Here is a REAL challenge. Put up or shut up.

Quoting: hkwint is wrong on many points, including his assumptions on historical events. Live CD's not invented before Linux? Obviously he has lived a sheltered life. The Amiga could be repaired with a live floppy which you then copied directly to the hard drive. Date 1985. IBMs OS2 could be booted directly from CD to repair OS2 installations as well as Windows installations. Date 1992. Let us not forget Operating Systems like QNX as well. Are young people this ignorant of history and arrogant every generation? (rhetorical question)

First, I believe anyone who believes that software engineers and hobbyists can create tools that are innovative and fill the needs of people who are not engineers should read this recently published article in the NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/business/30know.html?ex=13... Linux programmers do not ask what people want or need in software. With only a few exceptions, the programmers have not considered the end users at all. These few projects have copied commercial software verbatim. FOSS programmers have few communication skills and this shows when the public volunteer to help (please see The GIMP for a perfect example).

I have a challenge for hkwint. If he truly believes that open source is as innovative, or more innovative than the commercial sector, then he should respond to my email address. i have sent it via the lxer.com webmaster. I can supply only one of my inventions. If he wants, i will sign all my rights into any licence he wants, as long as he believes there are the resources, the talent, and the interest from FOSS developers. because he believes that Linux could do hardware, I have made this a hardware product. Luckily for him, this uses off the shelf parts, and only needs a software system to control it. I will call it OSPOD. Simply, the iPod was a good match of off the shelf hardware and software, but it is stuck with where to go next.

Let me just say that Steve is no genius. I would love to see this come to market with many manufacturers making and marketing an audio device that will literally make the iPod look as old and as boring as a tape based "Ghetto Blaster". Yes, using off the shelf parts. FOSS will no longer be the realm of geek, this new music system will be chic. Of course, if hkwint or anyone else (if you want my email address, contact the webmaster above and direct him to this post... I give the webmaster at lxer.com permission to give out my email address to any individual interested in this project in the next 48 hours) wants to take me up on this, I will supply a full description of the system and drawings if needed.

My only requirements is that my name be used (will be revealed once I send information) as part of the development team, and that it be released as FOSS. If I am not contacted in the next 48 hours, I will repost here [on linux.com - Sander] and I will release the information publicly so anyone, including Apple can use it. I would not be surprised if Apple has a patent application or two ready before the weekend, and FOSS advocates will be locked out. This time, put up or shut up. As a help for linux.com users, I will contact the linux.com webmaster with my email address as well so you can ask for it there (linux.com webmaster, same applies, anyone interested, next 48 hours).

Quoting:next 48 hours