At 05:01 PM 5/6/1999 -0400, Mitch Blevins wrote: >In foo.debian-user, you wrote: >> Somewhat off-topic, but perhaps applicable.... >> >> If a modem is a device for MOdulating/DEModulation, >> and a "winmodem" turns that job over to the software (Windows), >> is that not grounds for a class-action fraud suit against winmodem >> manufacturers for marketing them as modems (modulator/demodulators)? >> >> Or are winmodems really doing the mod/demod and Windows just does other >> necessary processing? > >I bought a big, plastic, insulated box the other day. It was clearly >marked as a "Cooler". Imagine my surprise when I found out that it >needed ice to actually do the cooling. > >Perhaps we can expand your class-action suit to include these evil >manufacturers. > >-Mitch
Aah, but "fraud" implies "intent to deceive". Ask the average picnic-er if a "cooler" will work without ice, and he will answer "No"; in other words, the average user of a cooler is not deceived by the name "cooler". On the other hand, ask the average modem user if a modem will work without Windows, and you'll get a significant number who answer "Yes" (just ask the many converts to Linux who believe a modem should work with their new OS); in other words, the modem user who knows enough to know there ARE other OSes is deceived into thinking a modem is a modem. But I liked your response; made me think.... BTW, I don't plan on filing any lawsuits; it was just one of those late-night thoughts. Now I'll quit wasting bandwidth.... :-)
