I was thinking about a cute little pictograph that would describe the public awareness and attitudes about software patents. Yes, this is highly unscientific. Also, I was too lazy to do it, so I settled for pie charts instead:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-jEBLJOFu12Juj5Pb1tbMyPxtv34OcYxv8huFmHNZN7JmvhYDjftY2iS7egzeQMDVrXoxWatO98SkPhe34FiK88mxJbx0rX-iruL9FqDp7YxxdfKB2ufWbRqcElsWxg9veIh/s400/Picture+1.png)
75% - Huh? Pass the beer...
24% - I know ALL about software patents... shoes, right?
1% - Programmers & Patent Lawyers
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3ssgDZ0fBR9qCL2OPkfnTU36yCKcP-LflHKo4dY_z56MVIzjJUJOt7spviXizRXVcv8iksWMNrxiiUWHB0gF-aXK97jHW3qszoIzMLxVc0FHB5hd_5YDR6hYUhxNnSBxlOtO/s400/Picture+2.png)
Within the programmers and patent lawyers, we could break it down this way:
75% - I don't mess with them, they don't mess with me... please don't hurt me...
24% - Ban the patent!
1% - Sue me? Sue you!
Is that last group now large enough to start the patent apocalypse? Just like any conflagration, some small sparks can result in a firestorm with devastating consequences.
Just ask yourself... really... are the ideas of free open source software and software patents compatible in any way? Are these two not overdue for a showdown? And what if we lose?
Be afraid... be very afraid...
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