Has everyone been paying Microsoft for their double-clicks?

[wtmusic]

Since Microsoft's patent on the double-click went through a few weeks ago, I realized how many double-clicks I was using, and that I was depriving the software giant of revenue which could be used in development.

With a little armchair calculation I figured each double-click was worth roughly .000614¢. I also figured I had averaged about 700 clicks a day since 1988, and it was high time I paid up:

5840 days x .000614¢/click x 700 = 3.58576 cents

When I sent Microsoft a check for $.04 (I rounded up--hell, I figure it was worth it) not only did they NOT CASH MY CHECK, but they won't even send me a statement! Well--since my checks apparently aren't good enough for Mr. Gates, I went and copied my friend's version of Windows--So There!

[KeepItReal]

1. I will as soon as they pay *me* back for...

...all the "General Protection Faults" and Blue-screens-of-death and software incompatibilities and virus attacks and losses of data all thanks to their "innovations" in software design.

[Wickerman]

6. Yep - when I get back the hours that Windows ME stole from me

Bill can have my dble click cents. I'm holding my breath

[KeepItReal]

9. I just want back the hours of my life Windows 98 took from me

With my brand-spanking-new laptop.... I wanted to drop-kick the thing. It would never shut down gracefully!

I installed Windows 2000 in that same laptop and low-and-behold, it was like I had gone from a Pacer to a Porsche (Boxter S, if you please).

[Wickerman]

16. LOL

be glad you didn't get off on the ME sidetrack - makes 98 look like a well tuned BMW.

[KeepItReal]

17. My old BMW M3 takes offense at being likened to Win 98!!!

As it (ironically) sits in the shop... damn you water pump!!

:-(

[AndyP]

2. Haven't paid for anything from microsoft before

why start now :)

[KeepItReal]

3. Damn man! You're single-handedly STIFLING INNOVATION!!

;-P

[wtmusic]

4. You must be thinking of another company

:P

[dweller]

5. can't you just set your mouse to 'single-click' ?

or right click....?
or use a dos command?

screw da man!
dp

[wtmusic]

8. I'm afraid if they bring up the 'single click patent' issue

Microsoft could end up "owning" finger snaps, those little New Year's clicker thingies, and a host of other click-type applications. Best not open that can of worms.

[dweller]

12. then we'll

go with the triple click, followed by the quadruple twist and a half jab, feint and fadeaway click.

keep the monkeys counting.
dp

[KeepItReal]

13. Oooh! "Fadeaway Click"!! - You better copyright that!!

Trademark it too while you're at it.

[ornotna]

7. Seeing as how my settings are for single click

I don't owe them squat. :)

[KeepItReal]

10. I'll bet the patent includes the "click" sound, too...watch out!

Bill Gates is a pretty bright guy...

[JBoris]

11. Wow

MS sure dose have alot of lawyers and alot of time

[KeepItReal]

14. Welcome to DU, JBoris!!

Cheers from gloomy Los Angeles...

:-)

[amerikat]

15. If we get our Democracy back do we also get the patent office too?

Seems that the qualifications for getting a patent have changed.