You and I pay for cable and then the cable co. sells programming time to infomercial producers. Depending on my schedule I can't even watch the regular "entertainment" programming I wanted cable for because there is "paid programming" on at that time of day/night.
That there is no point of responsibility (or accountability) and they only means of influence is through the profits, are the two biggest "flaws" of a corporation. And they were written that way intentionally and specifically so that individual people could escape responsibility and accountability for the actions as a business. Society makes humans accountable and holds them responsible for a reason, we should not allow organizations to operate with out them.
I know, 'good luck to me', I'm a bit of an idealist.
I dis-like the tendency to refer to companies as sentient entities. I understand organizations can be seen as acting or behaving this way or that way, but in reality it is people who are taking action. Real flesh and blood human beings. Organizations do not feel or become influenced by emotions but people do. Instead of referring to the behavior of an organization we should be specific and direct about who (by NAME) in the organization is driving the actions and behaviors. This is the only way we will be able to socially influence an organization's behavior. Make someone accountable.
I am a cynic but I really don't see the gov't bothering to do the extra work of returning something if they don't have a VERY compelling reason to do so. They didn't return it out of the 'goodness in their hearts'.
1) Do more bytes actually incur more cost to the provider? The electricity is already on ... (And I do realize higher use does necessitate more infrastructure.)
2)The meter can not be on the device that is doing the consuming. It must be on the point of delivery. (You don't have an electric meter on every device in the house.) This presents a significant problem to devices that can get signal from differing sources (wifi hotspot or cell tower?)
3)I admit this point is my own bias but ISP's have not shown that they have an ethical competency any where near that of my other utility providers (not that they are that great either)
I do not see myself as any great fan of regulation but there needs to be clearer rules, and rules that err on the side of consumer protection and not the provider.
While I tend to agree with the spirit of your position there is a still a problem. If the system were suddenly wiped away and there were no patents the type of people who parasitically prey off the system buy hoarding patents (or copyright) would change tactics and parasitically prey off the system by selling direct knock-off copies of 'things'. Both types of parasitic behavior are a drain on the system in both innovative and financial metrics. I do think there is some merit in some limited protection of financial investment. But like the above poster (William Purnell) I do not know how that can be accomplished with out someone being a parasite and screwing us all.
The 'isms' by them selves cannot be good or bad (or evil) they have to be seized upon by some petty tyrant or regime who then uses them in name as a cover for their despotic suppression of any poor souls who ind them selves in the tyrant's 'jurisdiction'. You know full well that this can be true of ANY political or religious ideology.
I think there should be a difference between characters and content "actively used" and those that are only help for the purpose of preventing other from using them. Of course them we fall in to the pit of holder trotting out remakes and remixes every so often to claim they are actively used. This does not qualify as "active use" by my standards.
Additionally there should be different standards between retelling a story or using characters in new ways vs. simply doing a verbatim copy. Copying Homer's Odyssey and telling it as he told it is just copying (even if it is a wonderful performance), But re-telling the story as was done with "O' Brother Where Art Thou" is using stories and characters in new ways.
In today's world Homer would have sued The Coen Brothers, Touchstone and Disney Studios in to the ground over infringement claims.
Even if I grant your example as possible, if not likely, won't you admit there are better, more "friendly" ways to handle the issue? Perhaps at least a quiet discussion with the pub owners to avoid making yourself look like a bully? I'm not even suggesting you back down, just handle it better.
You "own" it for a limited time. Either you consume it, and then you don't have milk any more. Or you leave it in the carton where it will eventually spoil, and guess what, you don't have milk any more.
I used to be with it, but then they changed what *it* was. Now what I'm with isn't *it*, and what's *it* seems weird and scary to me. It'll happen to you... -- Abraham 'Grampa' Simpson
Re:
You and I pay for cable and then the cable co. sells programming time to infomercial producers. Depending on my schedule I can't even watch the regular "entertainment" programming I wanted cable for because there is "paid programming" on at that time of day/night.
WTF ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING I PAID FOR!?
Re: Re: Referring to companies in third person
Points taken.
That there is no point of responsibility (or accountability) and they only means of influence is through the profits, are the two biggest "flaws" of a corporation. And they were written that way intentionally and specifically so that individual people could escape responsibility and accountability for the actions as a business. Society makes humans accountable and holds them responsible for a reason, we should not allow organizations to operate with out them.
I know, 'good luck to me', I'm a bit of an idealist.
Referring to companies in third person
I dis-like the tendency to refer to companies as sentient entities. I understand organizations can be seen as acting or behaving this way or that way, but in reality it is people who are taking action. Real flesh and blood human beings. Organizations do not feel or become influenced by emotions but people do. Instead of referring to the behavior of an organization we should be specific and direct about who (by NAME) in the organization is driving the actions and behaviors. This is the only way we will be able to socially influence an organization's behavior. Make someone accountable.
Re:
I am a cynic but I really don't see the gov't bothering to do the extra work of returning something if they don't have a VERY compelling reason to do so. They didn't return it out of the 'goodness in their hearts'.
Will not be put back in to production ...
It would be a 'hoot' to hear later that they found some malicious eavesdropping software or back-door trojan install prior to return.
Re: The Canadian Race
LOL!
What are the distinct genetic markers that identify Canadians as a genetically divergent population?
;-) ('just playing along with the fun)
Re: Off course you have a choice. Grow some!
Yes there are alternatives to accepting the system as it is.
I only meant there is no one to choose to vote for who is not or is not likely to become a moron once in office.
I do not see how we as citizens will be able to effect substantial change with out some substantial revolution.
I don't know where the tipping point is but it doesn't look like the majority of the populace is near that point.
Re: make believe world
It would be easier if their make-believe world did not impinge upon the real world.
Re: "...we elect morons..."
As if we have a choice.
Re: Current landscape
I don't know the exact motivations of the people who run and contribute to Techdirt.
What I do know is that I find the information here interesting and not completely one-sided. Editorial and of a certain opinion? true without a doubt.
My take on the motives here is that the goal and hope is to have some influence on changing the 'current landscape', not denying that it exists.
my 2¢
Re: metered as a utility commodity
This sounds nice but ...
1) Do more bytes actually incur more cost to the provider? The electricity is already on ... (And I do realize higher use does necessitate more infrastructure.)
2)The meter can not be on the device that is doing the consuming. It must be on the point of delivery. (You don't have an electric meter on every device in the house.) This presents a significant problem to devices that can get signal from differing sources (wifi hotspot or cell tower?)
3)I admit this point is my own bias but ISP's have not shown that they have an ethical competency any where near that of my other utility providers (not that they are that great either)
I do not see myself as any great fan of regulation but there needs to be clearer rules, and rules that err on the side of consumer protection and not the provider.
my 2¢
Re: Live by the sword ...
..., sue everyone else holding a sword.
apparently.
Re: "Nope that is not a legitimate reason,"
While I tend to agree with the spirit of your position there is a still a problem. If the system were suddenly wiped away and there were no patents the type of people who parasitically prey off the system buy hoarding patents (or copyright) would change tactics and parasitically prey off the system by selling direct knock-off copies of 'things'. Both types of parasitic behavior are a drain on the system in both innovative and financial metrics. I do think there is some merit in some limited protection of financial investment. But like the above poster (William Purnell) I do not know how that can be accomplished with out someone being a parasite and screwing us all.
Re: blowhards and basement dewllers
Why can't you have your opinion and participate in the discussion without being derogatory towards others?
Even if your characterizations are accurate or true they have no place or purpose in the discussion. Other than to raise ire in your opponents.
Re: its not the 'isms'
The 'isms' by them selves cannot be good or bad (or evil) they have to be seized upon by some petty tyrant or regime who then uses them in name as a cover for their despotic suppression of any poor souls who ind them selves in the tyrant's 'jurisdiction'. You know full well that this can be true of ANY political or religious ideology.
Ideological constructs don't kill people, tyrants do.
Re: Mickey Mouse
I think there should be a difference between characters and content "actively used" and those that are only help for the purpose of preventing other from using them. Of course them we fall in to the pit of holder trotting out remakes and remixes every so often to claim they are actively used. This does not qualify as "active use" by my standards.
Additionally there should be different standards between retelling a story or using characters in new ways vs. simply doing a verbatim copy. Copying Homer's Odyssey and telling it as he told it is just copying (even if it is a wonderful performance), But re-telling the story as was done with "O' Brother Where Art Thou" is using stories and characters in new ways.
In today's world Homer would have sued The Coen Brothers, Touchstone and Disney Studios in to the ground over infringement claims.
Re:
Clearly in their eyes we are the enemy they refer to.
They are certainly far scarier to me than any other terrorists organizations.
Re:
Even if I grant your example as possible, if not likely, won't you admit there are better, more "friendly" ways to handle the issue? Perhaps at least a quiet discussion with the pub owners to avoid making yourself look like a bully? I'm not even suggesting you back down, just handle it better.
Re: Re: Copyright isn't property.
You "own" it for a limited time. Either you consume it, and then you don't have milk any more. Or you leave it in the carton where it will eventually spoil, and guess what, you don't have milk any more.
Re:
I used to be with it, but then they changed what *it* was. Now what I'm with isn't *it*, and what's *it* seems weird and scary to me. It'll happen to you... -- Abraham 'Grampa' Simpson