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Lessig Wagers His Job On Anti-Spam Theory
kien writes "Lawrence Lessig is betting his position at Stanford on his anti-spam legislative recommendations. From his blog:'First the analysis: Philip Jacob has a great piece about spam and RBLs. The essay not only identifies the many problems with RBLs, but it nicely maps a mix of strategies that could be considered in their place. But, alas, missing from the list is one I've pushed: A law requiring simple labeling, and a bounty for anyone who tracks down spammers violating the law. Here goes: So (a) if a law like the one I propose is passed on a national level, and (b) it does not substantially reduce the level of spam, then (c) I will resign my job. I get to decide whether (a) is true; Declan can decide whether (b) is true. If (a) and (b) are both true, then I'll do (c) at the end of the following academic year.' The Declan referred to in point (b) is Declan McCullagh." Update: 01/07 02:45 GMT by T : Speaking of whom, here is Declan's acceptance of Larry's bet.
While I appreciate Lessig's intentions here, it usually takes a bit more than a wager to get Congress to pass a law. Perhaps if he backed it up with some cash, Capitol Hill might pay attention.
NO CARRIER
I might get moded out of exsistence on this
Ahh, the battle cry of the North American karma whore.
um, 24. Do I get modded up or down?
-Ted
-=-=- Quantum physics - the dreams stuff are made of.
What a great idea Mr. Lessig has. I've adapted his legislation to be Slashdot-specific. I'm convinced that if my legislation is passed, there will be a significant reduction in "In Soviet Russia" posts. If a) the legislation is passed, and b) it doesn't work, then I'll forfeit all my karma.
who cares? think of all the great movies in which a price on someone's head was a major factor. i'd love to see the modern day spam-bounty hunter equivalent.
Sir! We're modelling all the clones on Spambo Fett, greatest spam-bounty hunter in the known universe!
Technically, this is not a "bet". A wager requires that a potential direct consideration accrue to the winning party. Lessig more accurately labeled it a "guarantee", although it isn't clear how his resignation would be helpful to those who might harmed by ineffectiveness of his law.
I hope Larry doesn't have to resign: he doesn't seem to have much future as a professional gambler :-).