Another issue is why the mentioned "normality of so many people's lives" are so closely tied to services of two corporations.

Meh, I should have cancelled that post, it's stupid.

I don't usually post comments. Often, I click on Reply, type up a comment, then read what I wrote and close the tab, coming to a conclusion that nobody is interested.
However, I do lurk a lot, and frequently enjoy reading long threads on my daily commute to/from work. I've learned a lot over the years, and always find gems that challenge my viewpoint on the subject matter. I will miss that.
I sure hope altslashdot will become a thing.

That depends on whether you're rounding those 50% up or down. :)

Or vagina.

I know you didn't mean it that way, but why would anyone lift a finger when their _fake_ freedoms are being taken away? :)

I fully agree, and having first learned to write programs on 8-bit computers, I share your sentiment, but this is still better than nothing.

I'd give you a +1 Funny as well,if it wasn't my comment you were replying to. :-)

Indeed, but what it _did_ do is expose them to the idea that computers can be tools that do what we tell them to do, and not just magic black boxes for mindless content consumption. Even though 90% of the kids will completely forget about it tomorrow.

Wizards are easy to get rid of. You just click Next until they go away.

I half-expected this condescending post to end with "Do you even benchpress?".

I believe Red Matrix project, and their Comanche[1] (work in progress) is a step in the right direction.

Where is my "+5 Underrated" mod when I need it?

ESET is actually a somewhat well-known company in malwar protection business, at least in Europe. Still, you might be onto something...