The $25,000 Virus

Evidently some moron thought it would be a really cool idea to hold a contest where entrants would write a virus to infect a MAC OS X system. The contest was cancelled only a few hours after it was announced.

This particular moron also happens to be the CEO of a company that produces accessories for Macintosh computers. After this lamebrain publicity stunt I can't say how much longer he will hold that position. I know if I were on the Financial Board I would be asking for his resignation effective immediately.

After the contest cancellation Jack Campbell, CEO of DVForge, said "I have been convinced that there may be legality issues stemming from such a contest, beyond those determined by our own legal counsel, prior to announcing the contest." What legal advisor could not immediately see MANY problems with inviting consumers to break federal and possibly state cybercrime laws with this type of contest?

Jack wrote some lame garbage he calls an excuse for attempting the contest in the first place. What really irritates me are the comments to the contest cancellation that he posts on his site. They all shower him with praise for "taking a stand", yet there isn't a single negative comment to be found. I realize it is his company's site and he can publish what he wants, but geez, have a backbone and take the good with the bad if you decide to go out on a limb like that. I did find some comments on another site which give a good indication of how the "other side" feels about this stunt.

I'll be blunt...Jack Campbell and his legal advisors are idiots. Better check up on monster.com while you've still got Internet access Jack.