nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 3 Aug 2012 @ 5:09am
You underestimate the power of the dark side...
Lack of innovation is the path to the dark side.
Lack of innovation leads to asserting your IP rights.
Asserting IP your rights leads to lawyering up.
Lawyering up leads to suffering.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 1 Aug 2012 @ 2:13am
What a joke!
They may as well just setup a public facing ftp server and encourage everyone to bung every random passing thought they have onto it in a plain-text file.
Then they can just send invoices to the contact detailed in the text file and once the invoice is paid it's filed.
Why even bother with the pretense of looking for prior art or questioning the obviousness of the patent itself?
I guess we should just be thankful no dentists, surgeons or tattoo artists have sponsored the Olympics yet...
I can imagine trademark nazis standing just behind the entrance gates with blow torches and pliers on hand ready to remove unauthorized tattoos and pull unauthorized teeth.
You say that like you're commenting on livestock...
May I humbly suggest that the age of consent is higher than 14 for the simple reasons of mental maturity, education and responsibility too?
I know, I know, kids are doing it at that age (though a lot less than society thinks) but there are a lot of teenagers at that age who are still quite vulnerable. They should also be given a shot at making something of their life before they end up 25 years old with 5 kids, on the 3rd husband and a lifetime of regrets.
A lot of teenagers, given the choice, do not make smart decision which is why there are laws in place to specifically keep them on the right track.
If I remember the movie correctly - didn't a representative of the MAFIAA in the form of Sigourney Weaver turn up near the end of Be Kind Rewind and expressly tell them that they couldn't do that to the movies and shut down the video shop?
Life imitates art imitates life...
Going by Jack Blacks previous stances on it, the moral of the story was to show that you shouldn't copy others (even in parody) but you should create your own stuff... I don't quite think that carried over, but what did carry over was that the MAFIAA are bunch of imperialist asshats.
Remember when restaurants used to charge extra 2p-10p for packets of ketchup? Then some restaurants started giving them away for free with food and now you have the situation where very few restaurants charge for those little packets of ketchup.
In fact take the paper plates; plastic knives, forks and spoons; salt and vinegar etc... you're not billed separately for these items when you order food - for all intents and purposes they're free*
Now when the price of waffles means that waffles are no longer expensive to produce and distribute, neither are they considered a luxury commodity - then those who want to make money from waffles need to look at waffles like those tiny packets of ketchup - they are added value.
In effect, the baseline has risen. Sure if just you want a waffle you can get them for free over there, our waffles are free too... with a purchase of 1x topping and a cup of coffee, but those guys are not offering coffee or a range of toppings.
This is how a healthy competitive market works without the need for expensive waffle legislation that keeps the price of waffles artificially high and punishes those who give away waffles, or like to eat waffles. You can bet that those eating waffles also appreciate a choice of toppings and drinks that they are more than will to pay extra for to go with their free waffle.
And now I'm done waffling.
*It could be argued that the bill for your food includes the cost of these items but the same would apply to free waffles.
Same here, years ago I made a personal commitment to avoid buying any brands that sponsor the Olympics. Not that I buy a lot of junk food or sports clothes but when I do, I make sure it's NOT an Olympic sponsor.
Just doing my bit... One day I'd like to see being an Olympic sponsor something of a poison chalice linked to lost sales. Perhaps then the Trademark Marximalists will be kicked out.
The Olympics is supposed to be about sporting achievements, not sponsorship achievements.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 23 Jun 2012 @ 4:41am
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent point
My growing up featured similar elements to yours. Especially your dad's reaction which I think is key.
Many parents today I've noticed tend to have 1 of 2 reactions to their kids' misbehaviour. One is to (over)react to the embarrassment it causes. Meaning misbehaviour that doesn't embarrass goes unchecked or less punished.
The other is to punish by how much inconvenience it causes - this is much deeper problem. Rather than explaining to little Johnny or Sally what they should or shouldn't do, the parent waits until they've broken something or caused some other inconvenience then act swiftly and angrily to stop them, but don't at any point explain why or what the child did.
In both cases the child learns that getting caught is the crime, rather than correct behaviour for the setting. It's quite sad to see this played out twice in the same family close to me through 2 generations.
Far too many parents just don't make enough time to parent - they don't even set boundaries, let alone take time to instruct their children in right and wrong.
Kids will test boundaries constantly; it's part of our human nature - a very good part of our human nature actually - but in kids it needs to be channeled into productive activity rather than into attention seeking.
It is unfortunately far too easy to push one out than to actually successfully raise a human being.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:44am
I say they're not going far enough! Forget iPads, what about food and drink? Walmart, Wholefoods, etc... all sales clerks should be denying food and drink purchases to Iranians - in case they intend to send a box of Lucky Charms back to Iran. We can't have the Iranian government getting it's hands on our Lucky Charms!
And what happens when an Iranian, or Iranian descendant walks into a store and doesn't speak farsi, and doesn't have an Iranian accent...?! how will the US be safe when Iranians don't announce they are Iranian when shopping?!
I call on the US government to force all Iranians to wear armbands with a crescent moon on them. One way or another, fellow patriots, we will solve the Iranian problem!
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 14 Jun 2012 @ 4:08pm
If I'm honest I lol'd. For all the Merkins getting butthurt over this, It's no worse than a number of American comedians such as Daniel Tosh or Sarah Silverman to give examples.
I've seen a late night Sarah Silverman stage broadcast which was way more offensive (directed towards Mexicans) - I was pretty shocked actually that these kinds of jokes fly in America. In some parts of the world they'd be considered hugely racist.
I suppose the medium does partially account for the level of outrage, though.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 29 May 2012 @ 10:40am
Surely it would be a less expensive venture to publish and be damned, rather than exploring the possibility via litigation?
Similar costs involved except publishing means everyone benefits at the same time.
If it was my creative work I'd rather see it pirated than lost down the memory hole thanks to 2 ambivalent corporates, but that's just me, I'm crazy reckless like that.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 24 May 2012 @ 3:14pm
Official Dissenting Comment of the Olympics 2012
All the Olympics has come to represent is IP enforcement and greed. I wish they would just sod off.
This comment is the Official Dissenting Comment dissenting the Olympics and all it stands for. All the other comments on this blog are not official dissent and are therefore unauthorised.
Remove all the other comments or I shall refuse to host my official comment on your blog.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 24 May 2012 @ 2:30pm
Maybe we should just republish and rebrand this list as "Companies that Most Hate the Internet". Originally I thought "Corporations With Endangered Business Models" but that might encourage the government in it's conservation efforts.
nospacesorspecialcharacters (profile), 7 May 2012 @ 7:56am
The only thing that slightly bothers me about this is how original 'remixed' content now gets taken over by these so called 'rights-holders'.
I had a non-profit personal video which I included a 20 second snip of a track just for background music, I could have used or switched it for a number of different tracks.
So along comes Mr rights-holder with a DMCA who converts it to a revenue source (ads appear alongside). Fine, I don't mind this but when I go to view MY OWN VIDEO on MY OWN ANDROID TABLET on MY OWN CHANNEL, I'm told the "owner" of this video has not permitted it on mobile devices - WTF?!
So because a small sample of their work is included in my new work - they get to claim the whole thing?!
I deleted the video off YouTube because of that. They don't get to 'own' it and I can change the backing track and upload again. However Google seriously need to change the wording and come up with a way that both 'owners' can have some control.
The other day I was expecting an email to arrive from the UK, but it turns out as the email had not applied for the correct visa before sending.
As it was about to cross the digital border the CSA agent pulled it out of line to inspect it's packet.
Well the CSA agent then asked "How long do you intend to stay on a US server?" and the email answered "Forever", the CSA agent promptly escorted the email to a holding cell for 24 hours then sent it back on the tube the next morning.
Now that email has been put on a "No TCP" list, it can't be sent anywhere. I feel really sorry for that email.
So there you have it folks, make sure your email applies for the correct visa before attempting to digitally enter the US, or ensure that it has a return date to go back to the sender before 90 days.
I'd be interested in seeing this tested in a UK court, EULAs have already been proved to not have the legal backing (due unfairness in terms and not being able to agree before purchasing).
Since you cannot agree to the terms before you purchase - the contract should be unenforceable.
This also applies in many other legal areas that people wouldn't expect - such as private parking tickets.
On the post: NY Times Picks Up On The Fact That Craigslist Has Become A Legal Bully Against Anyone Who Makes Its Site Better
You underestimate the power of the dark side...
Lack of innovation leads to asserting your IP rights.
Asserting IP your rights leads to lawyering up.
Lawyering up leads to suffering.
On the post: Patent Office Seeking Comments On How To Implement A 'First To File' Regime Instead Of 'First To Invent'
What a joke!
Then they can just send invoices to the contact detailed in the text file and once the invoice is paid it's filed.
Why even bother with the pretense of looking for prior art or questioning the obviousness of the patent itself?
On the post: If You Go To The Olympics, You Can Bring Your iPhone Or Android Phone... But You Better Not Tether
I can imagine trademark nazis standing just behind the entrance gates with blow torches and pliers on hand ready to remove unauthorized tattoos and pull unauthorized teeth.
On the post: Terrorists And Pedophiles Get More Protection In UK Than Guy Who Hosted Links To TV Shows
Re: Re: Re: Re:
May I humbly suggest that the age of consent is higher than 14 for the simple reasons of mental maturity, education and responsibility too?
I know, I know, kids are doing it at that age (though a lot less than society thinks) but there are a lot of teenagers at that age who are still quite vulnerable. They should also be given a shot at making something of their life before they end up 25 years old with 5 kids, on the 3rd husband and a lifetime of regrets.
A lot of teenagers, given the choice, do not make smart decision which is why there are laws in place to specifically keep them on the right track.
On the post: Sweded Movies: The Fans Talk Back
Sigourney Weaver
Life imitates art imitates life...
Going by Jack Blacks previous stances on it, the moral of the story was to show that you shouldn't copy others (even in parody) but you should create your own stuff... I don't quite think that carried over, but what did carry over was that the MAFIAA are bunch of imperialist asshats.
On the post: Pirate Party ALMOST Ejected From Festival For Giving Out Free Waffles After Vendors Selling Waffles Complained (Updated)
Re:
In fact take the paper plates; plastic knives, forks and spoons; salt and vinegar etc... you're not billed separately for these items when you order food - for all intents and purposes they're free*
Now when the price of waffles means that waffles are no longer expensive to produce and distribute, neither are they considered a luxury commodity - then those who want to make money from waffles need to look at waffles like those tiny packets of ketchup - they are added value.
In effect, the baseline has risen. Sure if just you want a waffle you can get them for free over there, our waffles are free too... with a purchase of 1x topping and a cup of coffee, but those guys are not offering coffee or a range of toppings.
This is how a healthy competitive market works without the need for expensive waffle legislation that keeps the price of waffles artificially high and punishes those who give away waffles, or like to eat waffles. You can bet that those eating waffles also appreciate a choice of toppings and drinks that they are more than will to pay extra for to go with their free waffle.
And now I'm done waffling.
*It could be argued that the bill for your food includes the cost of these items but the same would apply to free waffles.
On the post: Olympics Can't Hire Enough Actual Security, But Fully Staffed With 'Brand Police'
Re:
Just doing my bit... One day I'd like to see being an Olympic sponsor something of a poison chalice linked to lost sales. Perhaps then the Trademark Marximalists will be kicked out.
The Olympics is supposed to be about sporting achievements, not sponsorship achievements.
On the post: Epic Win/Fail: Bullied Bus Monitor Sparks Overwhelming Support, But Also Death Threats To Kids
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Excellent point
Many parents today I've noticed tend to have 1 of 2 reactions to their kids' misbehaviour. One is to (over)react to the embarrassment it causes. Meaning misbehaviour that doesn't embarrass goes unchecked or less punished.
The other is to punish by how much inconvenience it causes - this is much deeper problem. Rather than explaining to little Johnny or Sally what they should or shouldn't do, the parent waits until they've broken something or caused some other inconvenience then act swiftly and angrily to stop them, but don't at any point explain why or what the child did.
In both cases the child learns that getting caught is the crime, rather than correct behaviour for the setting. It's quite sad to see this played out twice in the same family close to me through 2 generations.
Far too many parents just don't make enough time to parent - they don't even set boundaries, let alone take time to instruct their children in right and wrong.
Kids will test boundaries constantly; it's part of our human nature - a very good part of our human nature actually - but in kids it needs to be channeled into productive activity rather than into attention seeking.
It is unfortunately far too easy to push one out than to actually successfully raise a human being.
On the post: Apple Store Refuses To Sell To American Citizens Speaking Farsi In Case They Might Send iPhone To Iran
And what happens when an Iranian, or Iranian descendant walks into a store and doesn't speak farsi, and doesn't have an Iranian accent...?! how will the US be safe when Iranians don't announce they are Iranian when shopping?!
I call on the US government to force all Iranians to wear armbands with a crescent moon on them. One way or another, fellow patriots, we will solve the Iranian problem!
On the post: How Sweden Handed Its Official Twitter Account Over To A Troll
I've seen a late night Sarah Silverman stage broadcast which was way more offensive (directed towards Mexicans) - I was pretty shocked actually that these kinds of jokes fly in America. In some parts of the world they'd be considered hugely racist.
I suppose the medium does partially account for the level of outrage, though.
On the post: Is Photographing A Meal 'Taking Intellectual Property Away' From A Chef?
Re:
That's right, chefs all over the world are taking a farmers original work of livestock and grain and creating derivitive works in their restaurants.
They should simply provide the work as is, to the customer. Chicken dish - here is your live chicken, sir.
On the post: Director Sues Paramount And Universal After Both Deny Knowing Who Holds The Rights To His Film
Similar costs involved except publishing means everyone benefits at the same time.
If it was my creative work I'd rather see it pirated than lost down the memory hole thanks to 2 ambivalent corporates, but that's just me, I'm crazy reckless like that.
On the post: Olympics Can't Handle An Official Parody Twitter Account, So Twitter Takes It Down
Official Dissenting Comment of the Olympics 2012
This comment is the Official Dissenting Comment dissenting the Olympics and all it stands for. All the other comments on this blog are not official dissent and are therefore unauthorised.
Remove all the other comments or I shall refuse to host my official comment on your blog.
On the post: Google Lifts The Veil On Copyright Takedowns: Reveals Detailed Data On Who Requests Link Removals
On the post: After Years Of Trying To Kill YouTube, Movie Studios Are Embracing & Profiting From It
I had a non-profit personal video which I included a 20 second snip of a track just for background music, I could have used or switched it for a number of different tracks.
So along comes Mr rights-holder with a DMCA who converts it to a revenue source (ads appear alongside). Fine, I don't mind this but when I go to view MY OWN VIDEO on MY OWN ANDROID TABLET on MY OWN CHANNEL, I'm told the "owner" of this video has not permitted it on mobile devices - WTF?!
So because a small sample of their work is included in my new work - they get to claim the whole thing?!
I deleted the video off YouTube because of that. They don't get to 'own' it and I can change the backing track and upload again. However Google seriously need to change the wording and come up with a way that both 'owners' can have some control.
On the post: UK High Court Expands Censorship Regime: Orders The Pirate Bay To Be Blocked
Well done to the UK High Court!
ICAAN has way too much control anyway, so it's good to see the UK doing it's bit to undermine that business model as well.
On the post: Former Cybersecurity Czar Thinks DHS Should Spy On All Internet Traffic Crossing Our Borders... Because Of Chinese Pirates?
The other day I was expecting an email to arrive from the UK, but it turns out as the email had not applied for the correct visa before sending.
As it was about to cross the digital border the CSA agent pulled it out of line to inspect it's packet.
Well the CSA agent then asked "How long do you intend to stay on a US server?" and the email answered "Forever", the CSA agent promptly escorted the email to a holding cell for 24 hours then sent it back on the tube the next morning.
Now that email has been put on a "No TCP" list, it can't be sent anywhere. I feel really sorry for that email.
So there you have it folks, make sure your email applies for the correct visa before attempting to digitally enter the US, or ensure that it has a return date to go back to the sender before 90 days.
On the post: Arizona Politicians Scramble To Adjust Internet Censorship Bill After The Internet Mocks Them For Being Clueless
Well as long as they didn't do it online and in Arizona that's fine.
On the post: Why Do Publishers Treat Customers As Crooks With Scolding Copyright Notices?
Unfair Contract Terms
Since you cannot agree to the terms before you purchase - the contract should be unenforceable.
This also applies in many other legal areas that people wouldn't expect - such as private parking tickets.
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