Silent tech majority invites Mickey Mouse to poison P2P

[ASsman]

Interesting look into the the issues, companies, and history behind this.
------
Comment It happened years ago. The "KA" appeared, and everyone embraced it. They hugged that "KA" with all their might, hoping it might correct a collapsing technology scene. Then, when the "KA" grew a sore, they dumped it.

The "KA" or killer app was Napster - and on a larger scale P2P software. P2P file-trading started to thrive around the same time that the Nasdaq started to dive. Intel saw P2P as a way to sell more processors and publicly cheered the technology. Sun Microsystems followed suit with the JXTA P2P protocols. A host of smaller software companies crafted flimsy business models around the P2P idea. These players recognized that the time to whine about not having a killer app had passed - one was gyrating right in front of them.

Now we find P2P software in front of the Supreme Court. And not only P2P software. Hollywood today will ask the Supremes to overturn an ancient decision protecting the use of VCRs and indirectly other devices that can be used to copy content for personal use. A huge chunk of innovation is on the line.

Has the tech industry that once salivated over P2P software's ability to chew through processors, hard drives and bandwidth run to the rescue? Not exactly.

The only company willing to stand out on its own and back the P2P software makers is Intel - the most vocal advocate of the old, illegal Napster (not the boring new Napster).

In a brief turned over to the Supreme Court, Intel dutifully told the judges of its patent and copyright love and insisted that people worship said patents and copyrights. Then, it got to the point. Intel begged the Supremes not to overturn the old "Sony" decision that protects VCRs and the like.

... it goes on... read the article, all 2 pages of it.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/29/it_vendor_grokster/

[Qdrop]

this country's fucking legal system is SO riddled with short-sited, self-serving lawsuits, appeals, and bills/laws.

a law like this would protect the tiny tiny rich minority of hollywood execs....and majorly fuck an entire industry and a good chunk of the economy with it.

"fuck everyone else....just give me mine."

rich people are so fucking detached from society, interdependability, and reality in general.

[valvano]

the saddest thing about this? the internet, p2p, etc is all a product of those of us in the tech-savy age, say 40 and under, who have watched it mature. now a group of people who, i am willing to bet, probably couldnt hook up a router to a modem, much less change the ink in a printer, are going to be making such a decision.

while i do not download songs from p2p that much, when I do, its usually to track down a song i am looking for but can not identify. but once i identify it i will purchase from itunes.

this whole problem is the result of the music industry failing to react to a changing market place. :)

[EN[i]GMA]

this country's fucking legal system is SO riddled with short-sited, self-serving lawsuits, appeals, and bills/laws.

a law like this would protect the tiny tiny rich minority of hollywood execs....and majorly fuck an entire industry and a good chunk of the economy with it.

"fuck everyone else....just give me mine."

rich people are so fucking detached from society, interdependability, and reality in general.

I really have to agree.

These people understand NOTHING of the greater issues at stake regarding personal freedom, the economy in general or even really their own well being.

It's just a fucking money grab.

They could make so much money off of effective internet sales if they would just grow a fucking brain.


And it should be noted that I, at least, am better than those motherfuckers and will continue to use P2P software, be it Newsleecher, DC++ or Bit Torrent, programs that effectively cannot be stifled.

[Ali]

the saddest thing about this? the internet, p2p, etc is all a product of those of us in the tech-savy age, say 40 and under, who have watched it mature. now a group of people who, i am willing to bet, probably couldnt hook up a router to a modem, much less change the ink in a printer, are going to be making such a decision.

while i do not download songs from p2p that much, when I do, its usually to track down a song i am looking for but can not identify. but once i identify it i will purchase from itunes.

this whole problem is the result of the music industry failing to react to a changing market place. :)I have to disagree. It's fukn HARD to change the ink in a printer!

[Ace42]

What a surprise, capitalists don't like people sharing. What a newsflash.

[Ali]

The wierdest thing about this is that file sharing has GOT to be the cheapest and best form of advertising EVER!

I have discovered more new music through file sharing or stream ripping than I would ever have found out about through any other means. Being able to browse users files who have stuff you like helps you find loads of new stuff. Ditto stream ripping from sites you like.

Of course, you can never get enough of the artist which you really liked from file sharing or stream ripping alone, and the quality's seldom very good or users who have it are not online when you are or whatever.

Labels would do well to set up their own downloading sites and put links on file sharing sites, or circulate jungles or whatever, so that when you discover an artist you really like, you can quickly and easily go to their label's site and either download or order CD's of ALL their stuff! The success of iTunes Store is testimony to that.

The corporate music industry spends millions on advertising and even more millions prosecuting file-sharers, when they should be helping them!

[Funkaloyd]

The wierdest thing about this is that file sharing has GOT to be the cheapest and best form of advertising EVER!
The porno industry sure knows that.

[Ali]

The porno industry sure knows that.Like they need to advertise. They have assman singlehandedly (haha) propping up the industry!

[ASsman]

How dare you make a witty remark at my expense.

[Ali]

How dare you make a witty remark at my expense.Those are the best kind.