special-interesting (profile), 19 Mar 2013 @ 7:54am
The preamble was interesting in its large ambitious scope and handled delicately several current hot original-works topics although couched with many reservations.
“Performance right” is misnamed as the word right unfairly describes self justification for something that does not exist. If they want to call it a fee,charge,tax,extortion thats OK but don't let them call it a “right”,
To pay for performance is just a silly scheme to skim money off of the everyday activities of life like listening to music or watching a video at a friends house. If you are so lucky to have more than 1 friend let alone 10 or more listening and watching with you how is that considered a public performance? Friends exist everywhere in your neighborhood, office, school and social occasions so charging anything at all for any reason is completely nuts. If someone not a friend overhears such normal usage so what as there are party crashers everywhere.
Charging for playing music must be the exception not the rule and there should be explicit rules for deciding what is a commercial event made for profit and fun. How do we free the everyday use of cultural items such as music, videos, etc. by people from any regulation (whatsoever) yet allow commercial exploitation of the same?
TV and cable stations already pay for the content they broadcast and its crazy that anyone would consider charging downstream viewers in any context or location be it a home or a commercial location be it a bar or street-corner news display. (News is just an excuse to draw in viewers to watch more ads.) They should be happy that more viewer are watching their program and paid advertisements. Such an open view policy would still allow for the resale of boxed sets of the programming to the public at large especially if the read about Cwf-Rtb and can add extra value.
“Congress decided long ago that since radio was a form of advertising for music” I actually like this attitude/approach. Take for example the realm of Star Wars or Star Trek or LotR or Led Zeppelin or etc. as each offer so much more than just the movie/TV-show/music one can absorb in one viewing. There are many opportunities to sell more to such a fan. Posters, T-shirts, other albums, other movies, comic books, toy light sabers... ad infinitum. Yes we want to encourage/entice/force such contributions to culture.
This is getting long so reserve an opportunity to post more later.
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 3:11pm
Yea! She said “But my point is, if one needs an army of lawyers to understand the basic precepts of the law, then it is time for a new law.” Say's a lot but a long uphill bloody battle will ensue with many casualties (most of which I hope are large media conglomerates).
My best argument is how does the public establish the public domain as important to cultural growth and maturity as a nation. Such an, popularly digestable, argument would allow the public to shrug off of many of the protectionist demands of media and other monopolies.
What we need is a public greedy for the free use of Sonny (Bono) & Cher's music regardless of how primped and cute they (once) looked together. How do we expose the massive selfishness that derives eternal copyright in such a way that shorter terms and more fair user oriented can benefit from? Can we show how much better our lives would be without the RIAA and MPAA (typ.)?
Speaking of culture and original-work proliferation (specifically did not say protection) we always need to consider the lifespan of the audience. Everyone has an interest in allowing their kids to actually use the fables and wisdom (or more likely the Simpsons) we teach them.
If the author does not keep in mind the needs of the intended audience there is great risk that such culture/ideas/fact/love will be wasted down the black hole of eternal copyright. 95% of all books/media are lost in this way already. Its a national shame.
A limit of 15-30 years is both socially and culturally defensible. No other argument I have heard has come close. Especially the ridiculous monopolistic claims for eternal copyright from typical media firms. This would allow proliferation of new culture not stagnation of old school rehashing.
There are plenty of storytellers and an abundance of listeners but we have somehow allowed a stranglehold on accessing such. What short sightedness would prevent us from sharing our own heritage and history?
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 12:10pm
A patient seeing a doctor is different from a subject in a clinical trial. Complicating that what were the conditions of the contract when they signed consent for testing a new drug? Privacy issues for each case are different. Even in publicly funded trials many wold not sign up without at least some level of privacy. They might have to pay more. A difficult sensitive issue.
You mentioned “key” information. You give your age, DOB, sex, and two of your prescriptions and thats enough to find your name.
On the side; the individual patient should have awesome privacy rights. An average patient visiting their local practitioner should have never entered into the database of the pharmaceutical firm at all. I hope privacy law starts to respect such sensitive areas with harsh treatment when violating the trust we share with our local doctors.
Claims of "firmly supports transparency"? Hahaha. -no bite-
More specifically; lets examine other aspects (imminent rant)
What do I care what drug firms say to me? It is my understanding that the big pharmaceutical firms would let people suffer and die because some over paid exec decided they could maximize profits. Take a modern stomach acid drug and charge $230 a month?
How does anyone trust a firm that has such a great marketing department that they can take two different products frequently prescribed together (saayy a decongestant and an ok antihistamine that together cost $6usd) and re-brand them and sell it for $90usd at your local pharmacy for 15 years. 1000s of people die every year because of high cost.
Of course they get away with it. Am I cynical? Yes! Very.
How do I express to my local congress-idiot that these people are not to be trusted and any augment from them thrown out. Just schmoozing with them is a no vote. These guys are the industry model for the **AA's anyway.
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 9:37am
Aerial photos are actually legally and civilly tricky. Most aerial photo firms like late morning to early afternoon winter time slots so as not to catch the summer afternoon nude sunbather accidentally and not have to worry about deciduous tree foliage. (there are shadow issues also) As any regular photographer knows it takes tack and restraint to, build the trust needed to, survive.
For any aerial shots, including the clever kite cam and other flying lawn-chair variety (I love it instantly, definitely on the want now list.) photos, we have legitimate privacy issues when a private moment is inadvertently caught on camera. These photos cannot be used without incurring significant civil liability (getting sued and rightfully so.) Especially if the photographer does this repeatedly which might (already) be more than a civil offense of quite a different matter.
The random circling of police helicopters (if real) sounds like a form of harassment. Many cops love the opportunities of voyeurism and even the appearance of such behavior should be noticed. General privacy on your own property should always be respected. Just because anyone has the opportunitiy to view private lives does not mean they should.
For civilians I think all this should be left to civil law. Military and government need strict regulation with sever penalties, including but not limited to, incarceration and fines. I expect more whinny screaming bloody murder cigarette augments from both.
It is important that if you vote for anyone that you tell them what you expect from them.
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 7:23am
As I said b4; haven't bought an EA game since one of them did not work right out of the box. (it still sits in a another box somewhere.) I consider the event theft right out of my wallet. An always on-line sim-city? Hahaha. Not a chance. Still have SC2000
My own, estimated, negative contribution to EA's bottom line is 3-5 games or 150-250 dollars. This negativity also reflects the degrading quality of current EA's offerings which surely is a symptom of revenue loss. Even it they grew wings and said they tossed DRM it would take me years to read about it on game review sites to trust them with another 40-60 bucks again. Waste of available spending cash.
Since some of my friends feel even more strongly this has got to be a huge loss to EA and similar DRM'd games. I also hate it when I or family does want a game it takes so long to read game sites to find out the DRM condition for each.
Any DRM = no purchase. The kids whimper a bit but not obsessively. (they also know that whining gets a dirty look or even an extra chore) Linux games are getting better and more reliable too. (good examples shawnhcorey). I would say freeciv is awesome... except for the huge amount of time sunk into it.
The Anon comment about refunds would be nice. While we are at it lets go for first sale rights (ability to resell anything an average consumer/firm bought) for anything that sells more than 5000 units. It needs to be normal SOP that any firm/manufacturer must provide a no strings attached product.
The question might be better phrased as “Do you like it when you are spied on or monitored so closely that it is spying anyway?” With the obvious EA doublespeak when questioned for justification (of DRM) no way I can find a whit of trust in them. It is always the case that when records are kept they are used/abused and almost never in your favor.
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 6:20am
In the “List of what they are in trouble for” it would be nice to see:
The current Prenda scandal... Will they be put in jail or sued out of existence for the likely racial (and or other specifically targeted vulnerable social groups) vulture-like profiling? (since its port it's likely a variant of religious persecution) Probably not. Jail or at least large fines for submitting false documents? Likely.
But the scope of the current charges against them do not encompass such a charge. Maybe at some later date. I know this topic is obscure but targeting social groups because of vulnerability has got to be classic discrimination.
special-interesting (profile), 18 Mar 2013 @ 5:29am
If I understand property rights the landowner has ownership or eminent control of to 1000 feet. I believe its called personal airspace. Most of the early airplanes never got above 1000 ft and surely were a common nuisance (conjecture). Over 1k ft its FAA territory.
It would be nice to be able to have some device or trap to capture and analyses any aerial invading device entering personal airspace. Some model rocket like device with a range-finder or primitive radar and a large deployable net. You would need the range-finder to verify a less than 1000 ft entry. Either that or barrage balloons. (the neighbors will definitely complain)
If it was your neighbors kids mischief you would give it back, if you knew their parents would punish them, appropriately. If it was government they would have to show a search warrant or get sued and of course the invading device is held for evidence.
Except for legislation prohibiting government spying on citizens and or property have no good tech solution. Public awareness and strict, draconian even, rules for government is only true solution. Some rules for citizens also but these might be best to leave up to the civil courts. Despite the conflict of airspace interest this bill is interesting anyway. Can we get personal airspace raised to 1500-2000 ft (excepting landing and takeoff)?
Since cars and aircraft are quickly going automated-remote control combination this bill would also make it illegal to take pictures out of future AI controlled airplanes. We already have automated guidance for foggy weather. Most likely all would both communicate their locations and get locations (hopefully (some sort of) local wifi and somewhat private) of other aircraft in same area thus always have some elements of remote control.
Why all the sudden criminalization of every aspect of everyday life the last 15 years or so? Have the civil courts failed us that much? Is this some form of constitutional/legal/bureaucratic ignorance of voters in general? Has law become so removed from the average consciousness of the voter it becomes an act of faith on which candidate to support?
special-interesting (profile), 17 Mar 2013 @ 6:39pm
Is likely that the dismissed cases are the ones that use funky evidence or skewed shell companies. A default award left on the table? -paints BIG red bullseye- An attempt at damage control for sure. It may not matter since these were already filed and accusations made.
Hard to understand the argument based on a present rightsholder 'quick signature' as compared to the signing of a receipt? Get the evidence thrown out on technicality? Sounds like an “you don't understand (legalese) but I do” obfuscation by convoluted detail defense.
If I remember right even the large music corps were forced to show they had the exact copyright that was being enforced with no shell firms because they never (and will never) gave up the rights in the first place. Only some vague permission/assignation to a meaningless shell firm to sue which is not in any definition a rightsholder. A firm either holds the copyright or they don't and only that firm is allowed to be named on the complaint as plaintiff. (am really stretching my legal awareness it this totally correct?)
How Prenda (porno chasing small fry's) rate a pass on that?
If Mr Cooper says he did not sign then where is this new Mr. Cooper? So far the house caretaker Mr. Cooper has given statements and dutifully shown up in court whereas Prenda has not.
For clarification a copyright is not a right as we know such from the Bill of Rights. A copyright is an artificially imposed deceleration that a short temporary monopoly has been given to an original-works creator hopefully to generate more original-works. Since its not working that way toss it out.
special-interesting (profile), 17 Mar 2013 @ 8:56am
The clean pillars of People and Constitutional/Ministerial law are being chipped away bit by little bit and what monopolistic special interest influenced sculpture is left?
special-interesting (profile), 17 Mar 2013 @ 5:51am
The tactic for attacking around the fringe of a, publicly controversial, concept under siege is effective. It is the same tactic used to splinter off a digital letter sent over a wire and a physical letter from firmly established constitutional law. What is the price of vigilance anyway?
The (sneaky?) arguments used by UMG to misdirect from Safe Harbor legal cannon by obfuscation through increased technical detail should fall flat. It is unfortunate that it took the courts so long as to red-line the very firm defending such.
Its kind of ironic that big wigs like Eisner suffered this huge DMCA kick in the face. I wonder if this will change any internal corporate minds about the eternal copyright monopoly's on the loose today. -skepticism-
I do hope Veoh has some legal recourse left in recouping legal fees.
For the life of me I cannot find any support for the DMCA take-down notice thing whatsoever. It ignores so much more than just free speech is just so hard to comprehend it breaks my head just to try.
(Scathing opinion) If anyone has any beef or truck with a website (or anyone!) they must prove it under judicial review. Or why even have a Justice branch at all? It seems so weak as to be ready to fall off the three branch tree we call division of (federal government) powers. They seem more interested in the internal rule violation enforcement than chewing on the meat of monopolistic corporate ill we suffer from lately. Not a bad thing, in itself, but is that all?
Example: The current Prenda scandal. Will they be put in jail or sued out of existence for the likely racial (and or other specifically targeted vulnerable social groups) vulture-like profiling? Probably not. Jail or at least large fines for submitting false documents? Likely.
Please vote out the entire copyright amendment and start from scratch. So bloated with corruption and current ancillary law to burden society with. The legal expense of copyright civil law being supplanted with criminal law is as damaging, and even more far reaching, as the Drug Wars have been to society. (Such incalculable loss/expense might, in reality, even eclipse the ridiculous trillion dollar media loss submitted to congress.) Why even engage in a religiously rooted concept anyway??
If any group supports such legally enforced nonsense as the DMCA... they need to go out of business now. Good riddance. -washes hands-
I have already stated my belief that the **AA's seem more like criminal agencies than real associations that actually benefit society in any way. Any candidate that accepts contribution from these groups is an instant no vote and or impeachment at a later date. (Don't forget to throw out the purchased appointee slots/positions.)
special-interesting (profile), 16 Mar 2013 @ 5:02am
An in the present temporal comment.(I'll get over it)
Saved private pages. Hahahaha. Did you ever think you (you yourself, personally, sitting in a chair looking at the screen.) were making history? It is likely that your saved locally Facebook/other private non trollable web page in your computers temp cash is the last remembrance from your dead friend (Condolences, it happens). Will you be able to access it? (love the pages that don't require a refresh.)
special-interesting (profile), 15 Mar 2013 @ 6:43pm
NSL unconstitutional?
Such awareness would prohibit abuse. (Of which NSL's abuse is (reference needed) un-deniable. Please award jail terms.) Will this judgment stand the review of higher courts? (No comment.)
I would love to see some public scrutiny of NSL's. It would be nice that NLS were rare and only used for true terrorist activities. (But. What is the definition of abuse anyway?) What is judicial review?
Individual privacy. Have you been promised something like this?
What a concept. Are you a victim? Trust???!!!!
Few times am I thrown on the fires of democracy. Ouch! (Good topic.)
Dose bureaucracy care about the pain your suffer? No! Die and bleed as you will.
I have mentioned the complex involvement when government agencies participate in lobbying.
Note: UK law is separate from USA law. (Good luck!)
special-interesting (profile), 15 Mar 2013 @ 5:25pm
Hunnn?
-hardball hits face while standing in left field- “whap” -catches ball anyway- [what a topic! -dances-]
I have been jumping up and down for terms closer to 15-30 years (absolute) so any retraction of current permanent copyright has got to be good. Think of the gain to public domain?
IMHO the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act should be replace with (and only with) our warm and fuzzy feelings for them. To our economic benefit a few local bars will actually be able to display their Sonny and Cher memorabilia (pictures, records and figurines) and play their music without fear of copyright abuse. (or whatever fave artist will be liberated from such a cultural black hole) There are many food formulas found in old literature. (am somewhat worried about name dropping but [original credit must be given] thanks Mike for (several) such post(s) years ago)
Since the copyright industry apparently controls the White House and D.C. Based DoJ (not district yet) Maria Pallante has been raised to hero status in my light. (Just for even raising the topic it is that rare.) Phone unlocking? Expansion of safe harbors to cover orphaned works? Review of the outright ridiculously outrageous statutory damages? Coooooolllllll. (Exciting even.) Even if fired b4 Wednesday (reality is sooo ugly) and left off as rumor it still counts and greatness. (don't get me wrong, am still cynical)
Yes any time legislation is introduced it might be corrupted by the usual special interest groups. I hope they are able to fend off the normal commercial buy outs. (If they would whine and scream, and ignored as such, like little kids do when mom tells them she cant afford that bag of candy... Yes!)
It would be nice it we could convince our good legislators to never talk with them (monopolistic special interest groups) ever or be guaranteed a vote out next term. (Impeachment at an earlier date? Don't laugh it is the way the public enforces their will.)
Life+50 is still waaayyy to long for copyright. My best cultural arguments are for a term much less than the life of the intended audience. (absolute 15-30 years) In this way the children you teach your lesson to will be able to use it before they die. (what is common sense?) Does anyone realize that Disney based most of his works from the then free public domain works? Who does not want to be as successful as Walt? (an anonymous comment [Jan 5th, 2010 @ 8:28am] said many things not said here which were good)
TW Burger: Monty Python retakes? Bwhaahahahahaah. That is so ridiculously commercial. On another note: Ted Turner did make an investment that should be rewarded. (He actually paid to restore old films.) NASA moonwalk evidence? Please keep the VCR/DVR running.
It is possible that several unfortunate treaties and trade agreements have been engaged but they can hopefully be tossed off as stupid mistakes. (congress many times does not ratify the treaties the president yaks about) The economic and cultural Renaissance (implied not guaranteed) leadership more than pays for the special interest medaling.
Because of all the culturally restrictive (am being polite) legislation attached to the current copyright amendment I think it should be discarded and replaced with something else. (lets work it out.) Eternal copyright destroys culture.
Notes: (reactionary, thanks! You guys/people are so good/awesome. My contribution is zero in comparison.)
Richard, Henry: that reminds me of when Disney used their warehouse of (now priceless) hand drawn cartoon and movie frame cells as landfill. (ievil laugh) (Vincent also states the obvious) (A lot of Disney war propaganda is currently unavailable.) (Henry: eternal copyright “crying wolf” and slavery are definitely related. Several other arguments are interesting. Go! Public domain is relevant. Current legislation is an artifact of special interest groups not public cultural growth needs.)
The Anit-Mike: brings up interesting topics of present derivations of past works but does not mention that past works must enter public domain regardless of current interpretations. How can I criticize without detracting from presently derived original content and preserving old works from entering public domain? (dilemma.) (At some time the original artist [and it's family] must let go.)
An artist will never be encouraged to create new works unless the copyright actually expires. (Fact. Argue with me.)
Preserving books and other media depends on family/corporate stability. So much is tossed out when moving (forced or otherwise) to a new location. It is possible/likely that the (non DRM'd) copy you have on your hard drive is the only one left.
PaulT, (with references) RT (and others): Heechee ancient fictional civilization. (Gateway, Frederik Pohl) That brings back memories. It had a (visionary) great digital awareness theme based on absolute energy use. (Read it) I would love to open a bar/restaurant based on such a theme. Bradbury 451F anyone? (The entire concept of culture is at risk.) (so many restaurant analogies... wow!) Always fascinating as to what enters common shared culture and how we work with such... (copyright awareness of cultural damage. Shock!) (+++) (another three stars.)
Copyright and trademark abuse is intertwined and not easily distinguished. The figure of Batman is trademarked permanently and will not be released if/when copyright is reduced. Again. What is the concept of culture?
If you don't have your own Simpson's episode plot in your head or in writing you are not putting in enough effort. (Or whatever show/movie fits your fancy.)
Henry Emrich (on a roll): graduated fees for extensions? Good. (if huge in comparison to the 95% lost culture of UN-republished works.) (difficult concept to outline) Project Gutenberg? Cool. (Gutenberg: Yes! Another less than 10GB [so far who cares.] success.)
Engage with me such (unfortunately obscure) topics as cultural (intelligence) awareness. Please! -anticipation-
Yogi: Culture “it is always a common effort” is insightful.
Anomyous: “The Epic of Gilgamesh. The tales of Homer. The Irish Ulster cycles. The great myths of the Norse and the Greeks and the Romans. The Saga of Beowulf. The Arthurian legends. Shakespeare and Chaucer and such. These have survived for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years. Because they we out in the public. People told and retold these stories thousands of times, building upon the tales and adding to them, enriching them. As a result, these have remained with us, inflaming our imagination, to this day.” (Did I detect historical (cultural) awareness? Yikes.) (Three star award.)
Another Anonymous said “A tiny portion of culture has a government-enforced monopoly attached to it, for the time being, but that tiny portion doesn't define the whole of culture.” We fight the current majority of cultural items being locked up with eternal copyright. Period.
More Anonymous said: “The things that usually catch on have a "viral" respect to them, and old things don't get a second chance. Modern culture will always be separate from that of 28 years ago.” This is actually beyond me. Greatness!
Another Anonymous: pointed out the tax liability of stupid legislation.
special-interesting (profile), 15 Mar 2013 @ 4:35pm
Hunnn?
-hardball hits face while standing in left field- “whap”
I have been jumping up and down for terms closer to 15-30 years (absolute) so any retraction of current permanent copyright has got to be good. Think of the gain to public domain?
IMHO the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act should be replace with (and only with) our warm and fuzzy feelings for them. To our economic benefit a few local bars will actually be able to display their Sonny and Cher memorabilia (pictures, records and figurines) and play their music without fear of copyright abuse. (or whatever fave artist will be liberated from such a cultural black hole)
Since the copyright industry apparently controls the White House and D.C. Based DoJ Maria Pallante has been raised to hero status in my light. (Just for even raising the topic it is that rare.) Phone unlocking? Expansion of safe harbors to cover orphaned works? Review of the outright ridiculously outrageous statutory damages? Coooooolllllll. (Exciting even.) Even if fired b4 Wednesday (reality is sooo ugly) and left off as rumor it still counts and greatness. (don't get me wrong am still cynical)
Yes any time legislation is introduced it might be corrupted by the usual special interest groups. I hope they are able to fend off the normal commercial buy outs. (If they would whine and scream, and ignored as such, like little kids do when mom tells them she cant afford that bag of candy... Yes!)
It would be nice it we could convince our wonderful legislators to never talk with them (monopolistic special interest groups) ever or be guaranteed a vote out next term. (Impeachment at an earlier date? Don't laugh it is the way the public enforces their will.)
Life+50 is still waaayyy to long. My best cultural arguments are for a term much less than the life of the intended audience. (absolute 15-30 years) In this way the children you teach your lesson to will be able to use it before they die. (what is common sense?)
It is possible that several unfortunate treaties and trade agreements have been engaged but they can hopefully be tossed off as stupid mistakes. The economic and cultural Renaissance (implied not guaranteed) leadership more than pays for the special interest medaling.
Because of all the culturally restrictive (am being polite) legislation attached to the current copyright amendment I think it should be discarded and replaced with something else.
special-interesting (profile), 14 Mar 2013 @ 9:22pm
InTrade is one of the more interesting tech developments. It combined tried and true trading methods with close public involvement. At some level this is just a vice action to corral gambling but such weak religious motivation is weird when compared to the huge billion dollar gambles that happen every day at the stock market.
Micro commodity transactions used for market prediction? Brilliant! There is a huge intellectual basis for studying the effect of putting your money where your mouth is. (sports betting)
The capricious jealousy of the CFTC's one off behavior is typical of bureaucratic nonsense. Another new bright idea crushed by politics.
special-interesting (profile), 14 Mar 2013 @ 7:10pm
I worry a bit about the trial date being so far off. It would give the Prenda group time to polish up some halo and wings wearing act. It will surely be great theater to the extent that 10:30am is to late in the day to hear statements from all the lawyers of the lawyers and the testimony from the lawyers themselves.
I predict several of the witnesses will plead the 5th or better yet pull a senile Regan stunt with repeated “I cant remember” statements. Of which am not sure that would help their defense. We are still at the discovery stage and these dudes seem to have a lot to hide.
Taking odds on whether or not all will show up? I think most will (except one of the likely forged Coopers and maybe one of the multiple Mooneys as well) be there. Lawyers in general are somewhat court savvy and know when presence is required or not.
There is NO way Judge Otis Wright is not serious and not showing up will get 3 times the pain. Recalcitrance (not showing up) at this stage would be bad as in please purchase your (metaphorical) coffin now the nails and hammers will be supplied by others. Warrants and or large daily fines will be issued this time.
Been said by others better but the reality of what will transpose on the 29th will surpass every bit of imagination we have now. A glory of human drama.
As I have stated before these activities seem like SOP for typical copyright law. The collective shivers sent down the spine's of many a media firms legal department should be rewarding in many ways if not only for better practice of law. At least they will be sitting up very straightly.
At the very least I expect the DOJ to be quietly performing a thorough and detailed analysis of the Prenda and associated firms business practices both relating to the current circus and past cases Prenda and associates handled. These people have shown obvious criminal behavior and as such their past work needs further scrutiny.
special-interesting (profile), 14 Mar 2013 @ 5:49pm
All for it with reservations. As many times it is shown implementation is harder than conceiving an idea. Direct to Wikipedia? Most of what congress puts out is hard to distinguish from sapm anyway.
This has great potential to get legislation closer to the citizenry. Public scrutiny of the plans and data submitted to congress would be great in that special interest groups would not be able to 'lie in the darkness' like the last 200 years or so.
The key part is how do we make sense of all the drivel produced by our legislators? How do we recognize the parts written by monopolistic protectionist minded special interest groups? How do we discover the badly manipulated data that leaves out all the good points?
At any time the engagement of the public in making law should be a good thing. Even if fails the effort is noble.
special-interesting (profile), 14 Mar 2013 @ 8:37am
Great concept but its implementation is flawed in that their work (poked about their website a bit.) is not a downloadable stand alone product. The material seems accessible only on their website.
Books (and knowledge in general) need to be more portable than a wifi connection allows and more durable than some temporary website or firm. Wikipedia is less than 10GB and many schools install a local server for it. I would expect a local copy of any such text used in a college or otherwise course.
It looks as though they did not copy anything and are being sued for semantics. It seems they wrote and created their own work with no copying at all. (semantics as in substituting in different words yet still getting the same, for better or worse, intellectual argument)
The Plaintiff's claim of "selection, structure, organization and depth of coverage... right down to duplicating Plaintiff's pagination" sounds so vague and airless it escapes me.
No matter how you toss it up textbooks almost always look the same and develop the subject matter using the same intellectual threads. There have been no new textbook format since Newton's Principia. (and even that...) Even most e-books use the traditional textbook formats. Even the word “textbook” is enshrined as a stereotype phrase denoting a standard format. (am exaggerating for sake of argument, but in defense of that, the textbook current layout has developed so glacially slowly over the last few hundred years its comic relief)
For some group of firms to claim copyright on “textbook format” one might just as well copyright the format of binding pages together and calling this newfangled thing a 'book'. Better yet put it up on a screen and call it a web page!
It seems that copyright is mainly used to harass your competitors. Lets get rid of it.
On the post: More Details On Copyright Register Maria Pallante's Call For Comprehensive, 'Forward-Thinking, But Flexible' Copyright Reform
“Performance right” is misnamed as the word right unfairly describes self justification for something that does not exist. If they want to call it a fee,charge,tax,extortion thats OK but don't let them call it a “right”,
To pay for performance is just a silly scheme to skim money off of the everyday activities of life like listening to music or watching a video at a friends house. If you are so lucky to have more than 1 friend let alone 10 or more listening and watching with you how is that considered a public performance? Friends exist everywhere in your neighborhood, office, school and social occasions so charging anything at all for any reason is completely nuts. If someone not a friend overhears such normal usage so what as there are party crashers everywhere.
Charging for playing music must be the exception not the rule and there should be explicit rules for deciding what is a commercial event made for profit and fun. How do we free the everyday use of cultural items such as music, videos, etc. by people from any regulation (whatsoever) yet allow commercial exploitation of the same?
TV and cable stations already pay for the content they broadcast and its crazy that anyone would consider charging downstream viewers in any context or location be it a home or a commercial location be it a bar or street-corner news display. (News is just an excuse to draw in viewers to watch more ads.) They should be happy that more viewer are watching their program and paid advertisements. Such an open view policy would still allow for the resale of boxed sets of the programming to the public at large especially if the read about Cwf-Rtb and can add extra value.
“Congress decided long ago that since radio was a form of advertising for music” I actually like this attitude/approach. Take for example the realm of Star Wars or Star Trek or LotR or Led Zeppelin or etc. as each offer so much more than just the movie/TV-show/music one can absorb in one viewing. There are many opportunities to sell more to such a fan. Posters, T-shirts, other albums, other movies, comic books, toy light sabers... ad infinitum. Yes we want to encourage/entice/force such contributions to culture.
This is getting long so reserve an opportunity to post more later.
On the post: More Details On Copyright Register Maria Pallante's Call For Comprehensive, 'Forward-Thinking, But Flexible' Copyright Reform
My best argument is how does the public establish the public domain as important to cultural growth and maturity as a nation. Such an, popularly digestable, argument would allow the public to shrug off of many of the protectionist demands of media and other monopolies.
What we need is a public greedy for the free use of Sonny (Bono) & Cher's music regardless of how primped and cute they (once) looked together. How do we expose the massive selfishness that derives eternal copyright in such a way that shorter terms and more fair user oriented can benefit from? Can we show how much better our lives would be without the RIAA and MPAA (typ.)?
Speaking of culture and original-work proliferation (specifically did not say protection) we always need to consider the lifespan of the audience. Everyone has an interest in allowing their kids to actually use the fables and wisdom (or more likely the Simpsons) we teach them.
If the author does not keep in mind the needs of the intended audience there is great risk that such culture/ideas/fact/love will be wasted down the black hole of eternal copyright. 95% of all books/media are lost in this way already. Its a national shame.
A limit of 15-30 years is both socially and culturally defensible. No other argument I have heard has come close. Especially the ridiculous monopolistic claims for eternal copyright from typical media firms. This would allow proliferation of new culture not stagnation of old school rehashing.
There are plenty of storytellers and an abundance of listeners but we have somehow allowed a stranglehold on accessing such. What short sightedness would prevent us from sharing our own heritage and history?
On the post: Giant Pharma Company Claims Releasing Data On Drug Safety Is Illegal As It's Confidential And 'Commercially Sensitive'
You mentioned “key” information. You give your age, DOB, sex, and two of your prescriptions and thats enough to find your name.
On the side; the individual patient should have awesome privacy rights. An average patient visiting their local practitioner should have never entered into the database of the pharmaceutical firm at all. I hope privacy law starts to respect such sensitive areas with harsh treatment when violating the trust we share with our local doctors.
Claims of "firmly supports transparency"? Hahaha. -no bite-
More specifically; lets examine other aspects (imminent rant)
What do I care what drug firms say to me? It is my understanding that the big pharmaceutical firms would let people suffer and die because some over paid exec decided they could maximize profits. Take a modern stomach acid drug and charge $230 a month?
How does anyone trust a firm that has such a great marketing department that they can take two different products frequently prescribed together (saayy a decongestant and an ok antihistamine that together cost $6usd) and re-brand them and sell it for $90usd at your local pharmacy for 15 years. 1000s of people die every year because of high cost.
Of course they get away with it. Am I cynical? Yes! Very.
How do I express to my local congress-idiot that these people are not to be trusted and any augment from them thrown out. Just schmoozing with them is a no vote. These guys are the industry model for the **AA's anyway.
On the post: 'No Photos From The Sky' Bill Trimmed Back, But Still Could Create Felons Out Of Kids Playing With Toy Drones
For any aerial shots, including the clever kite cam and other flying lawn-chair variety (I love it instantly, definitely on the want now list.) photos, we have legitimate privacy issues when a private moment is inadvertently caught on camera. These photos cannot be used without incurring significant civil liability (getting sued and rightfully so.) Especially if the photographer does this repeatedly which might (already) be more than a civil offense of quite a different matter.
The random circling of police helicopters (if real) sounds like a form of harassment. Many cops love the opportunities of voyeurism and even the appearance of such behavior should be noticed. General privacy on your own property should always be respected. Just because anyone has the opportunitiy to view private lives does not mean they should.
For civilians I think all this should be left to civil law. Military and government need strict regulation with sever penalties, including but not limited to, incarceration and fines. I expect more whinny screaming bloody murder cigarette augments from both.
It is important that if you vote for anyone that you tell them what you expect from them.
On the post: Maxis GM: Our Vision Is More Important Than Our Customers & Lots Of People Love Our Crappy DRM
My own, estimated, negative contribution to EA's bottom line is 3-5 games or 150-250 dollars. This negativity also reflects the degrading quality of current EA's offerings which surely is a symptom of revenue loss. Even it they grew wings and said they tossed DRM it would take me years to read about it on game review sites to trust them with another 40-60 bucks again. Waste of available spending cash.
Since some of my friends feel even more strongly this has got to be a huge loss to EA and similar DRM'd games. I also hate it when I or family does want a game it takes so long to read game sites to find out the DRM condition for each.
Any DRM = no purchase. The kids whimper a bit but not obsessively. (they also know that whining gets a dirty look or even an extra chore) Linux games are getting better and more reliable too. (good examples shawnhcorey). I would say freeciv is awesome... except for the huge amount of time sunk into it.
The Anon comment about refunds would be nice. While we are at it lets go for first sale rights (ability to resell anything an average consumer/firm bought) for anything that sells more than 5000 units. It needs to be normal SOP that any firm/manufacturer must provide a no strings attached product.
The question might be better phrased as “Do you like it when you are spied on or monitored so closely that it is spying anyway?” With the obvious EA doublespeak when questioned for justification (of DRM) no way I can find a whit of trust in them. It is always the case that when records are kept they are used/abused and almost never in your favor.
Note to TD staff: Thanks for the new https!
On the post: Funniest/Most Insightful Comments Of The Week At Techdirt
The current Prenda scandal... Will they be put in jail or sued out of existence for the likely racial (and or other specifically targeted vulnerable social groups) vulture-like profiling? (since its port it's likely a variant of religious persecution) Probably not. Jail or at least large fines for submitting false documents? Likely.
This is documented at http://dietrolldie.com/2013/03/08/copyright-troll-offender-profiling-the-likely-suspect/
But the scope of the current charges against them do not encompass such a charge. Maybe at some later date. I know this topic is obscure but targeting social groups because of vulnerability has got to be classic discrimination.
On the post: 'No Photos From The Sky' Bill Trimmed Back, But Still Could Create Felons Out Of Kids Playing With Toy Drones
It would be nice to be able to have some device or trap to capture and analyses any aerial invading device entering personal airspace. Some model rocket like device with a range-finder or primitive radar and a large deployable net. You would need the range-finder to verify a less than 1000 ft entry. Either that or barrage balloons. (the neighbors will definitely complain)
If it was your neighbors kids mischief you would give it back, if you knew their parents would punish them, appropriately. If it was government they would have to show a search warrant or get sued and of course the invading device is held for evidence.
Except for legislation prohibiting government spying on citizens and or property have no good tech solution. Public awareness and strict, draconian even, rules for government is only true solution. Some rules for citizens also but these might be best to leave up to the civil courts. Despite the conflict of airspace interest this bill is interesting anyway. Can we get personal airspace raised to 1500-2000 ft (excepting landing and takeoff)?
Since cars and aircraft are quickly going automated-remote control combination this bill would also make it illegal to take pictures out of future AI controlled airplanes. We already have automated guidance for foggy weather. Most likely all would both communicate their locations and get locations (hopefully (some sort of) local wifi and somewhat private) of other aircraft in same area thus always have some elements of remote control.
Why all the sudden criminalization of every aspect of everyday life the last 15 years or so? Have the civil courts failed us that much? Is this some form of constitutional/legal/bureaucratic ignorance of voters in general? Has law become so removed from the average consciousness of the voter it becomes an act of faith on which candidate to support?
On the post: Prenda Law Tries To Close The Barn Door After The Horse Has Lawyered Up
Hard to understand the argument based on a present rightsholder 'quick signature' as compared to the signing of a receipt? Get the evidence thrown out on technicality? Sounds like an “you don't understand (legalese) but I do” obfuscation by convoluted detail defense.
If I remember right even the large music corps were forced to show they had the exact copyright that was being enforced with no shell firms because they never (and will never) gave up the rights in the first place. Only some vague permission/assignation to a meaningless shell firm to sue which is not in any definition a rightsholder. A firm either holds the copyright or they don't and only that firm is allowed to be named on the complaint as plaintiff. (am really stretching my legal awareness it this totally correct?)
How Prenda (porno chasing small fry's) rate a pass on that?
If Mr Cooper says he did not sign then where is this new Mr. Cooper? So far the house caretaker Mr. Cooper has given statements and dutifully shown up in court whereas Prenda has not.
For clarification a copyright is not a right as we know such from the Bill of Rights. A copyright is an artificially imposed deceleration that a short temporary monopoly has been given to an original-works creator hopefully to generate more original-works. Since its not working that way toss it out.
Definitely the buttered. More butter please!
On the post: Publishers Have A New Strategy For Neutralizing Open Access -- And It's Working
On the post: Veoh Wins Important Case Against Universal Music Over DMCA Safe Harbors Again; But Is Still Dead Due To Legal Fees
The (sneaky?) arguments used by UMG to misdirect from Safe Harbor legal cannon by obfuscation through increased technical detail should fall flat. It is unfortunate that it took the courts so long as to red-line the very firm defending such.
Its kind of ironic that big wigs like Eisner suffered this huge DMCA kick in the face. I wonder if this will change any internal corporate minds about the eternal copyright monopoly's on the loose today. -skepticism-
I do hope Veoh has some legal recourse left in recouping legal fees.
For the life of me I cannot find any support for the DMCA take-down notice thing whatsoever. It ignores so much more than just free speech is just so hard to comprehend it breaks my head just to try.
(Scathing opinion) If anyone has any beef or truck with a website (or anyone!) they must prove it under judicial review. Or why even have a Justice branch at all? It seems so weak as to be ready to fall off the three branch tree we call division of (federal government) powers. They seem more interested in the internal rule violation enforcement than chewing on the meat of monopolistic corporate ill we suffer from lately. Not a bad thing, in itself, but is that all?
Example: The current Prenda scandal. Will they be put in jail or sued out of existence for the likely racial (and or other specifically targeted vulnerable social groups) vulture-like profiling? Probably not. Jail or at least large fines for submitting false documents? Likely.
Please vote out the entire copyright amendment and start from scratch. So bloated with corruption and current ancillary law to burden society with. The legal expense of copyright civil law being supplanted with criminal law is as damaging, and even more far reaching, as the Drug Wars have been to society. (Such incalculable loss/expense might, in reality, even eclipse the ridiculous trillion dollar media loss submitted to congress.) Why even engage in a religiously rooted concept anyway??
If any group supports such legally enforced nonsense as the DMCA... they need to go out of business now. Good riddance. -washes hands-
I have already stated my belief that the **AA's seem more like criminal agencies than real associations that actually benefit society in any way. Any candidate that accepts contribution from these groups is an instant no vote and or impeachment at a later date. (Don't forget to throw out the purchased appointee slots/positions.)
On the post: How Important Is It To Preserve Our Digital Heritage?
Saved private pages. Hahahaha. Did you ever think you (you yourself, personally, sitting in a chair looking at the screen.) were making history? It is likely that your saved locally Facebook/other private non trollable web page in your computers temp cash is the last remembrance from your dead friend (Condolences, it happens). Will you be able to access it? (love the pages that don't require a refresh.)
On the post: Shocker: Court Says National Security Letters Are Unconstitutional, Bans Them
Such awareness would prohibit abuse. (Of which NSL's abuse is (reference needed) un-deniable. Please award jail terms.) Will this judgment stand the review of higher courts? (No comment.)
I would love to see some public scrutiny of NSL's. It would be nice that NLS were rare and only used for true terrorist activities. (But. What is the definition of abuse anyway?) What is judicial review?
Individual privacy. Have you been promised something like this?
What a concept. Are you a victim? Trust???!!!!
Few times am I thrown on the fires of democracy. Ouch! (Good topic.)
Dose bureaucracy care about the pain your suffer? No! Die and bleed as you will.
I have mentioned the complex involvement when government agencies participate in lobbying.
Note: UK law is separate from USA law. (Good luck!)
On the post: Bad Move: Google Removes AdBlock Plus From Google Play Store
On the post: Bad Move: Google Removes AdBlock Plus From Google Play Store
On the post: As Prenda Hearing Nears, We Discover Allan Mooney Has No Clue That He's Listed As Representing Prenda Shell Companies
-hardball hits face while standing in left field- “whap” -catches ball anyway- [what a topic! -dances-]
I have been jumping up and down for terms closer to 15-30 years (absolute) so any retraction of current permanent copyright has got to be good. Think of the gain to public domain?
IMHO the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act should be replace with (and only with) our warm and fuzzy feelings for them. To our economic benefit a few local bars will actually be able to display their Sonny and Cher memorabilia (pictures, records and figurines) and play their music without fear of copyright abuse. (or whatever fave artist will be liberated from such a cultural black hole) There are many food formulas found in old literature. (am somewhat worried about name dropping but [original credit must be given] thanks Mike for (several) such post(s) years ago)
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20091231/1105257562.shtml (typical of several about the cultural black hole of copyright) (Wow. Did I actually read all that?)
Since the copyright industry apparently controls the White House and D.C. Based DoJ (not district yet) Maria Pallante has been raised to hero status in my light. (Just for even raising the topic it is that rare.) Phone unlocking? Expansion of safe harbors to cover orphaned works? Review of the outright ridiculously outrageous statutory damages? Coooooolllllll. (Exciting even.) Even if fired b4 Wednesday (reality is sooo ugly) and left off as rumor it still counts and greatness. (don't get me wrong, am still cynical)
Yes any time legislation is introduced it might be corrupted by the usual special interest groups. I hope they are able to fend off the normal commercial buy outs. (If they would whine and scream, and ignored as such, like little kids do when mom tells them she cant afford that bag of candy... Yes!)
It would be nice it we could convince our good legislators to never talk with them (monopolistic special interest groups) ever or be guaranteed a vote out next term. (Impeachment at an earlier date? Don't laugh it is the way the public enforces their will.)
Life+50 is still waaayyy to long for copyright. My best cultural arguments are for a term much less than the life of the intended audience. (absolute 15-30 years) In this way the children you teach your lesson to will be able to use it before they die. (what is common sense?) Does anyone realize that Disney based most of his works from the then free public domain works? Who does not want to be as successful as Walt? (an anonymous comment [Jan 5th, 2010 @ 8:28am] said many things not said here which were good)
TW Burger: Monty Python retakes? Bwhaahahahahaah. That is so ridiculously commercial. On another note: Ted Turner did make an investment that should be rewarded. (He actually paid to restore old films.) NASA moonwalk evidence? Please keep the VCR/DVR running.
It is possible that several unfortunate treaties and trade agreements have been engaged but they can hopefully be tossed off as stupid mistakes. (congress many times does not ratify the treaties the president yaks about) The economic and cultural Renaissance (implied not guaranteed) leadership more than pays for the special interest medaling.
Because of all the culturally restrictive (am being polite) legislation attached to the current copyright amendment I think it should be discarded and replaced with something else. (lets work it out.) Eternal copyright destroys culture.
Notes: (reactionary, thanks! You guys/people are so good/awesome. My contribution is zero in comparison.)
Richard, Henry: that reminds me of when Disney used their warehouse of (now priceless) hand drawn cartoon and movie frame cells as landfill. (ievil laugh) (Vincent also states the obvious) (A lot of Disney war propaganda is currently unavailable.) (Henry: eternal copyright “crying wolf” and slavery are definitely related. Several other arguments are interesting. Go! Public domain is relevant. Current legislation is an artifact of special interest groups not public cultural growth needs.)
The Anit-Mike: brings up interesting topics of present derivations of past works but does not mention that past works must enter public domain regardless of current interpretations. How can I criticize without detracting from presently derived original content and preserving old works from entering public domain? (dilemma.) (At some time the original artist [and it's family] must let go.)
An artist will never be encouraged to create new works unless the copyright actually expires. (Fact. Argue with me.)
Preserving books and other media depends on family/corporate stability. So much is tossed out when moving (forced or otherwise) to a new location. It is possible/likely that the (non DRM'd) copy you have on your hard drive is the only one left.
PaulT, (with references) RT (and others): Heechee ancient fictional civilization. (Gateway, Frederik Pohl) That brings back memories. It had a (visionary) great digital awareness theme based on absolute energy use. (Read it) I would love to open a bar/restaurant based on such a theme. Bradbury 451F anyone? (The entire concept of culture is at risk.) (so many restaurant analogies... wow!) Always fascinating as to what enters common shared culture and how we work with such... (copyright awareness of cultural damage. Shock!) (+++) (another three stars.)
Copyright and trademark abuse is intertwined and not easily distinguished. The figure of Batman is trademarked permanently and will not be released if/when copyright is reduced. Again. What is the concept of culture?
If you don't have your own Simpson's episode plot in your head or in writing you are not putting in enough effort. (Or whatever show/movie fits your fancy.)
Henry Emrich (on a roll): graduated fees for extensions? Good. (if huge in comparison to the 95% lost culture of UN-republished works.) (difficult concept to outline) Project Gutenberg? Cool. (Gutenberg: Yes! Another less than 10GB [so far who cares.] success.)
Engage with me such (unfortunately obscure) topics as cultural (intelligence) awareness. Please! -anticipation-
Yogi: Culture “it is always a common effort” is insightful.
Anomyous: “The Epic of Gilgamesh. The tales of Homer. The Irish Ulster cycles. The great myths of the Norse and the Greeks and the Romans. The Saga of Beowulf. The Arthurian legends. Shakespeare and Chaucer and such. These have survived for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years. Because they we out in the public. People told and retold these stories thousands of times, building upon the tales and adding to them, enriching them. As a result, these have remained with us, inflaming our imagination, to this day.” (Did I detect historical (cultural) awareness? Yikes.) (Three star award.)
Another Anonymous said “A tiny portion of culture has a government-enforced monopoly attached to it, for the time being, but that tiny portion doesn't define the whole of culture.” We fight the current majority of cultural items being locked up with eternal copyright. Period.
More Anonymous said: “The things that usually catch on have a "viral" respect to them, and old things don't get a second chance. Modern culture will always be separate from that of 28 years ago.” This is actually beyond me. Greatness!
Another Anonymous: pointed out the tax liability of stupid legislation.
BearGriz72: I learned a good site: http://questioncopyright.org
cc: Another (Unspecified. Is my personal awareness increased by reading such? Love it!) awareness of greater public culture award.
Clark W Griswold: Wow. Awareness of current treaties. (And. Such protectionist stupidity.) I have no other comment than constitutionality. (Weak.)
So much input am lost. Overwhelmed. (legislation that has scammed millions.)
On the post: Surprise: Register Of Copyrights Expected To Call For Reduction In Copyright Term
-hardball hits face while standing in left field- “whap”
I have been jumping up and down for terms closer to 15-30 years (absolute) so any retraction of current permanent copyright has got to be good. Think of the gain to public domain?
IMHO the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act should be replace with (and only with) our warm and fuzzy feelings for them. To our economic benefit a few local bars will actually be able to display their Sonny and Cher memorabilia (pictures, records and figurines) and play their music without fear of copyright abuse. (or whatever fave artist will be liberated from such a cultural black hole)
Since the copyright industry apparently controls the White House and D.C. Based DoJ Maria Pallante has been raised to hero status in my light. (Just for even raising the topic it is that rare.) Phone unlocking? Expansion of safe harbors to cover orphaned works? Review of the outright ridiculously outrageous statutory damages? Coooooolllllll. (Exciting even.) Even if fired b4 Wednesday (reality is sooo ugly) and left off as rumor it still counts and greatness. (don't get me wrong am still cynical)
Yes any time legislation is introduced it might be corrupted by the usual special interest groups. I hope they are able to fend off the normal commercial buy outs. (If they would whine and scream, and ignored as such, like little kids do when mom tells them she cant afford that bag of candy... Yes!)
It would be nice it we could convince our wonderful legislators to never talk with them (monopolistic special interest groups) ever or be guaranteed a vote out next term. (Impeachment at an earlier date? Don't laugh it is the way the public enforces their will.)
Life+50 is still waaayyy to long. My best cultural arguments are for a term much less than the life of the intended audience. (absolute 15-30 years) In this way the children you teach your lesson to will be able to use it before they die. (what is common sense?)
It is possible that several unfortunate treaties and trade agreements have been engaged but they can hopefully be tossed off as stupid mistakes. The economic and cultural Renaissance (implied not guaranteed) leadership more than pays for the special interest medaling.
Because of all the culturally restrictive (am being polite) legislation attached to the current copyright amendment I think it should be discarded and replaced with something else.
On the post: Go Ahead and Short Your 'InTrade Will Come Back' Contract
Micro commodity transactions used for market prediction? Brilliant! There is a huge intellectual basis for studying the effect of putting your money where your mouth is. (sports betting)
The capricious jealousy of the CFTC's one off behavior is typical of bureaucratic nonsense. Another new bright idea crushed by politics.
On the post: Judge Wright Orders Second Prenda Hearing, Tells Everyone They Better Actually Show Up This Time
I predict several of the witnesses will plead the 5th or better yet pull a senile Regan stunt with repeated “I cant remember” statements. Of which am not sure that would help their defense. We are still at the discovery stage and these dudes seem to have a lot to hide.
Taking odds on whether or not all will show up? I think most will (except one of the likely forged Coopers and maybe one of the multiple Mooneys as well) be there. Lawyers in general are somewhat court savvy and know when presence is required or not.
There is NO way Judge Otis Wright is not serious and not showing up will get 3 times the pain. Recalcitrance (not showing up) at this stage would be bad as in please purchase your (metaphorical) coffin now the nails and hammers will be supplied by others. Warrants and or large daily fines will be issued this time.
Been said by others better but the reality of what will transpose on the 29th will surpass every bit of imagination we have now. A glory of human drama.
As I have stated before these activities seem like SOP for typical copyright law. The collective shivers sent down the spine's of many a media firms legal department should be rewarding in many ways if not only for better practice of law. At least they will be sitting up very straightly.
At the very least I expect the DOJ to be quietly performing a thorough and detailed analysis of the Prenda and associated firms business practices both relating to the current circus and past cases Prenda and associates handled. These people have shown obvious criminal behavior and as such their past work needs further scrutiny.
-sniffs butter-
On the post: Why Shouldn't New Legislative Data Flow Directly Into Wikipedia
This has great potential to get legislation closer to the citizenry. Public scrutiny of the plans and data submitted to congress would be great in that special interest groups would not be able to 'lie in the darkness' like the last 200 years or so.
The key part is how do we make sense of all the drivel produced by our legislators? How do we recognize the parts written by monopolistic protectionist minded special interest groups? How do we discover the badly manipulated data that leaves out all the good points?
At any time the engagement of the public in making law should be a good thing. Even if fails the effort is noble.
On the post: Innovative Open Textbook Company Fights Back Against Publishers' Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
Books (and knowledge in general) need to be more portable than a wifi connection allows and more durable than some temporary website or firm. Wikipedia is less than 10GB and many schools install a local server for it. I would expect a local copy of any such text used in a college or otherwise course.
It looks as though they did not copy anything and are being sued for semantics. It seems they wrote and created their own work with no copying at all. (semantics as in substituting in different words yet still getting the same, for better or worse, intellectual argument)
The Plaintiff's claim of "selection, structure, organization and depth of coverage... right down to duplicating Plaintiff's pagination" sounds so vague and airless it escapes me.
No matter how you toss it up textbooks almost always look the same and develop the subject matter using the same intellectual threads. There have been no new textbook format since Newton's Principia. (and even that...) Even most e-books use the traditional textbook formats. Even the word “textbook” is enshrined as a stereotype phrase denoting a standard format. (am exaggerating for sake of argument, but in defense of that, the textbook current layout has developed so glacially slowly over the last few hundred years its comic relief)
For some group of firms to claim copyright on “textbook format” one might just as well copyright the format of binding pages together and calling this newfangled thing a 'book'. Better yet put it up on a screen and call it a web page!
It seems that copyright is mainly used to harass your competitors. Lets get rid of it.
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