Imported Entries

The Economist has an opinion piece dealing with the recent SCOTUS ruling regarding P2P file sharing software. It appears that the author feels exactly the same way I do about the matter.

My favorite paragraph is at the end:

This makes no sense. Copyright was originally intended to encourage publication by granting publishers a temporary monopoly on works so they could earn a return on their investment. But the internet and new digital technologies have made the publication and distribution of works much easier and cheaper. Publishers should therefore need fewer, not more, property rights to protect their investment. Technology has tipped the balance in favour of the public domain.

Big Media is too powerful. Their power is derived from their deep pockets, and their living room penetration. Their power gives them undue influence over the governance of this nation. One way to curb this undue influenced would be to reduce their monopolistic powers. This won't happen easily, as they will fight this at every turn. But if we are still a nation ruled by the people, for the people, then the I suspect that the term of copyright will see some drastic reductions in the next decade.

If, on the other hand, we are governed by sock puppets for campaign contributors, then we're all screwed and IP rights are the least of our problems.

Preach It

07/05/05

11:12:50 am Preach It

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