The example of the NetBook computer is an interesting one, but this could be applied to most developing technology.
The capability to build a NetBook style laptop has been around since the NC, or even before. But the environment in which they could be used as an effective business/personal tool did not exist.
WebApps such as Facebook, the Google suite of products and others helped. But only very recently has Wireless internet access and mobile broadband become widely accessible. However without the Reason To Buy (the WebApps) no-one would need a NetBook, they would need a laptop capable of running all their desktop applications.
Here's an interesting thought that occurred to me:
Would WebApps be as popular if they weren't easily accessible and useable from the cheapest of computers, or is that basically their unique selling point. For example, I can't use MS Office easily on my home PC (I run Ubuntu as the OS) but I can access and use a wiki anywhere.
So by hindering development in any one of several interconnected areas would mean that it would take longer for other areas to develop to the point of producing useable/saleable product.
There was a recent interview aired on the BBC over here in the UK, with authors talking about the way publishers ask them to increase the word count of their books.
The issue is that paperbacks are expensive, which is odd when the paperback was created so that everyone could afford books (can anyone say falling literacy levels among the poorest in our society). Publishers require purchasers to feel like they are getting value for money so the "standard" paperback is now twice as big as it was a decade or so ago (amazing how the price goes up at the same time isn't it).
The authors in the interview were adament that all that happens when a publishers decrees a minimum word limit is that books just get bloated with unnecessary story.
I haven't been able to find the interview at the moment I'll post a link if I find it.
I think the amount of money awarded should be simple maths:
X = Lines of Infringing Code / Lines of Code written
Amount awarded = Amount of money made * X
Therefore if you have a 100000 lines of code of which 50 infringe on a patent then you are only going to have to pay out $0.0005 for every $1 you make. That's $5000 for making $10,000,000.
Or Something similar.
But I don't really mind American Courts fining American companies for innovating, it means more opportunities for startups in other countries.
Your hoodies must be very special, why don't you get the option for a hoodie between the tiers "Looooooots of Hoodies" and "I Want It All".
Seems a bit harsh saying that $20,000 for the "Mike Masnick Works For You Package" doesn't at least give you the option of a t-shirt or a hoodie let alone having both
But the BBC admit users don't use it despite the fact that downloaded programs can be viewed for up a month, and are higher quality. Streamed programs are only availiable for 1 week after transmission.
Personally I connect my laptop to my TV using an s-video connector, and the use the headphone socket on the laptop as the sound input.
I do this for iplayer and 4OD.
Why would I clog up my hard drive with content that I might view only once.
Besides there's so many repeats I don't need to worry if i miss something that week.
As an aside why on earth do TV content providers think that more 'digital' channels is more important than decent NEW programs?
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by Robert.
IT Innovation is Evolution, but not of a single product or idea
The capability to build a NetBook style laptop has been around since the NC, or even before. But the environment in which they could be used as an effective business/personal tool did not exist.
WebApps such as Facebook, the Google suite of products and others helped. But only very recently has Wireless internet access and mobile broadband become widely accessible. However without the Reason To Buy (the WebApps) no-one would need a NetBook, they would need a laptop capable of running all their desktop applications.
Here's an interesting thought that occurred to me:
Would WebApps be as popular if they weren't easily accessible and useable from the cheapest of computers, or is that basically their unique selling point. For example, I can't use MS Office easily on my home PC (I run Ubuntu as the OS) but I can access and use a wiki anywhere.
So by hindering development in any one of several interconnected areas would mean that it would take longer for other areas to develop to the point of producing useable/saleable product.
Word limits in books
The issue is that paperbacks are expensive, which is odd when the paperback was created so that everyone could afford books (can anyone say falling literacy levels among the poorest in our society). Publishers require purchasers to feel like they are getting value for money so the "standard" paperback is now twice as big as it was a decade or so ago (amazing how the price goes up at the same time isn't it).
The authors in the interview were adament that all that happens when a publishers decrees a minimum word limit is that books just get bloated with unnecessary story.
I haven't been able to find the interview at the moment I'll post a link if I find it.
Amount to charge
X = Lines of Infringing Code / Lines of Code written
Amount awarded = Amount of money made * X
Therefore if you have a 100000 lines of code of which 50 infringe on a patent then you are only going to have to pay out $0.0005 for every $1 you make. That's $5000 for making $10,000,000.
Or Something similar.
But I don't really mind American Courts fining American companies for innovating, it means more opportunities for startups in other countries.
Hoodies (as Robert Pryde)
Seems a bit harsh saying that $20,000 for the "Mike Masnick Works For You Package" doesn't at least give you the option of a t-shirt or a hoodie let alone having both
Re: It doesn't make sense (as Robert Pryde)
Hope they don't outlaw reading (as Read 'n' Walk)
Who are these people who randomly walk in front of cars, into telephone poles and other generally inanimate objects.
Are they the same people who would normally be walking in front of cars for reasons of general uselessness or for purposes of suing the driver.
Re: bit torrant (as Robert Pryde)
Personally I connect my laptop to my TV using an s-video connector, and the use the headphone socket on the laptop as the sound input.
I do this for iplayer and 4OD.
Why would I clog up my hard drive with content that I might view only once.
Besides there's so many repeats I don't need to worry if i miss something that week.
As an aside why on earth do TV content providers think that more 'digital' channels is more important than decent NEW programs?
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by Robert.
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