... Bob, and I've been away from the board for more than 24 hours ---- but, will say this:

My comment about MicroSoft was as to intent, not means. The intent of Chuck's message to Rene was, essentially, to raise prices to consumers by bringing pressure to bear on a competitor (some might -- have in this thread, in fact -- call this price-fixing). The government would have us believe (not sure I agree with it, but that's what the case is all about) that MicroSoft used illegal tactics and the pressure of its superior position to raise prices to consumers.

Difference in technique -- degree, of course -- but still reasonably analogous.

As for Rene's public posting of Chuck's email message, see my response to Rich Hanover.

>> This fray isn't Chuck Smorse's doing. << Of course it is, unless there was some previous communication on the subject from Rene to Chuck which I haven't heard about. At least the initial message was business related, as was Rene's posting of that message. I fault Chuck primarily for the follow up BB post, which was personal, bigoted and, as I said, shameful. I have pretty thick skin, but was offended (and embarrassed) by that post.

BTW, I have bought quite a few chips from Chuck. Only one from Rene. I considered both friends.

----- jim o\-S