MPAA: Real Patriots Don't Share

from the nationalism-as-a-business-model? dept

Fri, Apr 8th 2011 8:19am — Timothy Geigner

There has been a war of language and thought going on in the copyright debate for years. People think in language just as they speak in language, which is why content industry groups have gone to such lengths to pervert nuanced legal language into stacatto and misleading buzzwords crafted purely for public consumption. This language war is the reason why when I Google the word "piracy", the first page gives me the Wikipedia article for the war act of piracy and then in the news items I get a story about lawmakers wondering if search engines contribute to piracy.

Well, the MPAA, never shy to jump on the hyperbole train, is doing its best to make the debate about patriotism, rather than the actual issues, by cloaking itself in the American flag. Michael O'Leary, Vice President of the MPAA, spoke at a hearing with the House Judiciary Committee's Intellectual Property, Competition, and Internet Sub-Comittee (say that three times fast). Look at the whole quote first:

"The key foundation of American industry, the expectation that hard work and innovation is rewarded, is imperiled when thieves, whether online or on the street, are allowed to steal America's creative products and enrich themselves along the way. Rampant theft of American intellectual property puts the livelihoods of the workers who invest time, energy and fortune to create the filmed entertainment enjoyed by millions at risk; to these men and women and their families, digital theft means declining incomes, lost jobs and reduced health and retirement benefits. We believe that rogue sites legislation, combined with the Administration's work with intermediaries and enforcement by the IPR Center, will go a long way towards shutting down the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted works and close a gap in the intellectual property law."

Three sentences with so much intellectual dishonesty, subtle word games, and nationalism wrapped up in a tidy knot that it's sickening. First, to get it out of the way, note the word games being played through the legally incorrect use of the words "thieves", "steal", and "digital theft". This is the game they play with words and thought.

But more prominent is the plea for American nationalism in his words. Like so much bad policy before it, COICA legislation (which has been dutifully renamed "rogue sites legislation" by O'Leary, as the word games continue) is being wrapped by supporters in the flag. We've seen this movie before and we know how it works. The Patriot Act was wrapped in the American flag (more word games) because if the time spent saying, "This here bill is good for 'Merica" was spent actually explaining to people what it was, the public outcry would be heard loud and clear. It's the same with COICA, as the MPAA subtlely informs us that taking down "rogue" sites without true due process is somehow as American as Superman and apple pie (pay no attention to the innocents caught in the crossfire).

But as long as O'Leary wants us to pledge allegiance to flag of the Motion Picture Association of America, I have a couple of questions. Is applauding government censorship American? Is it American to push around our fellow nations of the world to adopt laws simply because our industry wants them to? Does the land of the free and the home of the brave really mean tucking your tail between your legs and running to daddy government because you don't know how to maximize your profit margins in the digital world?

I'll tell you what, O'Leary: I'll start taking lessons in patriotism from the MPAA about the same time I accept an invitation to the Ku Klux Klan's symposium on racial tolerance...

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Filed Under: america, language, piracy
Companies: mpaa

118 Comments

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crade (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 7:44am

"Is it American to push around our fellow nations of the world to adopt laws simply because our industry wants them to?"
Oooh, ooh, I know this one, pick me! pick meeee!!!
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Nick Dynice (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:11am

Real patriots are imperialists slave master capitalist maximialists. That is what 'Merica was founded on!
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:22am

Hmmm
Hopefully this doesn't turn into a 'Merica bashing thread. I was, of course, referring to my esteemed nation's ideals....
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:32am

Answers
"Is applauding government censorship American?"
- Yes

"Is it American to push around our fellow nations of the world to adopt laws simply because our industry wants them to?"
- Yes

"Does the land of the free and the home of the brave really mean tucking your tail between your legs and running to daddy government because you don't know how to maximize your profit margins in the digital world?"
- Yes

But at least we allow movies about time machines.
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Greevar (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:35am

Re:
Sadly, it is fast becoming the "American way".
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senshikaze (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:38am

Re: Hmmm
I like the MPAA == KKK there at the end.

:)
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Miles Barnett (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:40am

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel
This quote has been attributed to Samuel Johnson:
www.samueljohnson.com/refuge.html
It seems like it still applies.
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Jay (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:41am

Audience
Note the audience that the MPAA has in front of them.

It's the Senators that make $176,000 in a year, and barely use their oversight powers to get to the bottom of the problems in any industry.

These are the people that believe more in ideals than they do in pragmatic solutions. We see through open secrets that these are the most morally bankrupt group of legislators, lobbyists, and private interests that care not one whit about the ideals of freedom, liberty, and speech.

So these people eat up the idea of wrapping a grand ol' flag around America that can be served on a small platter. The idea that somehow nationalism can solve the problems of the country will hit the right chords when they are far removed from the plights of the laws in effect.

This can't be more prevalent than in Orrin Hatch and all of his antics over the years. Sadly, he continues to be voted into power. That's the true travesty.
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Greevar (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:41am

It's the people, not the concept.
There's nothing wrong with the founding ideals and principles of America. It's the people who are charged with its aegis that are what's wrong. The things that are great about this country are being pissed on by those that have sworn to uphold liberty by selling out, making this country a perverted shell of what it once was. We are universally hated by other nations, but loved by corporations that benefit from our laws that are for sale to the highest bidder.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:42am

Re: Answers
But at least we STILL allow movies about time machines.

there, I fixed that for you.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:43am

Re: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel
"This quote has been attributed to Samuel Johnson:
www.samueljohnson.com/refuge.html
It seems like it still applies."

"Get these snakes of this mothafuckin' plane!!!"

This quote has been attributed to Samuel Jackson.

Oddly, I believe this quote also applies....
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crade (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:44am

Re: Re:
I couldn't help it.. I was imagining a grand speach with a crowd of people shouting No! after each question but they all deadpanned when I read that one.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:47am

Still pretending you're not a supporter of piracy, Masnick?

Do you have a list of people handy that would actually believe such a crock of bs?

Your kicking and screaming this week about it finally being addressed by law enforcement has been most amusing.
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Squirrel Brains (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:47am

Wrong message to the wrong people?
You would think that the MPAA would try to style a message so that it appeals to the under 35 crowd. If they want to hearts and minds, that is the audience they are going to have to reach. You try to tell someone of the internet generation anything about "it being patriotic to do this... not to do that..." and all you are going to get is a bunch of eye-rolling.

Unfortunately, most politicians are:
A) Older than dirt; and
B) overly sentimental rubes
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keiichi969 (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:49am

"The key foundation of American industry, the expectation that hard work and innovation is rewarded,

So... you guys expect to be rewarded... why?
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:49am

Re: Re: Answers
If you think there will be a law in the US that restricts what the entertainment industry is allowed to do, you clearly have not been paying attention to who is running this country.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:52am

Re:
Yeah, Mike! Obviously you were on crack when you wrote this story? I mean, come on man, WTF? This story was complete nonsense. I'd honestly rather read a blog about steaming shit piles than this travesty of an article.

You're clearly a horrible writer, Mike, as evidenced by this very article that you yourself wrote....
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Hephaestus (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:52am

Re: Re: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel
Hey how did you get blue comment status ??? ;)
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:54am

Re: Re: Re: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel
look at the author of the article
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:55am

Re: Re:
ok, that better make the funniest list.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:56am

Re: Re:
Why would you want to read TAM's blog?
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Designerfx (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 8:57am

real patriots
real patriots fight for the country, not for a corporation.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:00am

Re: Re:
Yeah Masnick! The guy with the helmet has a point! Maybe HE should be writing articles.
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:Lobo Santo (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:00am

Re: Re:
Trolling the trolls is too meta for me right now...
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Hephaestus (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:01am

Re:
"The key foundation of American industry, the expectation that hard work and innovation is rewarded,"

"hard work" ... can't breath ... laughing to hard ... god, I just tore a stomach muscle from laughing so hard ... " and Innovation" ... please stop ... not again ... I need to breath ...

also

"is imperiled when thieves, whether online or on the street, are allowed to steal America's creative products and enrich themselves along the way."

For a second there I thought they were going to confess to something ... well pot meet kettle
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Kaden (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:02am

Re:
There's a bit of spittle on the side of your mouth.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:03am

This really is sickening. I get the feeling that legislators dont vote against the patriot act simply because its called the "Patriot Act" because if they do, their ignorant constituents would be up in arms because their legislator voted against the "patriot act"...oh my!
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:04am

Re: real patriots
Real patriots should whack anybody that makes calls for patriotism. They should also whack anybody that uses the words "duty", "honour", "sacrifice" or somesuch word in a sentence.
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Greevar (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:05am

Re:
To expand on your comment, I'd like to add that this guy's statement is so full of bullshit it's makes me ill. The statement implies that by the mere fact that they did work, they are entitled to being paid for it. If you didn't get your prospective consumer to agree to pay for it before you created it, you're the one at fault when it ends up on the internet, because you did the work for free without establishing fair compensation with the customer. Their mentality is akin to a guy who just built a house for someone without solicitation and then demands payment because "it was hard work". If you perform a service without establishing obligations for both parties beforehand, it's your fault if you don't get paid. There's not a contractor in the world, with his mind intact, who would do a job without securing payment obligations from the customer. You'd have to be an idiot. Maybe that's what we're dealing with here?

I'm willing to bet that the reason the industry perpetuates this travesty is because it is run by ignorance and apathy.
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Squirrel Brains (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:05am

Re:
If you pose the following question, the answer will tell you what socio-economic group the respondent belongs to:

"What does it take to succeed in life?"

If you answer "Hard work" then you are probably a rich fat bastard ("I work hard for my $10,000,000 yearly salary.")
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Ron, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:06am

Re:
I don't think anyone here gives a crap about what Mike believes. We just like him writing about how stupid you guys are. So please STFU with the whole "Mike supports piracy" BS nobody cares!!
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:06am

Real patriots don't collude on prices, create barriers to enter the market, don't withhold product distribution to maximize profits, don't take issue takedowns on fanbased promotional material that can only help your business.

I guess they just won't ever get it.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:06am

Re: Re:
Sorry, but the author parrots Masnick's silly beliefs and writing style so perfectly that was an easy mistake to make.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:06am

Re: Re:
Sorry, but the author parrots Masnick's silly beliefs and writing style so perfectly that was an easy mistake to make.
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Greevar (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:08am

Re:
Senator1: "We need to repeal the Patriot Act!"

Senator2: "Only an anti-patriot would say that!"
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:10am

Re: Re: Re:
Seems that you know all about parroting. But you only seem to be parroting yourself. Not very productive :)
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Greevar (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:12am

Re: Re:
"Hard work." Ha ha, right!
Then why aren't laborers rich?

There's a reason CEO's are so rich. Unlike the bottom level workers, they get to choose how much they are paid when they review payroll.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:12am

Re:
I agree with you. I thought the whole reason they named it the Patriot Act was to make sure it would pass.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:13am

Re: Re: Re:
You think Mike and DH have similar writing styles?
Apparently, you are quite the discerning writing critic.

And DH clearly doesn't parrot Mike's beliefs.

Mike is an entrepreneur interested in helping industries avoid making huge mistakes over and over again and at the same time destroying our rights and culture.

DH is a paranoid schizophrenic bent on world domination and now and then has a moment of clarity long enough to write an article. But he's super funny - and I think armed, so I happily announce that I like his work.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:13am

It's your patriotic duty to spy on your neighbors and report them to the Ministry of Love!
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Meek Barbarian (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:14am

Re: Re:
Hey, since coward over there is claiming this is mike's work, isn't that like aiding Mike in claiming credit of Dark Helmet's creative works? That makes Coward and Mike both guilt of RAMPANT THIEVERY! They're probably also liars, cheats, anti-American, and likely ugly to boot.

Where's my pitchfork and how do I sign up to join the Motion Picture Army of Assholes so I can prove how much more 'Merican I am than you?

/sarcasm
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Meek Barbarian (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:16am

Re: Re: Re:
It's as if that mistake was almost as easy to make as it is to infringement on senseless copyright, wouldn't you say?
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:17am

Re: Re: Re:
"Yeah Masnick! The guy with the helmet has a point! Maybe HE should be writing articles."

I'll tell you one thing, if I wrote articles for Techdirt, hey certainly wouldn't look anything like this. Mine would be filled with hardhitting factual journalism, the kind you see so sparingly these days. And I'd have graphs! Pretty, pretty graphs, with big pictures and bold text so that pregnant nuns everywhere could understand that Viacom is basically Godly and saint-like in a way that gives us all a boner.

Instead we get this crap article written by The Maz. What a joke this site has become....
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:17am

Poor USA, this is what happens when the people stop making decisions based on logic, beliefs, morals, etc. and just listen to what the government spoon feeds the population.

Sure there's quite a few of you willing to fight for your rights and freedoms, but so many citizens don't even notice the government stripping you of your rights and in some cases dignity. It starts with being groped at the airport, and ends the same way the USSR did.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:18am

Re: Re:
Senator3: No Senator2, that Patriot Act is not about patriotism!

Senator2: Sentaor3, how can you be advocating child pornography?

DefenseContractor1: Senator2, here is your money.
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cc (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:22am

Re: Re: Re: Answers
THE FOLLOWING PICTURE HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR

RESTRICTED AUDIENCES ONLY
BY THE MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:22am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
"hardhitting factual journalism, the kind you see so sparingly these days"

It is all hidden behind the impenetrable NYT paywall.
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:22am

Re: Re: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel
Well played, Sir.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:24am

Re: Re: Re:
"Sorry, but the author parrots Masnick's silly beliefs and writing style so perfectly that was an easy mistake to make."

Just out of morbid curiousity, which belief did I "parrot" that you think is "silly"?
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:24am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Sure, but you see that AFTER you pay for it.
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Nathan F (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:29am

Real Patriots don't use every legal loophole their lawyers can find to avoid paying taxes. Real Patriots don't say 'It's too expensive to run this call center in the US, so lets hire some Indians who can barely speak English to do it for us.'
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Rich, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:30am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Contrary to popular belief, the MPAA's rating are NOT law. This is no law that says a minor cannot watch an R rated movie.
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Nathan F (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:33am

Re:
Oh yes.. and Real Patriots don't use accounting tricks to avoid paying their workers and performers for their time and effort.
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cc (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:34am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Classify Toy Story as R18 and see if an 8-year-old is allowed to pay for it.

Watch this.
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:37am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
"It is all hidden behind the impenetrable NYT paywall."

That made me laugh twice.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:38am

Re: Re:
if you keep this up, there will be no real patriots left.
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Gwiz (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:39am

Re: Re: Re:
There's a reason CEO's are so rich. Unlike the bottom level workers, they get to choose how much they are paid when they review payroll.

Kind of like Congress. Except when a CEO can't balance his company's budget he can just jump ship with his golden parachute and stock options, where Congress simply keeps getting paid regardless.
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cc (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:40am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
I didn't know that. At least in the UK it's a criminal offence to sell R rated content to minors. All hail to the prudes...
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Jay (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:40am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
And he's only quasi-evil.

So at least we know he's a benevolent dictator.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:42am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Like an 8 year old can afford to go to a movie these days.

A movie ticket, popcorn, and small (1.5 gallon) Dr. Pepper is the GNP of some small countries.
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:43am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
There's also no law that says NC-17 films or AO games can't be sold in retail stores, but I defy you to find either in Wal-Mart or Best Buy. You don't have to outlaw something to ensure it fails, and especially in the case of movies getting a "bad" rating can essentially be the same as "you will never recoup your budget."
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Fzzr (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:43am

Re: Answers
The worst part of this comment is how sickeningly true it is.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:45am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Remember, if you want an official "Steak And BJ Day", vote Helmet in 2012....
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crade (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:46am

Re:
Most importantly, real patriots don't make propoganda designed to manipulate people's patriotism for their own ends :)
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:50am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
You have me convinced.
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:51am

Re: Re: Re:
To be fair, a CEO (ostensibly) takes on the risks of the entire company, and they they have the authority to direct an entire corporate entity, they also hold the responsibility to be accountable if their direction leads the company to a bad place. I'll leave aside an argument over how these risks are minimized to a point that they hardly seem like risks at all in practice and just point out that while any able-bodied person can (and probably will) take a laborer job, the same is not true for assuming the risks of a CEO. CEOs get paid more (in part) because of a difference in supply and demand.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:55am

File-sharers hate us for our freedoms?
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crade (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:55am

Re: Re: Re:
The simple willingness take money that was really earned by someone else will get you rich.
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crade (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:57am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
What risks? Either the company succedes, or you golden parachute and abandon it? Oooh, scary.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:58am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
"There's also no law that says NC-17 films or AO games can't be sold in retail stores, but I defy you to find either in Wal-Mart or Best Buy"

That is the way it is SUPPOSED to work. That is the free market at work. A retailer can make a decision - do I cater to parent's that have young children, or do I support the people that want to watch adult films? Smart retailers like Wal-Mart will make the decision based on what will make them the most money and smaller niche retailers will be able to sell what they do not.

Why make laws to do what a free market will automatically do on it's own?
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 9:58am

Re:
Not as amusing as the look on your dumbtards faces when it won't make a dent in piracy.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:02am

Bravo Tim, well said
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hm, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:11am

Re: Re: Re:
That might be why they put there name next to the story, but know how you feel about reading. Also I knew it was DH when I got to "'Merica."

There were also many other clues but again you would have to actually read it, and mikes post to compare. However I'm fairly sure your comments are all based on titles
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mike allen (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:14am

sharing is caring
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Bengie, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:18am

PrintPress
I heard the print press is putting scribes out of work.
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el_segfaulto (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:20am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
I'm just throwing this out there...but if you need a running-mate who believes in those very same issues I am available. Plus I can carry the geek vote and Texas!
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harbingerofdoom (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:23am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
i beg to differ. DH is clearly not paranoid as they actually ARE out to get him...
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:26am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
"Why make laws to do what a free market will automatically do on it's own?"

You're missing my point. I don't want a law that would bar the sale of AO and NC-17 movies. Rather, your comment implied that the MPAA ratings don't matter because "they aren't law," but it can be shown that they are far more influential than that statement implies. I think it's problematic when a small, private organization essentially has wide-ranging censorship powers.
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crucible, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:29am

Real Patriots Don't Share
Hear hear Mike.
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:29am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
I dispute that that's the case will all CEOs of all companies, and regardless, that's the discussion on minimizing risks I was setting aside. Even BESIDES that it's a limited pool of people who are willing to take CEO positions.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:30am

Real Patriots Share
Because real patriots aren't evil.
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crucible, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:30am

Sorry Tim, I just assumed I was reading Mike.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:32am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
"i beg to differ. DH is clearly not paranoid as they actually ARE out to get him..."

I flashed morse code with a laser pointer to the MiBs I'm pretty sure are just outside my window in the trees if they knew you, and they said no, so I'm calling you a liar....
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ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:33am

Re: Re: Hmmm
Actually, it's an unnecessary distraction. People will fixate on that and not the main argument.
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Michael, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:35am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
"Rather, your comment implied that the MPAA ratings don't matter because "they aren't law,""

That wasn't me, but I don't think he meant they did not matter. Wal-Mart not selling a movie or game is not censorship. It is a company making a decision to not sell something based on their beliefs or the beliefs of their customers. Think what a problem it would be if they couldn't do that. Every store that sells movies has to offer EVERY movie?

A free market allowing the production and distribution of unpopular content creates niche markets - and that is a good thing for smaller companies, makes for good PR for the bigger companies, provides diverse products for the customers and provides an environment barrier for customers that want to avoid the unpopular content. This is all good.

The MPAA unfairly applying their rating system sucks, but you cannot blame Wal-Mart for that.
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Revelati, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:42am

It's ok MPAA! just convince your local politicians through large financial donations and PACs to start a "WAR ON INTERNET PIRACY"

Just think, you too could have your issue become a WAR! Just like our other products "WAR ON TERROR" and "WAR ON DRUGS" (Trademarked) You can become a part of the great American Jihad designed to oppress our people through ridiculous laws, rampant disregard for privacy, and contempt for civil rights!

Benefits include:
Automatic support from Americans with IQs under 100.
Zero oversight for your private militia/internet censors.
Pass bills through congress without anyone reading them.
A whole line of T-Shirts and bumper stickers proudly exclaiming that you support "WAR ON ____"
A dedicated line to the DEA, ATF, DHS, FBI, CIA, and Attorney Generals office so that you can have the door of that 14 year old kicked in and have him behind bars in minutes!

And don't forget to try our gold package, now including our newest addition of military tribunals! Liberal judges got you down? Talking about constitution this, and civil rights that. Don't let that punk download a movie and get away with it! Now you can have a tribunal set up to rubber stamp that guilty verdict, no more embarrassing questions from the press, no more appeals, now you get YOUR brand of justice served up on a silver platter.

So raise the prices on your movies and your music so that you can start your "WAR ON INTERNET PIRACY" today!
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:46am

Re:
"Sorry Tim, I just assumed I was reading Mike."

No problem. Happens w/pretty much all the "guest" posts, actually. Just hope people don't mind me having some fun w/it on a Friday :)
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:53am

We believe that rogue sites legislation, combined with the Administration's work with intermediaries and enforcement by the IPR Center, will ... close a gap in the intellectual property law.

Yes, where the "gap" in law is the First Amendment prohibiting prior restraint.

The only hope in the U.S. is that this legislation does not pass, or it is found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, if the legislation is ever litigated (U.S. citizens will have to suffer for at least a decade). If it is continually abused for economic or political reasons, put a fork in the U.S. because it is done--the U.S. would be just waiting to fall like Rome.
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btr1701 (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 10:59am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
> but I defy you to find either in Wal-Mart
> or Best Buy

Well, there's your problem. Stop shopping at Wal-Mart and Best Buy and a lot of these issues go away.
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Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:04am

Re: Re:
Or as the troll above stated:

"Sorry Tim. I just assumed I was reading."
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:15am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Sorry, my work system sucks and can't display those AC icons.

I agree that WalMart not-selling a game or movie isn't censorship, and they should by all rights be able to make that decision.

My anger is solely* with the MPAA and their unfair application of ratings -- because that's [a huge component of] what WalMart et al are basing their retail choices on. If the MPAA gave your movie a "bad" rating, it doesn't matter if there's a "worse" movie with a PG-13 on the shelves.

*and maybe a little towards people who fail to see the practical implications of systems like this...
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Gwiz (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:19am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
I was going to offer up my services as running mate for DH too.

I have vast entertainment contacts (I know ALL the best topless bars in the Midwest) and all of the proper qualifications (a unnamed bank account in the Cayman Islands to hold the "campaign contributions" and absolutely no morals).

But, unfortunately, I am withdrawing my name from consideration due to "cultural differences" between DH an myself. (Go Red Wings!)
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:33am

Re:
Looks like a typo anyway....

It's Useful work that's rewarded. Hard, easy I'm not picky about that. Useful is something I'll pay for...
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SomeGuy (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:33am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
We're not talking about my problem -- if there's a game or movie out there that I want, I can find where to get it.

The problem is when the rating system prevents movies or games from being made because the rating they get prevents them from being widely marketted (and thus making back their budget).
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The Devil's Coachman (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:35am

................Said the vapid douche bag, for at least the thousandth time.

Here is the sum total of all the reply content you deserve:

Dear Anonymous Mr. Douche Bag,

Sod off, you wanker.

Love,

Yo Momma
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Killer_Tofu (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:38am

Re: Re: Re:
God forbid anyone ever agree with The Mesnik! I mean, how could they? He never supports anything he says, never argues anything intelligent, and never talks to the community. What a thoughtless propaganda spewing machine!
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Killer_Tofu (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:40am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Gwiz, as if you don't already have enough well reasoned thought out arguments to make me respect you already, this right here just doubled it. == (Go Red Wings!) =)
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:43am

Silly Americans
You silly Americans, thinking you still live in a free country... When will you learn
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The Devil's Coachman (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:44am

What a load of shite! You have no shame at all, do you?
The average CEO could be replaced by a Rhesus monkey. You put the layoff lever in front of the CEO-monkey, and he pulls the lever and gets rewarded with a treat. Afterwards, having gorged on treats, and reduced the workforce below the minimum needed to actually get a quality product made, the CEO-monkey gets to masturbate all it wants, assuming all that layoff lever pulling didn't give him repetitive stress injuries to his wrist. If so, then the board approves hiring a highly paid admin to do it for him. That's a hell of a lot cheaper, and not at all different from what actual CEO's generally do. There may be one or two exceptions in this galaxy, but they must be laying pretty low nowadays. Once their boards figure them out, they're history.
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Killer_Tofu (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 11:48am

Funny & Insightful
I don't think I have modded so many comments funny or insightful in a single post in a long time. Although, most here were just funny that I modded. Still though. Quite a few.
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Anonymous Coward, 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:09pm

I usually enjoy reading Techdirt articles but I can't stand Tim's writing style.
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rubberpants, 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:16pm

Orin Hatch.

He's my Senator. (Well, not really, he's the MPAA/RIAA's Senator) I'm a grown man with two kids and he's been in office LONGER THAN I'VE BEEN ALIVE. He represents everything that's wrong with our government and I would like nothing more than to see him retire into that cushy lobbying or consulting job that's waiting patiently for him.

The problem is that in 2012 he's probably more likely than he's ever been to get voted out. But, it won't be because he's too crazy or corrupt but because he's not crazy *enough* (see Bob Bennett).

If I thought that someone better could beat him I'd spend a significant amount of money and effort to make it happen.

Honestly, I think we're just all going to have to wait until he dies.
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The eejit (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:24pm

Re: Re:
Truth, Justice and the Am- oh, hang on a second, emergency phone call.

*minutes pass, returns with a fat brown envelope and white powder on his upper lip*

Ahem.

We have a new Public Service Announcement! Resistance is Futile! Join the MPAA! Amaerica will become one with the world! All is one! FOR AMERICA! FOR OUR OVERLORDS!
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Dark Helmet (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:24pm

Re:
"I usually enjoy reading Techdirt articles but I can't stand Tim's writing style."

What is it particularly that you find unpalleteable?
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The eejit (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:29pm

Re: What a load of shite! You have no shame at all, do you?
Hey, I'm half Rhesus! Employ me!
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The eejit (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 12:30pm

Re: Re: real patriots
"The first people that should be shot are those that advocate patriotism."
-Sir Terry Pratchett.
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A Dan (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 1:00pm

Re: Re:
You use long sentences and a large number of rhetorical questions. Perhaps one of those is part of the problem.
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Anonymous a-hole, 8 Apr 2011 @ 1:05pm

Re: Re: Re:
So, you're admitting you're a moron in a hurry? Cool!
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Any Mouse (profile), 8 Apr 2011 @ 1:55pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
That's more about WalMart's heavy pro-Christian agenda than the ratings. They also only sell music and books that have been edited and censored.
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Vincent Clement (profile), 9 Apr 2011 @ 5:28am

Doesn't the MPAA represent the movie industry? The same movie industry that moved out west to avoid paying royalties to Edison. The same movie industry that says a blockbuster movie made no net money. Some patriots.
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Geek Hillbilly, 9 Apr 2011 @ 7:24am

Real patriots don't buy RIAA/MPAA products or bullshit.
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Chris in Utah (profile), 9 Apr 2011 @ 12:06pm

Re: Re: Re:
The quandary abounds. Ever wonder if asking someone to make there own conclusions is unpalatable to someone looking up for answers.
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Anonymous Coward, 10 Apr 2011 @ 2:12am

To Answer the questions...
Is applauding government censorship American?... YES
Is it American to push around our fellow nations of the world to adopt laws simply because our industry wants them to?...YES
Does the land of the free and the home of the brave really mean tucking your tail between your legs and running to daddy government because you don't know how to maximize your profit margins in the digital world?... YES

Thank god I live in Australia... while rapidly following your lead at least I can laugh at America (all it really is good for now) for a short time *sigh*
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xenomancer (profile), 10 Apr 2011 @ 3:55pm

Re: Re: real patriots
Hehehehehehehehehe .... duty
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Darryl, 10 Apr 2011 @ 11:46pm

Re: Re: ignorance and apathy, and stupid logic
There's not a contractor in the world, with his mind intact, who would do a job without securing payment obligations from the customer.

Your kidding right ????? or are you just an idiot ?

So you think Apple wait for someone to enter the shop and ask for an iPhone before they run out the back and make one ?

Or a band stating they are not going to create a song unless is sells a certain number of copies?

Or FORD building 10,000 cars BEFORE ANYONE HAS SAID THEY WILL PURCHASE THEM ???

what about a block of units ? do you think they are all SOLD and pre-occupied before a developer takes the risk of paying for them to be built ?

Do you know what a "spec home" is ?

in fact MOST things are built before there is a confirmed 'sale' of that product.

Certainly more than are not, therefore your entire argument is based on flawed logic. And worthless.

There is ignorance and apathy, but its all coming from you.
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Darryl, 11 Apr 2011 @ 12:10am

USA vs Australia ------ no contest..
yes, we Aussies are a lucky mob :)

especially campared to the "mighty" US of A :D

our dollar is stronger, we have far more employment, we have if anything a shortage of skilled labour, therefore if you know ANYTHING you can get a job here, and a good one.

We have no idiots running around thinking guns are a good and fun thing.

far less crime, far more employed, far more housing and no housing crisis.

and stronger IP laws !!!!!!.. what does that tell you yanks ?

I guess, nothing.. learning is not your strong point America.
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Anonymous Coward, 21 Sep 2011 @ 6:04am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Answers
Yeah, but that's like saying "well stop searching at google.com and use bing or whatnot".
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Anonymous Coward, 21 Sep 2011 @ 6:09am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
such a moron in a hurry, that he posted 2 same posts
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