“A study funded by Microsoft concludes that Microsoft software is less costly to support and maintain than open source software in European schools. The results of the study funded by Microsoft contrast sharply with the results of a study conducted by the UK government in 2005, which arrived at the opposite conclusion.”

This almost reminds me of the story about tobacco companies funding studies about milk and cookies being more dangerous for children than cigarettes. Seriously, what has Microsoft come to? To sink so low as to suggest that open-source schools spend more money on software than buying rubbish from them? Give me a break. I especially liked the quote:

“Task panes were praised for cutting down on time spent hunting through different menus and easing the complexity of student tasks such as document style and formatting activities… The Microsoft Word ‘track changes’ feature was cited as a key tool that enabled group project collaboration among secondary students… Also, the ‘insert comments’ feature was cited for improving both student to teacher at an Italian middle school and student to student collaboration.”

These “task panes” are a load of shit. I’ve never spent so long searching for the spellchecker in my entire life.Get real, Microsoft. No one is buying it.

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We all complain about Jagex’s lack of regard for community, and rightfully so. But a lot of the things we ask for (clan support, possible fan site linking) aren’t being done. Now, there are a few reasons as to why Jagex aren’t willing to do the implement. The first reason might be that it may already be in development, but it’s not an immediate priority. The second reason might be (for linking to fan sites) would be that they’re worried that they might be linking to sites that could jeopardise the safety of their members (ie keyloggers and sites that sell gold).

Now, at least Jagex might have some semblance of a reason as to why they’re holding off on supporting the fan site community. But there is one other thing that they could do to help fans out: creating a fan site kit. I saw this on the official Guild Wars site and I was amazed at how they uploaded concept art, screenshots, and high resoultion logos for use in fan sites. If Jagex uploaded their concept art, some good 3D renders of characters, and other “goodies”, then fan sites would at least be able to make sites that reflect the game. Look at the graphics of the bigger fan sites right now:

• Tip.it: Well, I gotta give them credit.. they tried to make little runes for their logo. Other than that, no RS-related graphics are in the main theme.
• Rune HQ: There’s..some sword. And a dude with his arms raised. Yeah.
• Zybez.net: They actually have a screenshot of users interacting. Nice, but not attractive at all.
• SwiftSwitch: Now these guys deserve the gold medal in my little survey. The website looks great, they have a nicely rendered picture of a warrior dressed in dragon armour. 10/10 to the guys at SwiftSwitch.
• RuneVillage: Nice try, but it looks like some 3D artist from 1995 made this.
• Runescape Realm: Oh god. So much wood. Make it stop.
• Sal’s Runescape Ream: Same as Zybez.

Even at RSBANDB, we don’t have a Runescape-related theme. So, please, Jagex, if you want people to grow more interested in the game, start at a small project like this. It will cost you nothing and it’s a good start on building community relations. Hell, I’ll even be as bold as to suggest that you hire someone as a community relations director. Just, please, stop with the new Slayer monsters and quests. We need something more.