Full disclosure: I write on the Adafruit blog, and I work with them, but I am not connected in any way with the OK Prize that they're offering. I just want to give my own perspective here.

It's not about the $2000. Granted $2k isn't a fortune or anything, but it's significant. As many have said, there are quite a few people who would do this for free, just because it's a challenge. That said, it would be nice to get some shekels for your hard work too, wouldn't it?

I personally feel that Adafruit did this as much to make a point as to provide a monetary reward. I think Phil and Limor both believe very strongly in the idea that if you purchase a product, you should be able to do whatever-the-hell you want with it. There are others who feel differently (particularly some manufacturers), and would seek to restrict the use of "their" products, even after they have been bought and paid for.

I viewed this "bounty" more as a challenge to the idea of restricted products than as a reward for being clever, though that is an equally noble idea.

They have "thrown down the gauntlet" so to speak, and I think it's pretty damn cool that they did. Of course, Microsoft just stamped their feet and pouted.

The smell of a million decomposing Rutgers parking tickets...

How very sad. I remember when they would air it between shows when I was a kid. As soon as I heard that Tomita music, I knew I only had 30 seconds or so to get my Dad to the TV so we could watch it and then go outside to "look up". I used to subscribe to the podcast, but when I lost my iPod I let it lax. I recently started watching them again and you could tell something was not right. He didn't seem well. In spite of obviously not feeling his best, he was still very upbeat and enthusiastic -- always part of his charm and appeal -- right to the end. I give him props for caring about his audience and their education for keeping on. I'll miss you, Jack. You made the night sky a friendly place.

not exactly a 'snow crash', is it?

I'm sure they would have gone in to greater detail, given the opportunity. They had 5 minutes in which to present this talk, and it had to be wide-enough in scope to cover the whole industry while still remaining coherent. And yes this probably is, in some ways at least, the "new" old way of pre-war PopSci, but there is nothing wrong with that. Farming isn't a "new" idea either, but that doesn't mean it's not still a good one. Because really what it is about is empowering your consumers through education. /. is not the best place to get a cross-section of the customers who buy these products. Most of the folks on here have (or pretend to have) the knowledge required to build and design hardware themselves. However, many folks do not, but are still interested in doing just that. So, they see a company like Adafruit (for example), who sells something they'd like to buy and who also explains in great detail how and why it works. They have actually taken the time to educate the customer on their product and provide direct support if any problems occur. They provide a positive customer experience. This isn't for everybody, of course, but it has found a willing audience nonetheless.

they can take your watch too.

Saab is nerdy, but like most things nerdy it has been overtaken by yuppie idiots with something to prove. I say let it die.

Not a looker in the bunch! (sorry, but it had to be said -- also, this list is a sausage-fest)