[ILUG] John Gilmore on what's happening with copyright protection

[Ciaran Johnston]

Date sent:      	Wed, 24 Jan 2001 15:59:16 +0000
From:           	David Murphy <drjolt+ilug at redbrick.dcu.ie>
To:             	ilug at linux.ie
Subject:        	Re: [ILUG] John Gilmore on what's happening with copyright protection

> Quoting <001901c08619$1c3c6b80$d53007c3 at ISGTWOMEM>
> by Mark Twomey <bauwolf at indigo.ie>:
> 
> > Here's the thing, DVD & Css became a standard becuase people bought the
> > players and the DVD's. MiniDisc didn't becuase people didn't.
> 
> MiniDisc isn't a standard? Then what are all these little MO audio
> devices I see in the shops?
> 
> > If in two years if we look back and say "God we got screwed with CPRM
> > drives", it will only be beacuse we went out, bought them and MADE them
> > the standard.
> 
> Just like people did with DVD players? MiniDisc players? Etc?
> 

You know of course it will become a standard because it will be 
sold with the extra "feature" of being a CPRM drive. People like 
acronyms - they make them feel important. When people tell me 
the spec of their PC and I ask "what make / model is the moboard" 
they look at me blankly - even the ones who built their own 
systems. Most PC manufacturers will skimp on the components 
the consumer doesn't notice, and only highlights the good bits. So 
people will either a: never know they are buying a CPRM device or 
b: Be sold it as an asset. 

NEW! CPRM Compliant device! Our device is compliant with the 
very latest in CPRM technology! CPRM (Content Protection for 
Recordable Media) is a new standard agreed between the 
Entertainment Industry and major technology companies to enable 
consumers to gain greater access to more music at higher 
qualities*!!! BUY BUY BUY!!!

*For more money

Sounds a bit like an ad campaign for Windoze, no?

NEW! AASS Compliant Operating System! Our latest OS is fully 
compliant with the Micro$oft AASS (Automatic Arbitrary System 
Stalling) Software Standard! This standard has been carefully 
designed to heighten productivity in the working environment by 
allowing people to push their work to the cutting edge*!!! BUY BUY 
BUY!!!

*Of their nerves and health. We accept no liability etc ad nauseum.

It takes a lot to convince a lot of people that something they are 
being sold is a bad thing (look at cigarettes, for example) but it is 
very easy to convince them it is a good thing. Even if you are 
cynical you really have to go looking to find out the bad sh!t. 

That's my penn'orth, so.

Later.

Ciaran.

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