Lets get down to the brass tacks.

[The brass tacks are explained so that even the slow learners can understand it.]

Microsoft Corporation bundled IE with its operating system so that no consumer could avoid the purchase.  IE sold for roughly $35 before they did that.  The suggestion contained in this article offers a means to correct the financial harm caused by that illegal act.

Offer all consumers who bought or will buy Windows 98 a rebate of $35.  If they have already bought Windows 98 provide a copy of 98Lite so that IE can be removed and full performance restored to the OS.  Or simply remove IE and all internet technologies for future sales and drop the retail price $35.

For those consumers who do not want a browser on their machine(s), they can keep the $35. Millions will.  Those consumers who do not want a browser on their machines would certainly prefer to have the $35 cash.

For those consumers who prefer Opera or Navigator, they can forward that money to those companies and get their next version when it is released.  (According to Microsoft in court this should be hundreds of millions.)

For those consumers who prefer to buy IE, they can send their money to Microsoft and get the next version of IE from them.   (Hard to tell if anyone will do this but I assume many will.  After all, if that is their choice, they should be able to buy IE.  I fully support that.)

Now, let's hear the excuses for denying consumers that choice. All consumers prefer to pick and choose their own applications. Even the most ardent Microsoft supporters insist upon that right themselves.   (All of those I have e-mailed with insist upon that very right in writing.)

If you think consumers should be given that choice, tell the DOJ. It might be part of the judgment.

If you think they should not be given that choice please address why you think so for each of  the three classes of consumers outlined above.

When we are done, we can do the same for Networking technologies but we will use $25 instead.

To help you explain how your alternative to a rebate is fair complete the following sentence.

It is fair to require all consumers to purchase IE because ... <your explanation goes here>.

For example: It is fair to offer a $35 rebate to all Windows 98 customers because it offers them either a lower cost operating system or permits them to buy the browser of their choice.

Now. If you disagree that a rebate should be offered by Microsoft Corporation, finish your sentence.  "It is fair to require all consumers to purchase IE because...