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Empire of Monopolies

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Does anyone else notice similarities between Lucasfilm and Microsoft? Both have created large empires that release a product (albeit vastly different in content and execution) that have bugs in them purposely knowing full well the public will buy them again hoping for the fixes have met only to find new ones. To me, the new DVD's are SP2, knowing there will be a SP3 down the road just ater RotS comes out. Does anyone get me skewed view of reality here?
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Definitely different beasts, but I can see the similarities. I wouldn't use the term Monopoly though as this is definitely not an antitrust situation.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
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Kevin A
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I see the similarities also, but I think they are similar in that they are exploiting an interest in the public. Taking their position as "giver" to the extreme. Its the ugly cut throat capitalist way.

I definitely wouldnt be suprised if after RotS Lucas releases the OT, albeit as part of some rediculously overpriced set. Im not sure obviously, but I wouldnt be suprised. This has been postulated by a lot of others on this board. I just happen to agree with them.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."
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Originally posted by: Lethe
I see the similarities also, but I think they are similar in that they are exploiting an interest in the public. Taking their position as "giver" to the extreme. Its the ugly cut throat capitalist way.


But I would argue that what Microsoft does is far truer to capitalism than what Lucas is doing. Microsoft, by making things work only in certain ways so that you need to make upgrades and buy new software is truly capitalizing on us. If Lucas were to really want to capitalize on the situation, he would release both sets and have us all buy one or the other or, preferably to him, both.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
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I agree. There's a big difference between monopolising the market and just being a schmuck because no one will stop you from so doing.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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Well, not that I wouldn't consider Bill Gates a schmuck as well, but that's a different thread, different day.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
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kapgar.com
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I see alot of similarities between the Empire and Lucasfilm to be honest.

Especially when it comes to lawsuits over internet content.
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Bossk, I see what you are saying. And its true, if Lucas was being purely capitalist he would do something like, release the OT in a box and charge $100 a unit. (Just an arbitrary price).

I think Im forming my conclusion based on my the opinion that he is eventually going to release the OT, at that point he will be capitalizing again. Some of us arent buying these DVDs but a lot of people are (obviously). If this does happen in the future than I think he seems a lot like Gates.

Currently though, your thoughts are more accurate.
"You don't own space, so stop actin' like you do."