Date:         Sat, 3 Feb 2007 22:58:53 -0800
Reply-To:     David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: numbers "that look like" characters in Excel to SAS
In-Reply-To:  <2da5b68f0701301931h527c7bacu7eb323f53363195b@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

If I may get the last word in on these threads...

Yes, Microsoft makes lots of money.
No, they are not the only ones.

Yes, Microsoft uses tough business tactics.
No, they are not the only ones, just the more successful ones.  And
their tactics are nothing compared to what gets done in non-computing
areas.

Yes, Microsoft has bundled their office products into one megalith and
talked PC builders into running with that product.
No, they are not the only 'office products' company to do this, just the
most successful one.

Yes, Excel is a dominant force now.  As is Word.  And Access.
No, it didn't get there by ruthlessness, it got there by having its
competitors repeatedly drop the ball, over and over, usually on their
own feet.

Yes, lots of people care about this.
No, this is not really an appropriate topic for SAS-L.  And there are
dozens of areas on UseNet/Google Groups/blogs/etc. where people
*want* to argue about this day and night.

I think both sides have valuable points to make.
But I don't think those points should be made in SAS-L.  How about at
SGF in Orlando over a beer or two?  There is no 150-post-a-day limit
when you're face to face.

Ready to move on to another subject,
David
--
David L. Cassell
mathematical statistician
Design Pathways
3115 NW Norwood Pl.
Corvallis OR 97330

_________________________________________________________________
Turn searches into helpful donations. Make your search count.
http://click4thecause.live.com/search/charity/default.aspx?source=hmemtagline_donation&FORM=WLMTAG