[geeks] Flicker users u in arms over MS acquisition...

[Dan Sikorski]

Shannon Hendrix wrote:
> That is not the proper function of business.
>
> Business is merely one tool of many for the operation of a civilization.
>
> A business which focuses only on profit is a broken business.
>
> It's not sustainable to operate that way, and it does a lot of 
> unacceptable damage even if it were.
>
I think it is sustainable if you focus on long term profit, not short 
term.  Forming good relationships with partners, employees, competitors, 
suppliers, and customers allows you to flourish long term.  Screwing 
everyone might squeeze out an extra buck in the short term, but there 
will come a time when nobody is willing to work with you because of your 
history of screwing everyone.  You can draw a parallel to this in almost 
anything (slash and burn, rape and pillage, etc.).  Some people just 
don't seem to get it.  If you focus on long term profit, you realize 
that you are responsible to everyone your business contacts, because 
your business depends on every one of them.  Start screwing any of them, 
and things will start falling apart.

    -Dan Sikorski