This is an unfamiliar topic to some users of computer and internet. Below, you will find a life preserver, thrown to us by people who have put more thought into it than the average CPA or accountant.
I preface these readings with one simple observation: people are born free, and are inherently free. There cannot be any tyranny or exploitation but by the ignorant surrender of one’s natural freedom. We are all free to act according to our own interests. Nothing is forcing us to subordinate our wishes to the wishes of companies who would like to exploit us.
Today’s computer hardware and software are profoundly shaped by the imperative of making money for their vendors. Computers are not a pure utility like foodstuffs, minerals, or energy but rather, contain a whole spectrum of tricks and techniques that create additional income for vendors. We have gradually allowed another “broadcast industry” model in which we gave away 1/3 of our precious time to advertising, and allowed the commercial selling imperative and message to permeate even the editorial content of newspapers, radio and TV.
In the accounting software industry, these have gotten so far out of hand that they threaten small business’ ability to exist in the marketplace, alongside larger companies. Before the internet, it was not a fatal problem that your vendor locked in your data and refused to provide interfaces. But today, if you cannot buy, sell, and pay and receive money over the internet freely, you may be blocked from access to markets themselves. You cannot access goods and services at the best prices, and you cannot sell for the best prices.
When you go out to evaluate accounting and business software, keep it in mind: the software should work 100% for the interests of the owner. Not one single bit or byte should be allowed to pursue the interests of the software vendor, or tax collectors, or accountants, or employees, agents, contractors or any other third party, against the interests of the owner.
Owners do have social responsibilities, and responsibilities under contracts, and under laws. But until those software vendors or laws require owners of businesses to install automatic enforcement machines in our own homes and businesses, taking away our freedom, it is sheer lunacy to buy them voluntarily.
