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Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

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Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#181

Post by gregw2 »

WalterBright wrote: post #128
Nomentatus wrote: post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Compilers were one thing they didn't bundle. Whether they let you know everything about their operating system they knew is quite another matter. We now know there was no "Chinese Wall" between OS dev and app dev. Then toss in FUD for good measure, OED contracts that got them a DOJ consent decree for illegal activity and more...

I'm familiar with the famous IE "bundling" thing that the case revolved around. Microsoft gave away IE for free. How this was supposedly different from Microsoft giving away a long list of other tools, like a text editor, escapes me. As for me, I started with Netscape (free). I switched to IE (free) because IE crashed less often. I eventually switched to Chrome (free) because IE hung accessing github. Every operating…

Don't trust me for these details, but IIRC it wasn't just the free pricing. I recall OEMs only getting the best most competitive pricing if they didn't bundle a competing browser. Microsoft ensured the DLLs used by their browser were preloaded at boot time regardless of whether the user wanted the browser or not. Microsoft did not let a user uninstall the browser (so even if a competing browser did preload at boot time it cause the overall boot time to take longer, a penalty never avoidable with MS's browser since it was always installed to preload at boot b/c it was not uninstallable). Microsoft making their help system dependent on their browser. Microsoft forged videos in front of the court (!) trying to obscure these and other differences that went to the heart of whether the browser was part of the OS or an additional piece of software. Microsoft initially charged for IE in certain cases IIRC but later gave it away for free with email documents from execs discussing doing so "to cut off Netscape's air supply", clear evidence of attempting to maintain their monopoly or extend it into adjacent markets. Which is illegal and why they were convicted.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#182

Post by erikpukinskis »

nojvek wrote: post #112
gajjanag wrote: post #109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> With that said and not to diminish the good work. It is sad and eye-opening more progress has not been made on these issues. The reasons for this are not hard to find. Indeed, you hit the nail on the head in the next paragraph by pointing out the role of governments. > I'm not sure what can be done on that or what that means, just a bit breathtaking how governments can help people or really screw things up on a sca…

What really stood out to me was Melinda going in field and talking to women. The sex worker story really touched me. She is worth billions and could be living a life of ultimate luxury. She instead prefers to strongly fight for empowering women. I hope Bill, Melinda, and Warren live a long life to be able to fulfill their goals.

> She could be living a life of luxury, instead prefers to fight

Let's be honest... She is doing both. Have you seen their house? No judgement, but she's not in Mali every day.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#183

Post by WalterBright »

gregw2 wrote: post #181
WalterBright wrote: post #128

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm familiar with the famous IE "bundling" thing that the case revolved around. Microsoft gave away IE for free. How this was supposedly different from Microsoft giving away a long list of other tools, like a text editor, escapes me. As for me, I started with Netscape (free). I switched to IE (free) because IE crashed less often. I eventually switched to Chrome (free) because IE hung accessing github. Every operating…

Don't trust me for these details, but IIRC it wasn't just the free pricing. I recall OEMs only getting the best most competitive pricing if they didn't bundle a competing browser. Microsoft ensured the DLLs used by their browser were preloaded at boot time regardless of whether the user wanted the browser or not. Microsoft did not let a user uninstall the browser (so even if a competing browser did preload at boot ti…

Sorry, the whole thing was a crock. Why shouldn't Microsoft make it part of their OS? And events have proved me right - everybody bundles in a free browser as part of their OS, and people still use alternatives on Windows. Still, all free.

That whole "air supply" thing was laughable. People competing with others always talk about "killing", "nuking", "blowing away", "crushing", etc., their competitors. This goes on in football games, ice skating, and business. Nobody means it literally. It isn't evidence of a crime.

Netscape would have fared better if their browser didn't crash a dozen times an hour. That was their fault, not Microsoft's.

Oh, and I could buy a Linux computer with one click from Amazon at the time. Anybody could buy parts, assemble them, and go into business selling Linux computers, complete with a full suite of free bundled software. There was nothing MS did or could have done to stop it.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#184

Post by WalterBright »

SmellyGeekBoy wrote: post #150
WalterBright wrote: post #128

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm familiar with the famous IE "bundling" thing that the case revolved around. Microsoft gave away IE for free. How this was supposedly different from Microsoft giving away a long list of other tools, like a text editor, escapes me. As for me, I started with Netscape (free). I switched to IE (free) because IE crashed less often. I eventually switched to Chrome (free) because IE hung accessing github. Every operating…

Absolutely spot on. How an average user was expected to download an "alternative browser" without having a browser pre-installed was beyond me. The whole "browser choice" prompt was a farce. This is before we get into the part about removing Windows Media Player from some EU releases...

I still have IE "installed" on my computer. I never use it, for reasons stated. Who cares if it is installed? I don't. I did use it to download Chrome, though :-)

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#185

Post by Locke1689 »

douche wrote: post #143
Locke1689 wrote: post #114

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Except that all the numbers on his net worth are based just on his word and he's clearly a serial liar. Interestingly, I think the fact that he's quite stupid may be how he succeeded at the presidential election. An intelligent, principled person would have a vision and philosophy that guides their actions. When questioned on details or specifics they would use their philosophy to arrive at a reasoned answer. Trump h…

The cognitive dissonance is just breathtaking.

I see no contradiction.

You seem to believe that either winning elections or making money are satisfactory demonstrations of intelligence (as meant by IQ, or g). I do not.

I would be happy to reconsider if he released a simple IQ test, or even his old SAT scores (assuming he took the SAT).

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#186

Post by InitialLastName »

criddell wrote: post #151
spooterspooter wrote: post #61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

He'd have to be a fool to change the thing that made him one of the richest men alive. So I assume he's still quite ruthless.

Why? If somebody was the best marathon runner in the world and they retired and took up fly fishing, would you say they were fools for doing so?

I'd say they were a fool if they willfully forgot how to walk.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#187

Post by elastic_church »

giarc wrote: post #165
elastic_church wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

not likely related at all, but interesting story!

How is it not related? Polio was on the brink of eradication with the last strongholds in Pakistan... CIA spooks Pakistanis into thinking vaccinations are not good...Citizens refuse Rotary polio vaccines... polio remains present in Pakistan.

okay, I can concede to that perspective.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#188

Post by erikpukinskis »

I appreciate these efforts, but my mind is drawn to a somewhat orthogonal set of tactics.

When I see stats like $1 of vaccines releasing $44 of economic value, I think: there is a market opportunity here.

The question I keep asking is: what would a hedge fund look like that was making a bet that most people in poverty could produce the $44 if we invested the $1? What kind of corporate structure would be needed to distribute the resource AND reap part of the economic value?

Similar hedges can be made everywhere. If I believe black people are worth more than their social status (and commensurate credit access) would suggest.... how do I make that bet with cash?

You can answer "microfinance" but that's just phrasing the question in a different way. The real issue is: how, exactly?

It's not an easy question to answer, but I think unlocking it is a trillion dollar opportunity. You are essentially betting against the entire class of employers. Seems stupid, but so did Michael Burry's bet against the entire class of mortgage lenders.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#189

Post by sn9 »

hueving wrote: post #138
sn9 wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're forgetting he'd be hampered by Congress. POTUS isn't a dictatorial position. He can move more or less unilaterally.

You're assuming they would run as Democrats.

No my comment holds true regardless of party.

Re: Warren Buffett’s Best Investment

#190

Post by Nomentatus »

WalterBright wrote: post #183
gregw2 wrote: post #181

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't trust me for these details, but IIRC it wasn't just the free pricing. I recall OEMs only getting the best most competitive pricing if they didn't bundle a competing browser. Microsoft ensured the DLLs used by their browser were preloaded at boot time regardless of whether the user wanted the browser or not. Microsoft did not let a user uninstall the browser (so even if a competing browser did preload at boot ti…

Sorry, the whole thing was a crock. Why shouldn't Microsoft make it part of their OS? And events have proved me right - everybody bundles in a free browser as part of their OS, and people still use alternatives on Windows. Still, all free. That whole "air supply" thing was laughable. People competing with others always talk about "killing", "nuking", "blowing away", "crushing", etc., their competitors. This goes on i…

Bundling law goes away back, it's not new to this century, although recent decisions have been far more liberal than historical ones.
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