Forum .LRN Q&A: Response to dotLRN on .NET

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Posted by Torben Brosten on
A cautionary note. Please answer the following questions to yourself using the highest standard of reasoning.

Is dotLRN different than other organizations that have cooperated with Microsoft? How, how not?

Over the twenty odd years that Microsoft has been in business, are there any examples of ventures that are similar to the venture dotLRN is pursuing with Microsoft?  Are all of these outcomes acceptable to dotLRN within the risks of probable outcomes?

Should Microsoft make any intellectual property claim on any dotLRN code etc, does dotLRN have the resources to provide a competent legal standing in the face of an adversary with essentially unlimited resources?  What do historical records involving legal disputes with Microsoft record?

(Al and anyone else considering this as a future option) Does resigning from an influential position benefit or hamper the struggle to retain principles and goals, when in the presence of opposing forces?

How should someone responsible for making decisions about the future of dotLRN be held accountable for the impact of a venture with Microsoft in "icampus"?

What might be the impact of significant programming resources (and the fruits of their work) currently available for the dotLRN project being redirected to "icampus"? Might the discussion on dotLRN governance, and its impact on dotLRN development, indicate a significant disruptive potential (risk) of venturing with Microsoft in this opensource environment?

How can an opensource community retain an equitable relationship with a party (Microsoft), when the community is not provided full-disclosure of the terms of the working relationship?

With all sincerity for positive outcomes,