Declaration of Independence

[calvin-c]

Originally Posted by thirdnostril

"Grow or die. That's a law of nature."

No, no it's not.

OK, I'm not a biologist but I can't think of a single living organism that doesn't die when it stops growing. (Note: 'stop' is permanent. 'pause' is temporary.)

I'll consider the argument that a body of knowledge isn't a living organism, but I doubt if you'll convince me. IMO it's a part of humanity & humanity definitely *is* a living organism. (Or, more accurately, a collection of living organisms.)

[Patricia]

Originally Posted by calvin-c

OK, I'm not a biologist but I can't think of a single living organism that doesn't die when it stops growing. (Note: 'stop' is permanent. 'pause' is temporary.)

In which case, if I get fatter then I should live longer.

[Harmon]

[QUOTE=bill the smith;554168]Declaration of Independence

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that books are knowledge and that knowledge is forever free".

Well, no, books are not knowledge. Sometimes they contain knowledge. But books are a technology.

I am totally opposed to:
1. DMR on books.

As currently implemented, I'd agree.

2. Geographic limits on sales of ereaders.
3. Geographic limits on purchase of ebooks.

Can't say that I disagree with this.

4. Americo-centrism as the defining basis of the availability of literature.

I'm not sure what this means. It strikes me that "Americo-centrism" might be in the mind of the beholder.

5. Making criminals of those who download/possess/read ebooks which are not in the Public Domain.

Depends on whether they paid for the books.

6. Unreal copyright laws.

Probably better to say "out of date copyright laws."

This means that I support:
7. Software that cracks/strips DRM.

See 1. above.

8. Free distribution of any book which is electronic format.

Hmmm. Not much of a business plan there.

9. Access for all ereaders and ebooks without geographical limitation.

Absolutely agree.

10. "Warez" or "pirate sites” that make ebooks available to all – books for every person in every country for free.

See 8 above.

Is anyone else on board?

Nah. If I'm going to ignore reality, I prefer to use a martini.

[pshrynk]

If you like martinis for reality blurring, you'd really like Zany Carters...

[calvin-c]

Originally Posted by Patricia

In which case, if I get fatter then I should live longer.

Don't see how that follows. Many people grow without getting fatter. Some grow taller, some simply grow replacements for cells that die. But all people, while alive, continue to grow.

[CleverClothe]

Originally Posted by calvin-c

Don't see how that follows.

That is because your parents did not pass on the humor gene to you.