Pardon my ignorance (wish I had time to read through the paper and do a little research) but are there legal precedents for the use of statutory damages as described? It sure sounds like there are, and that they have been tossed to the wayside in favor of using statutory damages as a "deterrent"
I'm more concerned about the lack of Internet options. Most folks in the US only have access to one or two options (a single DSL and/or cable co.). There isn't any incentive for these corporations to improve their service and rates if there's no viable competition, and that's worrisome.
I wonder if we could fix the system by adding rules to how infringement claims work. For example, having shorter initial patent periods that could be renewed or extended if the holder provides proof that they are creating a product that utilizes what is described in the patent. The idea would be to reward patent holders who make use of their patent by being productive and discourage those who would sit on their patents waiting for someone else to do the work of developing a product. Of course, any regulatory action is subject to the influence of the corporations that currently hold the reins, so it is also possible the system is irrevocably broken as it stands today.
...is the biggest and longest running business enterprise in the history of mankind. I'd like to see Mike or a knowledgeable reader develop this argument. I'd do it myself if I had more time.
There is one method that I know many universities already use to supplement or replace textbooks. Course readers, which are generally 3-ring or spiral bound notes that students can buy for $20-30, are often better than the texts since they have been specifically tailored to the course. These are designed by the professors and printed by the university. Still a tad overpriced, but better than a $150 book.
The boneheadedness of the recording industry is pretty spectacular. I think another reason they refuse to acknowledge CwF/RtB is that they're too damn lazy- it's not that they're averse to a more effective business model, it's just easier to leech off of the existing system (and run it into the ground).
The main 'disadvantage' I see to CwF/RtB is that it requires a major, continued investment of energy; you have to stay connected and keep giving fans reasons to buy. Which is not a problem for those at the ground level (i.e. musicians) because that's what their passion is, but when you're a fat cat exec, then it's way too much effort.
Your comments on blurring are insightful, but I tend to agree with the majority of fellow posters that Google has the right to take photos for StreetView. However, a line probably needs to be drawn somewhere. Consider this situation:
If instead of the StreetView vehicle it was some scruffy dude driving a dingy old van cruising around your neighborhood taking photos, most people would call the police for "suspicious activity". But fundamentally, how is that any different from the the Google van doing the same?
I think the point that the rules were trying to get at is ease of access. With StreetView, it is very easy to survey a a neighborhood for malicious purposes. That being said, it is also fairly easy to do the same on foot or in a car if you are in the area; StreetView also doesn't update very frequently. Overall it seems more like an overreaction than anything else, but a dangerous one at that if it keeps up.
On the post: Why Ridiculous Statutory Rates For File Sharing Are Inappropriate
Is there precedent?
On the post: Comcast Buying NBCU Will Lead To Higher Prices... But Is That Really A Bad Thing?
Internet options
On the post: Chief Patent Judge Feigns Ignorance Of How Often Patents Are Used To Hinder Innovation
On the post: Lawsuit Settled After Cop Revealed Anonymous Blogger To His Church, Then Destroyed Records To 'Protect Civil Rights'
Religion
On the post: Colleges Experimenting With Bulk-Buying E-Textbooks... And Forcing Students To Pay Up
Course readers
On the post: Apple Tells Labels, Unilaterally, That It's Increasing Song Previews To 90 Seconds
Same old story
The main 'disadvantage' I see to CwF/RtB is that it requires a major, continued investment of energy; you have to stay connected and keep giving fans reasons to buy. Which is not a problem for those at the ground level (i.e. musicians) because that's what their passion is, but when you're a fat cat exec, then it's way too much effort.
On the post: Google Begins Blurring German Houses In Street View On Request
@ R. Welch
If instead of the StreetView vehicle it was some scruffy dude driving a dingy old van cruising around your neighborhood taking photos, most people would call the police for "suspicious activity". But fundamentally, how is that any different from the the Google van doing the same?
On the post: Google Begins Blurring German Houses In Street View On Request
Ease of access
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