Copyright: A Source of Revenue Generation Re: ``..Ironically, even some of the educated people of our society, favour piracy on various pretexts, like ``sharing the global wealth for humanity`` or for transfer of ``latest technology for developing nation`` or ``exercising the right to choose as human`` etc.``

You raise an important issue.

In recent days I have come across numerous CD`s bought in Lahore and Karachi for Rs 300.00 that contain sofware that is easily worth $5000.00 or more in the USA. I think they are called ``Installers.``

Keki All praise to the mind that deconvolved the mind of Kehkashan. I wonder if it is possible to examine the minds of her ``custodians`` for 72 hours, and the ones before and after?

Women’s Rights in Pakistan Excellent review! Wasiq, your point about ``lingering influences`` is an excellent one. There is little doubt that women across the world suffer due to the threat they pose for the male elite. And religions have been used by men as an instrument to protect their exalted status.

In ``The Veil and the male Elite: A feminist interpretation of women`s rights in Islam`` (Addison Wesley, 1991), Fatima Mernissi, a Moroccan sociologist and Professor at University of Rabat, deals with this issue in a very original fashion. She opens the argument by describing her conversation with a simple grocer, who she considers a barometer of public opinion. She explains how a woman is quickly directed to the Hadith, ``Those who entrust their affairs to a woman will never see prosperity!`` as soon as she seeks to discuss her rights.

The refreshing aspect of the book is that the writer is not afraid to investigate the rationale (reasonable and unreasonable) that may have led to the Hadith which are usually cited when women`s issues are being discussed.

The Troublesome Calendar Very impressive.

My Beloved Soliton Thank you Wasiq.

This is amazing. Quite a tribute to the Soliton. The closing lines are so meaningful for us as a society. I would call you a genius in a heartbeat.

There is no doubt that the Soliton depicts a dynamical state that can be the VISION for a society that is as fragmented as yours. In the effort to define a ``symbol`` for the Pakistani Professionals and Scientists Association (PPESA) we had chosen Soliton as THE metaphor that conveyed both - stark reality and the Great Hope. To see the Soliton in action visit www.pesanet.org and watch it rise out of an almost chaotic state - a brief description of the Soliton can be found by entering (clicking) on the Soliton.

Almost Live in Concert Great article. The ``synch``ing with equipment reminds me of the famous Milli Vanilli scandal! Even the famous Michael Jackson and Barbara Streisand have been accused of ``lip-synching.``

I did attend the Junoon concert in San Jose. From what I remember they were very ``impromptu`` and did not seem to be struggling to ``synchronize`` with the audio equipment. Now, armed with this new found knowledge/suspicion I will observe more carefully.

Bebee Phool Ley Lo I quote
``Industrialized nations became rich because they developed a common identity and rewarded endeavor. `` Unquote:

It is a crucial observation. It is quite accurate as well. I have often enquired from my friends if they could define what exactly is a Pakistani identity. The answers have primarily included Islam, a non sub-continent heritage, and so on. It would be interesting if someone made an attempt to examine what I call the Identity issue - perhaps that would help to unify us; (a) as a race and (b) as world citizens.

Akbar’s Hospital Interesting story. Besides the sequel, which will be of interest, I am quite intrigued by the descriptions of the characters. The taxi ... well, no, lets take Akbar: is it true that one gives away so much about their social pecking order by their mannerisms?

PPESA Seminar: How to Break The Glass Ceiling? The summary and report on the seminar is being prepared. We will post/publish the report together with the full presentation. We are glad that you found the event useful.

Akbar Mai The way I read it and I quote ``Sayyid Sahib said that it was the only just thing to do.... Therefore, Sayyid Sahib said, the Punchayat, in accordance with the tradition and the Shariah, ...``

Seems like the Sayyid Sahib`s interpretation of the ``tradition`` and the Shariah is the main problem. IMHO opinion, this story describes what is so commonplace amongst us - using religion to serve our pathetic feudal fancies. I know it hurts to see this expressed but I also know that it will hurt more, even eradicate us from the face of this earth, if we dont recognize the problem and attempt to solve it.

To me the story is an allegory for many events. Rape is only one of them.

PPESA Seminar: Why Start a Business? These responses are from memory and on occasion approximate, as were the questions.

1. Why should one leave a highly paid job in a large corporation to start a business?

Besides financial independence, to realize your potential i.e. self-actualization, to control your life, to be free to decide how you would like to make a difference.

2. Should one juggle a job and business at the same time?

Absolutely not! In response to this question Mr. Haq further elaborated ``In the very beginning I juggled my job and business and regretted it.``


3. What are the elements of making the P&L statement of a start-up?

Projections should be conservative. Overstatement is an absolute No! Be realistic and don`t fool yourself by painting a rosy picture. Make your bank a friend rather than an adversary.

4. What should one look for in a partner?

Compatibility and complementary skill set.

5. What should one do if they have an idea for launching a business and are still working in a company?

Think it through and quit your job if all the elements are in place. Don`t juggle a job and business.


6. Is it necessary to have 2 years worth of expenses before starting out?

It is the safest approach. These two years of finances are primarily for expenses to support and maintain ones family. Usually a good business will start generating revenue within a year and by the end of two years the revenue stream should be fairly stable.

7. What is teamwork in a start-up?

Mutual respect. Appreciation of each other`s commitment and effort. Mr. Haq cited the example of a partner who preferred to work from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM whereas everyone else worked till 7 or 8 PM. He described this situation as something which should be evaluated objectively without assuming it to be a negative contribution.

8. How does a start-up compete with larger companies in making a sale?

First and foremost by the quality of the product. A start-up business should be aware of these challenges and must have a differentiated product. There is little to fight about if the product cannot sell itself. Good salesmanship on a bad product can only go a certain distance. Eventually the product must stand on its own merit.

9. How much work does it really take?

80 Hour week, easily. At least 12 to 14 hours per working day, another 8 to 10 over the weekends.

10. Where does ambition turn to greed?

It is different for everyone. In principle, don`t grudge the million someone else is making if you are making multiple millions.

11. Is the only reason to start a business the hope of getting rich quick?

No. Besides financial independence there is the authority and control one enjoys. There is the satisfaction of being responsible of your employees and their families. There are many other reasons. Not to forget, there is the freedom to be monk on a mountain if you have accomplished your objectives.

12. What are the mistakes that start-ups make, and how to avoid them?

Try for too much too soon. Lack of a roadmap. Bad product definition. Bad market evaluation. Don`t get legal advice. Penny wise pounds foolish, so they don`t` hire a good attorney. Don`t reinvest - up to 25% should be re-invested for next generation product development. There are others as well.

13. Why is an attorney important?

A couple of hours of advice at $300 to $500 per hour in the start-up stage can ensure that your company structure and agreements are in order. Quite often in saving those precious Dollars one ends up making mistakes that can be very costly in the long run. Good legal advice in the start-up phase is akin to the foundation of a structure. A bad foundation will always be at risk.

14. How important is business school in grooming an entrepreneur?

Mr. Haq cited an article Forbes Magazine, ``over 80% of businesses started by business school graduates fail.`` Even higher than the number of failed businesses started by Ph.D.`s! He also mentioned that there might be truth to the saying that ``entrepreneurs are born not made.``


15. What is the difference in the clout one has by being a high powered executive in corporate America and an owner of a small business?

A rather philosophical question but important. Mr. Haq`s opinion was that businesses give you enormous freedom to make a positive difference, assuming that is what one needs clout for…

PPESA Seminar: Why Start a Business? How easy you make it sound!

Was The Emperor Really Wearing Any Clothes? Noam Chomsky would be proud of you. And not
without valid reason.

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Got me thinking. Well, I see the first 2
paragraphs as metaphors for (1) Self Respect even pride and (2) Selfishness -to say the least. I subscribe to the notion that ancestry has nothing to offer except false notions. I also subscribe to the notion that individuals and cultures need to be proud of themselves before they can do others proud.

The comment by the elderly acq. clearly indicates that ``we`` suffer from a deep rooted complex that makes us doubt our abilities. Why it exists is something to wonder about.

Some obvious factors, in my opinion, are the British Raj, the Mughal Raj, the various other Raj`s and Invaders. I think that these kingdoms programmed us to doubt ourselves and admire the ``raj al waqt.`` Even religion and dogma contributed. We were always made to feel that we are great because of our faith and family name and not because of our accomplishments and actions.

That we feel ``intellectually impotent`` is a natural outcome of several hundred years of ``intellectual genocide.`` The day we stop this ``genocide`` things will begin to change very rapidly. I cant speak for others but I am willing to admit that in the back of my mind this ``stereotype`` of a ``dumb darkie`` does exist. And that I do take competition with the Westerner as a challenge. Regrettable isn`t it? But then this is what happens when a society or culture is made subservient. May our children be ``truly free.``

Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee Is it really necessary that we have
to turn to ``flakes`` like Imran Khan to be
proud of ourselves?

Apples and Oranges One thing is quite evident, all-rounders
are unfairly measured by most methods. Among the
10 greatest cricketers that ever played there
have to be 4 all rounders - Sobers, Imran, Botham
and Kapil. Now if we look at the differential
between batting and bowling averages then I suspect
Miller and Alan Davidson might also have a great
case. Bradman is a given. Well, lets see what my
2 minute 10 greatest cricketers list is...
1. Bradman
2. Sobers
3. Imran
4. Gavaskar
5. Botham
6. Kapil
7. Hadlee
8. Viva Richards
9. Miandad
10. Border

Anyone I missed?????:===))))