Quote:
Originally Posted by acidzebra
Treating electronic data like physical objects is stupid. They are obviously not the same, the analogy fails left and right. The information contained in electronic files can have worth, but nobody would argue that information can be handled in exactly the same way as physical goods.
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You contradict yourself here: If an electronic file can be said to "have worth," then you can compare it to a physical object in terms of worth. Yes, they are different... but water and ice are also different, and can still be bought and sold as commodities. You simply have to make allowances for the container.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acidzebra
You've just indicated that you are unsure whether electronic data is the same as physical objects (I believe the term 'million dollar question' was used), and now you wish to pretend nothing needs to change - but the variables of the equation have changed. We've gone from a model of scarcity to a model of ubiquity. I agree in principle that nobody has the right to just take what is not theirs, but the question is, can you stop them from taking it or, preferably, incite them to spend their money?
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I didn't say I was unsure... I said that there is no consensus. Then I gave my opinion. As far as whether or not I can stop people from taking my books... actually, I can. I just stop writing them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acidzebra
And your proposed method of competition with this pirate market is a draconian system of control.
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That is not "my proposed method." I have said repeatedly that present DRM systems may not work, but that others (so far undeveloped) could. I never indicated that they have to be so extreme as to be "draconian"... you just make the automatic assumption that
any DRM system is draconian. You continue to suggest that any even infinitestimal amount of "control" is Big Brother Incarnate, which is a clear over-reaction. You argue for a Utopia of free goods and sanctioned thievery. Good luck with that.