Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
Think of DRM like a speed limit.
In order to keep drivers from killing pedestrians and other drivers, a speed limit is created to regulate traffic. Sure, there will always be people who will break the speed limit, and many will get away with it. But if the majority are stopped from speeding, and as a result, significant lives are saved, the speed limit is considered a successful tool, and endorsed by the public whose lives it preserves.
Example of a BAD speed limit that defeats its purpose: 20MPH on a 8-lane highway with minimal traffic. And if it cannot be enforced, the highway is closed.
Example of a GOOD speed limit that serves its purpose: 20MPH in a school zone, with a few posted officers for enforcement.
DRM, when approached as in the GOOD fashion (unlike today's DRM, which is mostly like the BAD example), is workable. The goal is to mitigate loss to an acceptable level, and to accept that you will never absolutely prevent it.
Thanks... a lot...  |
Ok, I am not sure I buy the argument... There are some issues at stake here.
1. Driving a motorvehicle on public highways is not a right; we are allowed to drive on highways assuming we have met all the requirements that the state sets (i.e licensed, obey laws, etc.). Fair Use of copyrighted material is a right and DRM stomps on that right.
2. Speed Limits are laws. As of yet, no government or auto manufacturer has decided to implement technology that would prevent one from speeding (Though such technology is certainly possible). We already have laws governing the use of copyrighted material.
3. Even if we accept that there might, theoretically, be a legitimate need for DRM (which surprisingly enough does not also apply to the music industry since most digital music can be purchased without DRM), we are now left with the mythical "Good DRM".
4. I think it is clear that those who pose the most significant threat to the interests of authors and publishers are those who copy a book and then sell copies for their own benefit. Unfortunately, DRM of any sort does little to stop criminals like this; they can always just type the book into their computer.. or maybe even scan the book from a book reader. Pirates did not need an e Copy to start making copies of and distributing copies of the Harry Potter books did they?
So ultimately Steve, I think I am going to need to see a proposal for this "Good DRM" that you posit. In other words, spec out a system of DRM that will serve the needs of publishers but at the same time will not restrict fair use of said work. Even if such a good system can be devised, I seriously doubt that it will actually aid the Publishing industry in any significant way.
Ultimately the only real solution is a real attempt by the publishers, like the Music Industry did, to shut down people who illegally post or sell books on the internet.
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Bill