Latest Techdirt Comments http://www.techdirt.com/ Easily digestible tech news.... http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130513/10360323060/criminal-nabbed-his-own-food-porn.shtml#c11 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:33:06 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130513/10360323060/criminal-nabbed-his-own-food-porn.shtml#c11 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Again, sheerly an anti-copyright WEDGE for Mike. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130517/08324323118/trade-group-representing-many-large-companies-claims-that-exceptions-blind-would-cast-aside-copyright.shtml#c1346 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:29:46 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130517/08324323118/trade-group-representing-many-large-companies-claims-that-exceptions-blind-would-cast-aside-copyright.shtml#c1346
What have you added to the conversation? Where are your points on where Mile is wrong, other than to say that he has not held your hand and spoon fed you]]> http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130513/10360323060/criminal-nabbed-his-own-food-porn.shtml#c1 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:17:56 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130513/10360323060/criminal-nabbed-his-own-food-porn.shtml#c1
Why is there such clamor for more backdoors and surveillance at will by gov't. agencies when they can do fine letting egoists do the work for them?]]> Re: Yet again, Mike can't find a lower bound. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c722 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:17:39 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c722 "Mike definitely has a pattern...

[blah, blah]

Mike is constantly...

[blah, blah]

Mike expects...

[blah, blah]

Mike refuses...

[blah, blah]"

So no logical or meaningful response to the article, just a series of personal attacks. Your contributions couldn't be more worthless if you tried.]]> Re: These sites are all bad and must be taken down. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11552823150/major-hollywood-studios-all-sent-bogus-dmca-takedowns-concerning-pirate-bay-documentary.shtml#c537 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:09:58 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11552823150/major-hollywood-studios-all-sent-bogus-dmca-takedowns-concerning-pirate-bay-documentary.shtml#c537
All we ask in return is that you actually have a good faith belief that the material is infringing on your copyright. Not proof beyond a reasonable doubt, not clear and convincing evidence. You can even request a takedown on a borderline case where you aren't sure how the courts will rule. We just ask for good faith. Is that really too much to ask?

We created this DMCA process because the old system wasn't handling things well enough. Now that you insist on abusing the DMCA, we need to adjust it to punish the abusers. There should be no problem with adjusting the wording so the perjury explicitly kicks in if the good faith belief is not there.

"Can't ya take a joke"

So the DMCA process is now a joke?

"You can have your free speech, but the NON-criminals do get to push back."

Indeed, feel free to push back on their free speech. With your own free speech. Not with abusing the legal process.

Free speech is MORE IMPORTANT than copyright. Copyright itself is worthless if people can just eliminate your copies of your works with no consequences.]]> Re: Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c191 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:07:23 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c191
Prenda failed to follow those rules at every step, and when questioned on their evasion, they broke even more rules. They were given ample opportunity to correct their mistakes, and received repeated warnings with no immediate punishment.

In other words, Prenda chose to obstruct due process. That is what being held in Contempt of Court means...it's a penalty to stop people from obstructing the law within a trial.]]> Even proven by Mythbusters http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130510/13023123037/lots-people-dont-turn-off-their-devices-when-they-fly.shtml#c1532 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:06:09 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130510/13023123037/lots-people-dont-turn-off-their-devices-when-they-fly.shtml#c1532
It becomes very hard to 'prove' there is no problems with phones and electronics in planes, when it was been shown in real world and practical tests that there IS a problem with them.

That is also assuming your phone or other electronics equipment is functioning correctly and to standard, and there is no proof that they are.

So guess all you like, and have whatever opinion you like, but when you actually SEE the effect under properly controlled condition on real live aircraft. You arguments amount to nothing but a wrong opinion.

but lets not bother with informed opinion or actual facts, when it comes to wanting to phone a friend, and that is more important than your own safety and the safety of everyone else on the flight. (must be an important call.. "Mon I am in a plane !!!!!"...

I am sure pirate mike or some of the other freetards here would be able to find the Mythbusters episode and review it yourself.. even try to understand it.. consider the conditions of the test and then consider that the problem will be much worse if your electronic games, or phone are in some fault mode (that you are not aware of) or does not meet specifications.

When a phone working perfectly, has been PROVEN to interfere with Avionics, and clearly documented as such...

A little information, and some facts would go along way towards a reasoned and logical discussion on this subject (or any subject)..

you have a choice you can be stupid, opinionated and ignorant or you can consider the science, research and testing, it's not a matter of opinion it does not matter what "you think" might or might not happen..

It's a FACT, it's been shown and can be reproduced, tested and evaluated.

The result is this simple fact.

ELECTRONICS, and especially digital mobile phones can, AND DO interfere with modern aircraft avionics.. end of story...]]> Re: So, anyone who still believes that "1984" is fiction? http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11200723149/war-journalists-doj-claimed-fox-news-reporter-was-aider-abettor-co-conspirator-with-leaker.shtml#c823 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:03:26 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11200723149/war-journalists-doj-claimed-fox-news-reporter-was-aider-abettor-co-conspirator-with-leaker.shtml#c823 Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c181 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:56:05 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c181 Re: Absolution for Prenda. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c180 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:48:19 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c180
I was surprised when I came up with two (actually two variations of the same thing).

They get a jury trial and:

1. get a jury of RIAA/MPAA groupies.
2. get a jury of card carrying jury nullification advocates.

As far a a good Priest granting absolution, I'm reasonably sure no good Priest would do it, but an evil Priest might.]]> Re: Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11200723149/war-journalists-doj-claimed-fox-news-reporter-was-aider-abettor-co-conspirator-with-leaker.shtml#c811 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:34:43 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/11200723149/war-journalists-doj-claimed-fox-news-reporter-was-aider-abettor-co-conspirator-with-leaker.shtml#c811
What a boon to the economy as well now that the average income is so high!]]> Re: Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c178 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:29:12 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c178
Someone who can't keep track of the bullshit he posts really has no business talking down to anyone. But let's focus on what you've bullshitted, I mean typed, this time. Prenda was the one who brought the lawsuit, so they were involved. After their representatives shuffled their feet and refused to admit where the money or paperwork went, where else do you think the judge was going to get his information?

You're just mad that once again, copyright enforcers proved the only way they could get anything down is by steamrolling the law. "I don't have to follow shit; stfu and let me sue people!" And you wonder why copyright gets no respect.]]> Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Again, sheerly an anti-copyright WEDGE for Mike. http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130517/08324323118/trade-group-representing-many-large-companies-claims-that-exceptions-blind-would-cast-aside-copyright.shtml#c1331 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:19 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130517/08324323118/trade-group-representing-many-large-companies-claims-that-exceptions-blind-would-cast-aside-copyright.shtml#c1331
I think Mike's claim that he needs more studies before he can form any opinion about the propriety of copyright is bullshit. He's got more information than probably just about anyone else. And he's got lots of opinions about copyright. It's just an excuse he makes to get out of taking a definite position on something as simple as whether we should have any copyright at all.

I'm happy to discuss my views at length. For two posts where I affirmatively state my views, see http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120915/13334520392/funniestmost-insightful-comments-week-techdirt.shtml#c3135 & http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130130/23085521833/former-riaa-vp-named-2nd-command-copyright-office.shtml#c2183

So what do you think Copyright should look like?

I think the exclusive rights that exist now cover most ways that copyrights are valuable. I wouldn't add or delete any particular rights. But as I mention in my second comment that I linked to, I think the public's rights should be broader and clearer. There is plenty of room for improvement. But at the same time, I think that the rights that do exist should be meaningful, i.e., enforced.

What exemptions should be enabled?

The ones that exist do far more work than the TD narrative admits, namely, fair use and idea/expression. Exemptions for personal use, as distinguished from fair use, should be greater than they are now. The orphan works problem is another area where congressional exemptions are needed.

State why you beleive that Copyright should be automatically granted on fixing in a medium?

Your question presupposes that I think that. I don't think that copyright-upon-fixation is necessarily the best way to do it. It has many advantages, such as for a photographer who takes hundreds of pictures, and it ensures that many works that would not otherwise enter the public domain eventually will (especially unpublished works), but I think that bringing back formalities might be a good idea. It's not an area that I've studied much or given much thought to, honestly. But those are my thoughts.

Why Copyright abuses should not be punished to the same extent as Copyright Infringement?

I guess I would need to know what particular abuse you're thinking of to answer that, but again I think you're assuming something about me that isn't necessarily true.

What is the perfect copyright length for compensating the creator, to incentivise future creations and provide a benefit to the public?

Nobody knows that. I think copyright is about more than just the incentive-to-create theory, and I think that life-plus-some-number is the proper term for copyright. I don't think, as a normative matter, that authors should give up their exclusive rights while they're alive. And the "plus-some-years" makes sense since I don't think the rights should automatically disappear upon death. For example, if someone invests significant time, energy, and money into creating something only to die the day after it's completed, I think that should pass to the author's heirs just like any other asset in one's estate (which is what happens now).

If you want more particular answers, ask more particular questions. I'm happy to oblige. I'm happy to discuss my beliefs directly and without weasel words. The fact is that I hold a plurality of views, and I think that differing views have merit. I don't think there is one "correct" answer. I think there are several.]]> Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c708 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:19:46 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c708 this.]]> Re: Re: Not quite right... http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c704 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:18:20 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c704 here.]]> http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c702 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:15:49 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130505/14372422951/court-finds-fantasy-stories-obscene.shtml#c702 "Actually, for the most part it works well. I think few of us can find a reason to provide spank material for extreme pedophiles, and those who do so should be looked down upon rather severely."

Even if it doesn't involve real children? Would you rather pedophiles find a different outlet than fantasy to satisfy their urges?

"Remember, we aren't talking about borderline fantasies about sex with slightly underage boys or girls (say 15 or 16) but rather forced sex with babies and toddlers. It's unlikely you could find many people who would find then material inoffensive, so the obscenity laws work out fine."


Age doesn't make any difference to fictional characters. They react however the author wants them to react. But it seems there's something you'd like to say about "sex with slightly underage boys or girls (say 15 or 16)" in general?

Written word has legally gotten a pass for years, but like any system, when the pedos and sickos think they have found a way to bypass the law, they abuse it.


Bypass what, exactly? Obscenity is always determined after the fact. There is no law that defines it in a way that would create a "loophole" of any kind.

This is perhaps another great example of why free speech cannot be an absolute. Even the biggest supporters of free speech would have to admit that this stuff serves no good purpose except as training material for the next generation of people who will abuse your children. That's not a good thing.


Training material? Are you suggesting anybody could be trained? Could you? As in "there but for the grace of God go I"?]]> http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090331/0234474321.shtml#c195 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:15:11 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090331/0234474321.shtml#c195 hp 364) this is a good news for us]]> Witnesses intend to sue sheriff's department http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130515/18051923103/footage-lethal-beating-deleted-seized-phone-sheriff-asks-fbi-to-take-over-investigation.shtml#c1075 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:13:34 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130515/18051923103/footage-lethal-beating-deleted-seized-phone-sheriff-asks-fbi-to-take-over-investigation.shtml#c1075
]]> mobil secret lock http://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20130210/02205321935/white-house-petition-legalizing-unlocking-mobile-phones-tries-to-pass-100000-signature-threshold.shtml#c927 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:13:09 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20130210/02205321935/white-house-petition-legalizing-unlocking-mobile-phones-tries-to-pass-100000-signature-threshold.shtml#c927 Re: Re: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c172 Mon, 20 May 2013 19:09:02 PDT http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130520/12190223151/prendas-paul-hansmeier-asks-appeals-court-to-delay-sanctions-appeals-court-says-no-try-again.shtml#c172 " Reaching outside of a case and outside of his district to pull people in for lecture and punishment without trial" doesn't mean that is what happened, it wasn't. Even though Rossing and Hansmeier are now trying to paint it that way, it was still a civil matter and Judge Wright only did what any judge could do when presented with evidence of fraud taking place in his court. No more, no less. I for one find it refreshing that Hansmeier is now trying to pretend that it was/should have been a criminal case; as he's admitting he's a criminal, and a part of Prenda et.al.]]>