My comment on movie studios was more a commentary that they will find a way to mark up their "costs" by having a ton of smaller companies that they technically own each have a major markup, so the final bill is 99% profit, 1% actual cost.
I understand your idea, however what would happen if a legitimate suit needed to be brought, but now an individual couldn't bring it (such as the guy who had the picture of a hotel that a company used for an ad without paying him). Since he has no clout, who is to say the industries couldn't lobby thir way into getting the case "overlooked"
Not that I condone illegal file sharing, but I think it would be nice if the government made sure that the awarded damages were limited to a certain amount above actual damages. That way, there would be no insane $220K verdict for 12 songs.
Of course, I'm sure the studios would find a way around that too (just look at movie accounting in the US - they have amazing ways of dividing everything up and marking it up all over the place so they are the only ones who can realize a profit - the movies are always losers).
However, at least there would be some limit against excessive damages and using people as "examples".
I absolutely love MythTV... when it works...
And admittedly Knoppmyth, on older hardware, in analog, using a PVR-150 card, was fairly easy to set up and get basic functionality. Even it had niggling minor problems I spent hours researching how to fix. But I have been fighting to get Myth working for the past 6 months using all 3 distros you mention on my newish (at the time) hardware and DTV card.
It has been an exercise in wasted time and beating my head against the wall. Recently I finally got it recognizing the DTV card. But watching TV the screen updates once every couple seconds, and the sound is like listening to a tragically scratched CD.
Unfortunately MythTV is just not for the faint of heart or those with little time and patience. I think your experience is the rarity at this point. However, does this still happen? Of course, as well as with Windows media center.
I am sorry that you had a bad experience, and I hope something like the new version of mythbuntu will help you. I personally have had only minor problems on older hardware, and I have both SD and HD tuners, and most of the problems are due to a lower end processor, but luckily XvMC helps a lot.
I hope you've been submitting bug requests too, so others can help out.
I assume based on the post that you are in another country.
Therefore you are likely watching by satellite, or by it being carried on your local cable channel.
Here in America, I use schedules direct,(which I pay a very small fee for) but I don't think that will work for you. Mythtv's website talks about XMLTV for getting the listings for you. I would tend to say google your country or service provider, mythtv, and listings on a string, and see what you find.
Actually, Mythtv is pretty easy to set up now, if you use one of the distro versions (knoppmyth, mythdora or mythbuntu). I add a nice pchdtv video card, which does not detect the broadcast flag, and I have nothing to worry about. Plus, I can burn dvd's of my recordings, and many other things.
Windows media center has a number of problems, and crashes too. However, because it is windows, people ignore it. Myth is just as stable. And can be tested before buying (since mythbuntu at least has a livecd)
Dang it, logged in during preview and lost my post...
Anyway, the idea is to have MORE testers, since they would all be at one big bazaar instead of each at their own little one.
More patches would work across distros, and more time could be spent on other things.
The has its problems though. The agreement would force innovation to make people go to one distro over another, but that would only last a cycle or so as the other distros implement the idea (Since they all share in the end).
Maybe if Ubuntu decided to go desktop only, And Suse and Red Hat agreed to split up the server side, maybe, but that is unlikely. Debian will not not do it, they are the stable granddaddy, which can be a good thing.
I like having news on new distros throughout the year also, so it keeps people interested.
It's an interesting concept that might free up some coding time by solving a lot of problems faster and with less overlap, but I don't think it is likely to happen.
One of the strengths of Linux is its diversity (plus we geeks all like our pet projects). IT may help newcomers though, who are scared enough by the number of Vista versions, and are terrified of picking a distro, not to mention learning a new OS.
I just love how obviously un-impartial this guy truly is (not to mention the well established ineptitude of his methodology and statements, which has been discussed on slashdot a number of times before).
1. Support legislation that requires deep packet monitoring. 2. Once that is passed, target those universities with tons of takedowns. Start now, so it doesn't seem as if they are ramping it up due to the law. 3. Make them install packet monitoring software. 4. Here is the interesting part. Doesn't their "star" IT witness provide this software and/or hardware? 5. Get kickbacks from star witness' company for the extra software they sell. 6. Start on the next state, using the existing state as "proof" of how bad it is, and how much "piracy" is being detected by the deep monitoring. 8. Profit on the kickbacks, plus any additional lawsuits.
Without a proper Light -Distance analogy I have no way of being impressed by the speed of device. Is it knuckle to knee? Nose to toe? People need to know these things!
Wow, thanks for taking the time to explain the process.
It's wonderful to hear that there are still people like you who are trying to help people better their research and understanding, and who take the time to aid them in further proposals.
It seems the process is about as transparent as can be expected. Like I said, I think it is a brilliant idea, but we've all seen people who abuse their power and control, and who end up ruining a great thing. I think this should be expanded in as many areas as feasible (and cost-effective), just as long as there are firm methodologies and standards in place.
Thank you for the work you do, and for taking the time to allay my fears and doubts.
What about the small community college with a kid that has a ton of potential and is gifted in the area? Some schools have a "build your major" concept for students who fit their criteria. Say 1 skilled student per state even, who has the desire and interest, and the school wants to help them. With just a few labs, that can fill up the available hours really fast.
I'm just curious who decides which project is worth the time? What about the way out there idea that pans out and revolutionizes the industry? Will they get passed over for "safer" projects, or at least ones that don't seem as out there?
Let's be honest, a good number of people will want access to the lab (poorer university students, nanotech hobbyists, etc), and there will be a number of people who think they have a brilliant idea for nanotech that they want to try out. I'm sure there is a certain minimum amount of time each project would take anyway.
So, someone needs to decide who gets access to the space. Since it is government funded, will there be public review of who gets access? Will there need to be proposals? Is there a certain minimum amount of time devoted to "open-nanotech" research (for the good of the world at large)? Or will larger universities hog all the time?
I love the idea, and hope it would scale to other technology fields, I just worry about the gatekeepers.
Linux was/is known as being an OS for nerds. As it becomes more mainstream, that is changing, and as certain other OS's are having issues, more people are looking at Linux and seeing a much more user friendly OS than it was even 5 years ago. I have moved 3 friends who are NOT nerds over to a dual boot in the past 4 months, and most of them prefer linux, but I gave them the dual boot so they could return to their comfort zone if necessary.
As more non-geeks move into Linux, the market for paid games will grow. A lot of people point to games on linux "failing" a few years ago. Well, a lot has changed since then, and will continue to change. So what failed a few years ago may be more viable now or a year or so in the future.
Also, I think that the stereotypical "nerd" Linux user wants high quality games. I know I was thrilled when I found out UT 2003 ran on linux. And since it was high quality enough, I bought it. Most of the games released today are lowest common denominator games that are basically all the same, and just trying to make a quick buck. The innovative or even good games will get bought. Just don't expect people who are quality oriented to just pick up some game based on a couple of screenshots on the box.
On the other hand, we are more forgiving of OS games because we respect the philosophy (typically), and we can forgive shortcoming as they are typically in almost permanent beta.
In summary, as more people are moved to linux, games will be more viable, but only the real quality ones.
Actually, I was trying to say that while we might want there to be someone who can take absolute action, in a case like this what we want is a philosophical thing. I just wish there was a way to make more of a statement than a boycott, because most domain holders (businesses) probably just don't care, and in fact would likely support enom.
I know the concept of the internet being non-centralized, and with no real authority to oversee it, which is one of its strengths.
However, it stinks at times like these, when you want an authority to go to to punish actions for a registrar (an d I know some registrars have been shut down, but for more egregious actions).
However, in a case like this, where the "people" of the internet have felt wronged because a company went against the philosophies of the internet, Is there any other course of action besides a boycott (which may or may not be effective due to the terms of registrations, and companies going with what they think is the best price, not necessarily the best price and the right philosophy).
If there is no other course of action, what is the best way to get this out there (besides Slashdot, etc)?
Maybe with a controlled media and no internet they are just trying to prevent the media from declaring a winner at 23% precincts reporting, just so they can say they were the first to announce it.
1. So it will only block private access. Does this mean you can still log on to the net from work? 2. What is this meant to do? I see no real security benefits to blocking the internet. 3. In speculating after what happened in Africa, is this an attempt to block outsiders from knowing what is going on in the country, or to keep outsiders from influencing the country, or to keep their own people unaware of what is going on in their own country? No matter which one, info will come out eventually, so the only thing I can see happening is that people can't tell others what is going on at the polling places before it is too late. But either way it would be too late, because there wouldn't be time for others to come and help out if there is forced voting.
I guess I'm just confused as to how this is supposed to help them out, as it only makes them seem overly secretive, with little to no long term benefit.
Since the voting machines have had problems, all the news has been about that portion of their company, especially in an election year.
Now, if all their machines had started spewing out $20s at a certain time of day at some point last year, then we would be talking about the atm machines.
Many companies are known (or infamous) for a small subset of their business. Diebold is no exception, especially when they have been all over Slashdot for their voting machines for the last few years. So, of course those who read Slashdot are going to talk about that. A banking board will likely be talking about the atms.
I had to meta-mod another post in this group, and I just wanted to thank you for one of the most thorough and well thought out responses to the standard criticisms. I have no idea why you are not +5, and I have no mod points right now, but I did want to say thank you. I'm saving this one for future reference...
After re-reading my original post, I believe it could be interpreted to read that I don't think the artist's earned any money, which is not true. I believe the artists absolutely deserve royalties, I just question how much their contracts (which are heavily in favor of the recording companies) will allow them to get.
Actually, if it is found that they cannot use the make available claim as their techniques did not detect an actual copyright violation, I think all the money from the suits and settlements should go right back to those who paid, as the RIAA used fear of lawsuits as a way to barter for an out of court settlement. In fact, I think their tactics of instilling fear should be investigated, and maybe excessive punitive damages for mental distress should be awarded to all those who did settle or got sued. It will make the $220K look like pocket change when everyone gets done.
A few things: 1. I remember reading somewhere that the money all went back into more lawsuits, so I don't think that is boding well for money going to anyone who thinks they actually "earned" it 2. Do the artists get the "real" damages (i.e., paid for the one or two songs mediasentry supposedly caught them downloading), or the higher damages? As I don't think the artist owns the copyright in this case, how much are they really entitled to? 3. For the settlement letters, is there again a set amount per song that they listed as being due the artist? Or is it again only the royalties they would get from selling one song on a cd or itunes for example? If so, please expect about $.05 per settlement - not what they want (or think they deserve, but as a recent article on slashdot pointed out, the RIAA wants to reduced royalties while they are at it).
If I was the artist, I wouldn't go buying a car with the expectation that the check was in the mail... not even a matchbox car.
I wonder if AMD can use this in a lawsuit of their own due to anti-competitive practices (On the other hand, it would be burning a bridge with the largest OS manufacturer, but since Intel appears to be getting preferential treatment, there may be something much more sinister below the surface). Not only that, but shouldn't Microsoft's shareholders be kinda ticked? By allowing this to happen, Microsoft opened the door to this lawsuit (something that will not help their investors), while helping out another companies investors, which it would appear was not in Microsoft's investors best interest.
I think it was extremely hard using the old engine.
However, they are now rewriting gimp based on gegl which does have cmyk, etc. There is an article about it Here, plus I'm sure there is tons more info on wikipedia etc about it.
So, I believe it was hard (or else I'm sure it would have been done completely by someone (I believe they had cmyk approximation for a little while), but now they are restarting from the ground up to enable it to do more.
I'm pretty sure the gimp is getting closer to where photoshop is, and this change will make it much more flexible.
BTW, Google did have gimp in the 2006 summer of code. I believe they worked on adding the healing brush during that time, which is another tool many photoshop users were clamoring for.
Slashdot Mirror
My comment on movie studios was more a commentary that they will find a way to mark up their "costs" by having a ton of smaller companies that they technically own each have a major markup, so the final bill is 99% profit, 1% actual cost.
I understand your idea, however what would happen if a legitimate suit needed to be brought, but now an individual couldn't bring it (such as the guy who had the picture of a hotel that a company used for an ad without paying him). Since he has no clout, who is to say the industries couldn't lobby thir way into getting the case "overlooked"
Not that I condone illegal file sharing, but I think it would be nice if the government made sure that the awarded damages were limited to a certain amount above actual damages. That way, there would be no insane $220K verdict for 12 songs.
Of course, I'm sure the studios would find a way around that too (just look at movie accounting in the US - they have amazing ways of dividing everything up and marking it up all over the place so they are the only ones who can realize a profit - the movies are always losers).
However, at least there would be some limit against excessive damages and using people as "examples".
I am sorry that you had a bad experience, and I hope something like the new version of mythbuntu will help you. I personally have had only minor problems on older hardware, and I have both SD and HD tuners, and most of the problems are due to a lower end processor, but luckily XvMC helps a lot.
I hope you've been submitting bug requests too, so others can help out.
I assume based on the post that you are in another country.
Therefore you are likely watching by satellite, or by it being carried on your local cable channel.
Here in America, I use schedules direct,(which I pay a very small fee for) but I don't think that will work for you. Mythtv's website talks about XMLTV for getting the listings for you. I would tend to say google your country or service provider, mythtv, and listings on a string, and see what you find.
Actually, Mythtv is pretty easy to set up now, if you use one of the distro versions (knoppmyth, mythdora or mythbuntu).
I add a nice pchdtv video card, which does not detect the broadcast flag, and I have nothing to worry about. Plus, I can burn dvd's of my recordings, and many other things.
Windows media center has a number of problems, and crashes too. However, because it is windows, people ignore it. Myth is just as stable. And can be tested before buying (since mythbuntu at least has a livecd)
Dang it, logged in during preview and lost my post...
Anyway, the idea is to have MORE testers, since they would all be at one big bazaar instead of each at their own little one.
More patches would work across distros, and more time could be spent on other things.
The has its problems though. The agreement would force innovation to make people go to one distro over another, but that would only last a cycle or so as the other distros implement the idea (Since they all share in the end).
Maybe if Ubuntu decided to go desktop only, And Suse and Red Hat agreed to split up the server side, maybe, but that is unlikely. Debian will not not do it, they are the stable granddaddy, which can be a good thing.
I like having news on new distros throughout the year also, so it keeps people interested.
It's an interesting concept that might free up some coding time by solving a lot of problems faster and with less overlap, but I don't think it is likely to happen.
One of the strengths of Linux is its diversity (plus we geeks all like our pet projects). IT may help newcomers though, who are scared enough by the number of Vista versions, and are terrified of picking a distro, not to mention learning a new OS.
Verified:
.Jacobson's Deposition, Pages 5-7 - It says he sells packet monitoring software to universities, through his company Palisade Systems
I just love how obviously un-impartial this guy truly is (not to mention the well established ineptitude of his methodology and statements, which has been discussed on slashdot a number of times before).
So, here is the plan as I see it:
1. Support legislation that requires deep packet monitoring.
2. Once that is passed, target those universities with tons of takedowns. Start now, so it doesn't seem as if they are ramping it up due to the law.
3. Make them install packet monitoring software.
4. Here is the interesting part. Doesn't their "star" IT witness provide this software and/or hardware?
5. Get kickbacks from star witness' company for the extra software they sell.
6. Start on the next state, using the existing state as "proof" of how bad it is, and how much "piracy" is being detected by the deep monitoring.
8. Profit on the kickbacks, plus any additional lawsuits.
Without a proper Light -Distance analogy I have no way of being impressed by the speed of device. Is it knuckle to knee? Nose to toe? People need to know these things!
Wow, thanks for taking the time to explain the process.
It's wonderful to hear that there are still people like you who are trying to help people better their research and understanding, and who take the time to aid them in further proposals.
It seems the process is about as transparent as can be expected. Like I said, I think it is a brilliant idea, but we've all seen people who abuse their power and control, and who end up ruining a great thing. I think this should be expanded in as many areas as feasible (and cost-effective), just as long as there are firm methodologies and standards in place.
Thank you for the work you do, and for taking the time to allay my fears and doubts.
Large ones can, yes.
What about the small community college with a kid that has a ton of potential and is gifted in the area? Some schools have a "build your major" concept for students who fit their criteria. Say 1 skilled student per state even, who has the desire and interest, and the school wants to help them. With just a few labs, that can fill up the available hours really fast.
I'm just curious who decides which project is worth the time? What about the way out there idea that pans out and revolutionizes the industry? Will they get passed over for "safer" projects, or at least ones that don't seem as out there?
Brilliant idea... except for the red tape.
Let's be honest, a good number of people will want access to the lab (poorer university students, nanotech hobbyists, etc), and there will be a number of people who think they have a brilliant idea for nanotech that they want to try out. I'm sure there is a certain minimum amount of time each project would take anyway.
So, someone needs to decide who gets access to the space. Since it is government funded, will there be public review of who gets access? Will there need to be proposals? Is there a certain minimum amount of time devoted to "open-nanotech" research (for the good of the world at large)? Or will larger universities hog all the time?
I love the idea, and hope it would scale to other technology fields, I just worry about the gatekeepers.
Linux was/is known as being an OS for nerds. As it becomes more mainstream, that is changing, and as certain other OS's are having issues, more people are looking at Linux and seeing a much more user friendly OS than it was even 5 years ago. I have moved 3 friends who are NOT nerds over to a dual boot in the past 4 months, and most of them prefer linux, but I gave them the dual boot so they could return to their comfort zone if necessary.
As more non-geeks move into Linux, the market for paid games will grow. A lot of people point to games on linux "failing" a few years ago. Well, a lot has changed since then, and will continue to change. So what failed a few years ago may be more viable now or a year or so in the future.
Also, I think that the stereotypical "nerd" Linux user wants high quality games. I know I was thrilled when I found out UT 2003 ran on linux. And since it was high quality enough, I bought it. Most of the games released today are lowest common denominator games that are basically all the same, and just trying to make a quick buck. The innovative or even good games will get bought. Just don't expect people who are quality oriented to just pick up some game based on a couple of screenshots on the box.
On the other hand, we are more forgiving of OS games because we respect the philosophy (typically), and we can forgive shortcoming as they are typically in almost permanent beta.
In summary, as more people are moved to linux, games will be more viable, but only the real quality ones.
Actually, I was trying to say that while we might want there to be someone who can take absolute action, in a case like this what we want is a philosophical thing. I just wish there was a way to make more of a statement than a boycott, because most domain holders (businesses) probably just don't care, and in fact would likely support enom.
I know the concept of the internet being non-centralized, and with no real authority to oversee it, which is one of its strengths.
However, it stinks at times like these, when you want an authority to go to to punish actions for a registrar (an d I know some registrars have been shut down, but for more egregious actions).
However, in a case like this, where the "people" of the internet have felt wronged because a company went against the philosophies of the internet, Is there any other course of action besides a boycott (which may or may not be effective due to the terms of registrations, and companies going with what they think is the best price, not necessarily the best price and the right philosophy).
If there is no other course of action, what is the best way to get this out there (besides Slashdot, etc)?
to see tons of goatse images from stupid hackers thinking they are funny and cool.
Maybe with a controlled media and no internet they are just trying to prevent the media from declaring a winner at 23% precincts reporting, just so they can say they were the first to announce it.
1. So it will only block private access. Does this mean you can still log on to the net from work?
2. What is this meant to do? I see no real security benefits to blocking the internet.
3. In speculating after what happened in Africa, is this an attempt to block outsiders from knowing what is going on in the country, or to keep outsiders from influencing the country, or to keep their own people unaware of what is going on in their own country? No matter which one, info will come out eventually, so the only thing I can see happening is that people can't tell others what is going on at the polling places before it is too late. But either way it would be too late, because there wouldn't be time for others to come and help out if there is forced voting.
I guess I'm just confused as to how this is supposed to help them out, as it only makes them seem overly secretive, with little to no long term benefit.
Because that is what gets more publicized.
Since the voting machines have had problems, all the news has been about that portion of their company, especially in an election year.
Now, if all their machines had started spewing out $20s at a certain time of day at some point last year, then we would be talking about the atm machines.
Many companies are known (or infamous) for a small subset of their business. Diebold is no exception, especially when they have been all over Slashdot for their voting machines for the last few years. So, of course those who read Slashdot are going to talk about that. A banking board will likely be talking about the atms.
With UT behind it, there will be even more pressure on municipalities to buy the machines.
I can hear it now:
"Buy the machines, or we stop all your elevators, and we turn off all the fire and intrusion alarms!"
Now THAT is a good bargaining chip.
I had to meta-mod another post in this group, and I just wanted to thank you for one of the most thorough and well thought out responses to the standard criticisms. I have no idea why you are not +5, and I have no mod points right now, but I did want to say thank you. I'm saving this one for future reference...
After re-reading my original post, I believe it could be interpreted to read that I don't think the artist's earned any money, which is not true. I believe the artists absolutely deserve royalties, I just question how much their contracts (which are heavily in favor of the recording companies) will allow them to get.
Actually, if it is found that they cannot use the make available claim as their techniques did not detect an actual copyright violation, I think all the money from the suits and settlements should go right back to those who paid, as the RIAA used fear of lawsuits as a way to barter for an out of court settlement. In fact, I think their tactics of instilling fear should be investigated, and maybe excessive punitive damages for mental distress should be awarded to all those who did settle or got sued. It will make the $220K look like pocket change when everyone gets done.
A few things:
1. I remember reading somewhere that the money all went back into more lawsuits, so I don't think that is boding well for money going to anyone who thinks they actually "earned" it
2. Do the artists get the "real" damages (i.e., paid for the one or two songs mediasentry supposedly caught them downloading), or the higher damages? As I don't think the artist owns the copyright in this case, how much are they really entitled to?
3. For the settlement letters, is there again a set amount per song that they listed as being due the artist? Or is it again only the royalties they would get from selling one song on a cd or itunes for example? If so, please expect about $.05 per settlement - not what they want (or think they deserve, but as a recent article on slashdot pointed out, the RIAA wants to reduced royalties while they are at it).
If I was the artist, I wouldn't go buying a car with the expectation that the check was in the mail... not even a matchbox car.
I wonder if AMD can use this in a lawsuit of their own due to anti-competitive practices (On the other hand, it would be burning a bridge with the largest OS manufacturer, but since Intel appears to be getting preferential treatment, there may be something much more sinister below the surface). Not only that, but shouldn't Microsoft's shareholders be kinda ticked? By allowing this to happen, Microsoft opened the door to this lawsuit (something that will not help their investors), while helping out another companies investors, which it would appear was not in Microsoft's investors best interest.
However, they are now rewriting gimp based on gegl which does have cmyk, etc. There is an article about it Here, plus I'm sure there is tons more info on wikipedia etc about it.
So, I believe it was hard (or else I'm sure it would have been done completely by someone (I believe they had cmyk approximation for a little while), but now they are restarting from the ground up to enable it to do more.
I'm pretty sure the gimp is getting closer to where photoshop is, and this change will make it much more flexible.
BTW, Google did have gimp in the 2006 summer of code. I believe they worked on adding the healing brush during that time, which is another tool many photoshop users were clamoring for.