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In Defense Of Patents and Copyright
Romer!can writes "C|Net Editor Michael Kanellos offers a potentially contentious opinion piece about patents and copyright on the CNet site. Highlights of the fairly biased piece include: a cheap shot dismissing open source projects as existing only to act as a foil for Microsoft, blatantly equating copyright infringement with stealing, and an embarrassing failure to even casually mention the current term lengths of patents and copyrights as a driving factor behind popular dissatisfaction. Instead, he wades through obscure humor and emotional appeals characterizing patent trolls as the guy next door. 'Nearly every so-called [patent] troll turned out to have a somewhat persuasive story. Intellectual Ventures, a patent firm started by former Microsoft chief scientist Nathan Myhrvold, was staffed with fairly renowned scientists who didn't fit the profile of people trying to make a quick buck in court. Another man, criticized as one of the most litigious people in the U.S., had a great explanation for his behavior. He had only sued people who had signed--and then violated--nondisclosure agreements.'"
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Slashbot denizen, Group McThink offers a potentially contentious post about software, copyright and/or politics on the Slashdot site. Highlights of the fairly biased piece include: a cheap shot accusing Microsoft of attempting to foil open source projects, blatantly dismissing the fact that copyright infringement is stealing, and an embarrassing failure to even casually mention the current state of Linux on the desktop and it's failed adoption because of end-user dissatisfaction. Instead, he wades through obscure humor and emotional appeals characterizing lawful patent owners as the evil incarnate. Further, he blamed bush for something and then later posted some tired Monty Python joke that was instantly modded +5 funny.