:: Nothing says fan-friendly like "subpoena" ::

Monday, April 21, 2003

More pertinent developments concerning the DMCA (which I’ve written about here). I have no problem with their enforcing copyright protections in theory, but the rabid way the RIAA is going about it (and has been for years) convinces me that they want to do anything but offer a viable alternative. People will not only pay for this stuff if the price is right and it’s convenient, but will prefer it over free, hassle-laden and time-intensive illegal services. The amount of money they must have spent on lobbying and legal fees alone would have been good angel funding for a venture in the right direction. Anyway, draw your own conclusions.

Posted by morland @ 11:43 AM

:: Comments ::

as proof of consumer willingness to comply with copyright law, note apple computer's new service where users are able to d/l songs, hassle-free, for a dollar a pop-

Posted by: on April 29, 2003 03:27 PM

yeah, but I'd like to see more disaggregation between Apple and the labels - "synergy" aside, I have serious issues with the same company controlling the OS and selling the content (how much more monopolistic can you get?). if Microsoft did this, there would (rightly) be an uproar.

there's been scads of criticism lately from independent Apple developers regarding Jobs' relentless pursuit to integrate every possible imaginable function into the OS and put them out of business. I personally think Apple's done a wonderful job with it, but regardless of the quality of execution, it terrifies me on principle to see it happening - the end result is, with the exception of niche software, to develop everything in-house. the only thing that's prevented legal intervention is that Apple's anemic market share doesn't constitute a potential threat in the eyes of state and federal governments.

just because you trust the entity in question to be responsible, it's not an excuse for lack of regulation. abuse happens. much like those currently trying to prevent restrictions on civil liberties in the name of terror prevention are asking those responsible for enacting them "would you feel as comfortable passing this law if Hillary Clinton were attorney general?", I'm forced to ask myself "would I feel comfortable if Microsoft were doing this?". I have to conclude that I wouldn't.

Posted by: morland on April 30, 2003 11:11 AM

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