Hi John,

First of all, as a long time Quake and Doom player, allow me to kowtow before you with supplications of "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" :-)

That aside, I find myself agreeing with you on software patenting.

Xerox PARC invented the GUI back in the late 1970s which Apple used in their OS for the Lisa. It is clearly something Apple did not invent, yet they sued Microsoft for making Windows on the grounds that Windows infringed on the "look and feel" of the Apple OS. Apple was for all intents and purposes treating their use of the GUI software concept as a patent.

If we allow Microsoft to patent their software now, we effectively kill off their competition in the cradle (like Linux-based Lindows) before they even have a chance to grow.

I agree-- Software copyright Yes, software patent No!
All the best, and looking forward to future id games!