Re: Smart Mobs

From: Lee Daniel Crocker (lee@piclab.com)
Date: Wed Jul 17 2002 - 10:12:32 MDT


> (Brian D Williams <talon57@well.com>):
>
> >So instead of debating endlessly over whether file sharing is
> >theft or not, we should perhaps ask ourselves 1) what are the
> >benefits and failings of this activity, 2) what does these imply
> >morally, and 3) what solutions - legal, technical, economical -
> >can create the best outcome?
>
> 1) It benefits the thief and deprives the rightful owner.

I've seen this asserted 1000 times, but I've never seen it proven.
The actual /evidence/ I've seen is that file sharing actually
/benefits/ authors, typically at the expense of worthless middlemen
who are themselves nothing but leeches. Do I think file sharing
will destroy the music industry? Yes I do, and good riddance.
Nothing could be better for actual musicians, whose incomes will
increase tenfold.

A good, well-reasoned article on the issue from a good source:
http://www.janisian.com/article-internet_debacle.html

> 2) Once you justify theft it becomes easier.

Once you justify the use of force against people who use technology
it becomes easier too. Try giving an actual /argument/ for it, though.

-- 
Lee Daniel Crocker <lee@piclab.com> <http://www.piclab.com/lee/>
"All inventions or works of authorship original to me, herein and past,
are placed irrevocably in the public domain, and may be used or modified
for any purpose, without permission, attribution, or notification."--LDC


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