

The results so far are, from an "anti software patents view", not reassuring. Can everything work out right in the end? Who knows. Not upholding the iPad 'trade dress' may be a light in the dark. This might in the end lead to the abolishment of software patents. But who knows, SCOTUS has neglected to rule on things which in my opinion are 'bad laws', and software patents in the States may live another 10-20 years.

Am I disappointed (in the jury)? Yes.
Could something have been wrong with the way the jury came to a conclusion? Yes.
May it be a vector to research and discuss? Yes. I see NOTHING wrong in discussing this.

I see nothing wrong with the discussions on Groklaw on this point. I realize many people here on Slashdot are Apple fans, and as such anything Apple may do will recieve positive feedback from a large crowd.
Do I think those people are wrong? Yes, I do.
Do I believe these people are astroturfing/are shills? No, the way I see it, many people convinced of 'the Apple way' are so from conviction. From the active way you participate in this discussion (many times with +3 or +5 insightful), I guess you (and others) may be very disappointed with the fact that Groklaw mostly took a position opposite to yours.
The fact that you agreed previously with Groklaw may make this more emotional with you, I guess 'wrong' opinions by people or groups respected by you comes harder. I do, however, see a trend at Groklaw, which only could lead to it taking the stand that it took (and takes): software patents are bad, anyone using them to stifle innovation or competition should be frowned upon, and any legal arguments against this should be investigated.

I write this post, trying to avoid letting this be seen as an 'ad hominem' attack on you.
I do, however, believe that your attack here on Groklaw is misplaced. If you see any factual errors, please state them on Groklaw, as far as I know dissenting opinions are given enough room.

I could argue against you here, saying he was not charged etc etc. But why should I when the former Swedish head prosecution does it much better:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/48396086/Assange-Case-Opionion-Sven-Erik-Alhem

What a pitty they choose to focus on FRAND type of patents, instead of ALL the (mostly) obvious ('software like') patents.
Now, imagine someone suggesting to abolish ALL patents that can be 'worked around' by doing a software change.

Kind regards,
Roel

Just replying to myself, did not plan for the post above (yes, a first post!) to be made anonymous...

> I think you need to add a qualifier to fruit "and grows above ground". Cause carrots(...)

Bad example, there, because carrots are 'fruit' according to the EU precisely because there is a country (Portugal) in which they make marmelade from it, and else it would violate the rule that says that x% (I always forget the percentage, probably something like 60%) has to be fruit...

Sorry, comparing Linux to Windows is more funny then comparing Linux to TeX. Or at least, I think so ;-0

Kind regards,

Roel

until recently I would have agreed with you.
Until a judge from MY country (a Dutch judge) ruled that Samsung infringed one patent from Apple, which they could get out of by doing an software update....
(hint: scrolling foto's)

Just cureous, do you really believe that the industry is ONLY in danger if Samsung wins?
In my honest opinion, the problem with patents (such as for instance the one that Samsung can get out of by making a change in software...) is already putting the industry in danger...

Kind regards,

Roel

Apple begs to differ.
(Allthough I completely agree with you).

--The problem isn't software patents, the problem is lousy patents.
--There are just as many lousy business practice, gene and physical patents as there are lousy software patents,
--and there are perfectly valid ones of each type.

Pitty slashdot is not Wikipedia, or else I would have thrown in {citation needed} at that last line.

Kind regards,

Roel

I am guessing it is because the first one swinging its fists was the fruit company.
It is like the playing ground at school were everyone is having fun till someone starts throwing punches.
When one of the bullies get one back, the others will sniccer (allthough in reality, in the schoolyard the kids will remain silent
being still afraid of the bully. Here is one situation in which 'internet anonimisity' actually improves the behaviour).

Kind regards,
Roel

Well if you actually read the article and click on the link to gdi's website, you should get this link:

http://www.gd-itronix.com/index.cfm?page=Products:gd300

on which it says:
"With the Android-based operating system, the GD300 easily accommodates current and emerging applications or 'apps' for warfighters, first responders or commercial field service users."

So, they DO make android products. As to whether it is a SCAM: that may still be the case; I have no idea as to what the ratio is between MS products and Android products.
 

Chips,

And I do not like herring, that does not bode well for my intelligence then.
On the other side, it should not be difficult to find groups with noted individuals of exceptional intelligence who do NOT like herring.
(Anyone caring to actually read the wikipedia article? I know, I know, it is against /. tradition, but it IS for a good cause, at least I think so ;-0).