[Toady]

Equating the iPhone to a "jail" is goofy political hyperbole. Normal people don't even view software in that context. It's just a piece of hardware and software they choose to use or not use.

Stallman represents the strain of computer nerds who want to view their hobby as the bold movement of a freedom fighter. They are out-of-touch and don't understand what normal people think and feel. They want their nerd playground to remain in place because it's a world they have control in.

To paraphrase you, it's sad but true.

[_delirium]

It's hard for me to say how representative my non-techie friends are, but nearly all have some understanding that the App Store is tightly controlled by Apple, and not always in ways they agree with (apps being banned or not approved makes mainstream news semi-regularly). They accept it because they still like the iPhone more than the alternatives, but I wouldn't say that they are 100% happy with the way the App Store is run. Some join random "tell apple to unban [thing]" groups on Facebook periodically.

[pork]

I would say that the very fact that they join "tell apple to unban..." groups makes them non-representative.

[thomasgerbe]

Well as long as we're giving anecdotes, nearly all of my friends who have iPhones are happy that the Apple Stores has that quality control.

[flarg]

But you paraphrase me without really 'getting it' :(

Stallman represents what a lot of people would think if they really though about software freedom - it is in fact the only common sense approach. Computer software runs the world (along with JP Morgan ;) so it is very important that is adheres to these common sense, though rather hard-to-think-about ideals.

Maybe the iPhone will ultimately be inconsequential in historical terms, but it should adhere to the same principles; everything should.

[flarg]

Sorry - I meant 'thought' and not 'though'

[patrickaljord]

> Equating the iPhone to a "jail" is goofy political hyperbole.

Isn't jailbreak an accepted term now to root an iphone?