The US has already passed "campaign finance reform" but like most things it caused more harm than good. The only good reform would be to repeal all the stupid laws. And McCain?! Get a grip, the guy spent years as a POW and as a politician he's trying to make every citizen a POW. If you are not a "poster child for freedom" then you ain't worth one lick of support.
"Why do WE feel the need to do this 'Play policeman and walk over any nation WE don't like' crap."
"WE do it to Mexico too."
"... WE decided we're going to do it for them."
"And why do WE get away with it?"
"WE grease palms..."
Thank you, Borg Collective. There is a new word out: it's called "I". You can find an introduction of its defintion and usage in Ayn Rand's "Anthem". Take care.
"That is the whole point though. No one country could exert their particular prejudices over the net. Only things that are illegal in most contries would be illegal. It would be a sort of democracy of the values (i use values in the dictionary definition not the bullshit GOP sense) of all of humanity."
Sorry Charlie, but you are using the word "values" exactly in the "bullshit GOP sense. You are talking about imposing the will of the majority on the minority. You're majority may not be the Christian Coalition, but that is little to no relief. Democracy, btw, is a crock. Don't point to US as a positive example. Sure it is becoming increasing democratic as it goes down the tubes. It used to be a constitutional republic.
One of the nice things about having multiple countries/states is that if you don't like one, you leave. It's not always that simple, but that ultimate option is out there as a goal. If any single organization/government controls the internet, then you have nowhere to go (space?). You do realize how big the internet will be in the future, don't you? Having one entity control the internet is as asinine as having every computer run the same operating system.
And if you think that only the "worst of the worst" will get outlawed, then think once again Charlie. That's not how politcos work. It's more like this: OK I'll agree to outlaw pornagraphy if you agree to outlaw hate speech and you agree to outlaw political dissent and you agree to outlaw encrpytion, so we're agreed, everything is now outlawed.
Thinking more about the issue, I can't help but wonder if many problems are solved by only allowing a post to be downward moderated once. This way, excessive points aren't wasted and the dissenting opinions - which should be read - won't get battered by clueless moderators.
Of course, I still think all downward mods are a waste. Upward moderation helps because it saves time. If you want filtered speech, AOL would be more suited for the majority of moderators.
As much as I'd like to blame the moderators, it is the site administration that is at fault. They want the troll war to continue. It all adds up to more page views, downloaded ads, posts. Of course, soon, competing sites will reach critical mass and slowly bleed off users from/. Supporting a larger community requires more critical thinking than these people have.
Then MSFT makes a press release and publicly offers to help / run their site. They offer free software and maybe even kick-in for some hardware. Not to mention the fact that open source and Linux get bad press (due to very poor editorial control and the moderation thugs) / = Linux. This is how the media sees it. That is how I see it. It doesn't matter what % are running other OS's.
If you like MSFT and visit / then be prepared to ride in the back of the bus. It' more fun in the back anyways.
#1 Trolls WANT to be moderated downward. I am a troll, I know. If your troll doesn't get to -1, you have failed. The solution of course is to eliminate downward moderation. This creates more points for upward moderation thus making the task of finding good posts easier.
#2 Many dissenting posts have both upward and downward moderation. The result is that a controversial post often goes nowhere. Personally, I'd much rather see a post that was mod'd up 4 times and mod'd down 4 times than one that is at 5.
#3 Registered users posting as AC. I used to post AC all the time, but I registered for the convenience of customizing / and haven't posted AC regardless of kharma - see my history I still troll. Why do SO DAMN MANY registered users put anything of dissent as AC? You fear downward moderation. You want to tell someone to "fuck off" because they debunked your post, but you post AC. Pathetic. Perhaps to scare the kharma whores, AC post moderation should be linked back to the user so only their ID is masked.
I still wholeheartedly support Anon posting. Though I make exceptions for kharma whores who are protecting a worthless number in a database.
Consider this as well. Nothing is going to stop people from puting re-recording devices (camereras and microphones) between the bit stream and their eyes or ears. The best technology can do is lead to slightly inferior - but still damn good - copies. The best law can do is to create black markets and underground networks.
After DMCA fails to prevent piracy, they will go after all recording devices, speakers, monitors, everything. By then, you'll probably have an integrated compu-suit, you'll be targeted as well.
If they want to survive financially, they need new business models. The biggest threat to them is that distributors, marketers and middlemen become nearly obsolete. Once you can buy directly from the artists, not only will prices fall but you may even WANT to pay because it is fair and reasonable and you're not the piece of shit human trash like the assholes that pass these laws.
That's a good point. If Linux had been developed in the USSR, it would not of been free. You'd wait in line for 3-hours only to get a less-than-preferred distro. It would likely cost a weeks worth of Rubles too.
"I am not sure what exactly a good defenition of information is, but I would exclude most movies (except for scientific films) from having status of informative."
Sneaking into a theatre and watching without paying is theft of a service. Downloading a film may be illegal but in no way whatsoever is it theft of a service. Services are things like haircuts, legal advice, and blow jobs.
If copyrighted works are not information, then what the heck is a copyright protecting? Copyrights don't generally protect services, if ever. Words, images, sounds, software and generally everything that is represented by bits.
In a perfect world, I'd grant anyone creating anything the ability to state precise terms of use. This is not a perfect world. Theatres require permits (greasing local politicians). TV and radio stations require airwaves (greasing the FCC). Movies require union cooperation (overpaying the politically well connected).
There probably is a way to accomadate both camps - restrictive and unrestrictive copyright usage. Unfortunately, the intricate power structure of governments and corporations makes having 2 competing methods for popular media close to impossible. DIVX version 1.0 died a quick and well-deserved death. DMCA is DIVX 2.0. Beware. Boycotting Circuit City is easy. Boycotting Uncle Sam will get you locked-up and ass raped.
If there is going to be one way, it damn well better be one that errs on the side of freedom and doesn't toss people in jail en masse. Corporations and media owners will stop at nothing to use government power to trample on your rights to ensure your business. Don't let them.
The "funny" poster who talked about boycotting everything was right. I say, bankrupt the mother fuckers until/unless they clean up their act. If copyright holders want ANY respect from me of their rights, they have a lot to learn and do to not infringe on mine.
If a magsail is feasible in 10 years, then it may take 15 years to complete the launch. No problem by me if it never goes at all.
Stangely, the article never mentions the point of this exercise. Is it
1) Just a "proof of concept" project? 2) Is there some interesting solar system data that can be acquired from a "near but outside" perspective (cause the probe isn't going very far)? 3) What planets, if any, will it fly by?
There most be some interesting science that can be done. However, one must wonder whether the goal of going fast will take higher priority over carrying instruments and telescopes.
It ain't going nowhere. It won't even reach 1/2 a light year out (far enough to look for a planet X canidate - a 10x larger than Jupiter or brown dwarf perhaps).
Even if it carried the standard compliement of NASA porn, ain't nobody gonna see it. 'Cept for V-GER maybe...
TV Networks are very dependent on the local affiliates to support their programming. Since netcasting from NY or LA would jeopardize future revenues, I'd expect a big fuss put up. Affiliates generally have exclusive broadcasting rights within there geographical region, they'd demand a cut and the law would support them.
Of course, it's possible to require a zip code to tailor local ads, but this is very easily abused.
The big potential of this service would be the ability to drop cable service and just get high speed net access (once quality improves of course).
"I partly agree with them, but the forget that as atheists, they do exactly the same."
Consider the difference between "weak" atheism and "strong" atheism. If you don't understand it, then your philosophical education is lacking.
In weak atheism, the atheist asserts nothing: "I do not believe in god."
In strong atheism, the atheist asserts something: "I believe there is no god."
Weak atheism is disbelief, whereas strong atheism puts forth an assertion. The difference, a weak atheist has nothing to prove and, therefore, cannot be disproved - of course, they'll still burn in hell. A strong atheist gets sucked into arguments about the supernatural. That is pointless since the supernatural is impervious to the natural.
Very few episodes relied on black holes - I can't even think of one TNG off hand.
Most concerned some type of space anomaly - weird entities, vortices, conduits, wormholes, supernovas. Like the big giant dark face that looked like the face of a racoon and wanted to kill only 1/3 of the crew. Spooky and with absolutely know quantum/relativity explanation either!
Slashdot Mirror
The US has already passed "campaign finance reform" but like most things it caused more harm than good. The only good reform would be to repeal all the stupid laws. And McCain?! Get a grip, the guy spent years as a POW and as a politician he's trying to make every citizen a POW. If you are not a "poster child for freedom" then you ain't worth one lick of support.
"Why do WE feel the need to do this 'Play policeman and walk over any nation WE don't like' crap."
"WE do it to Mexico too."
"... WE decided we're going to do it for them."
"And why do WE get away with it?"
"WE grease palms..."
Thank you, Borg Collective. There is a new word out: it's called "I". You can find an introduction of its defintion and usage in Ayn Rand's "Anthem". Take care.
"That is the whole point though. No one country could exert their particular prejudices over the net. Only things that are illegal in most contries would be illegal. It would be a sort of democracy of the values (i use values in the dictionary definition not the bullshit GOP sense) of all of humanity."
Sorry Charlie, but you are using the word "values" exactly in the "bullshit GOP sense. You are talking about imposing the will of the majority on the minority. You're majority may not be the Christian Coalition, but that is little to no relief. Democracy, btw, is a crock. Don't point to US as a positive example. Sure it is becoming increasing democratic as it goes down the tubes. It used to be a constitutional republic.
One of the nice things about having multiple countries/states is that if you don't like one, you leave. It's not always that simple, but that ultimate option is out there as a goal. If any single organization/government controls the internet, then you have nowhere to go (space?). You do realize how big the internet will be in the future, don't you? Having one entity control the internet is as asinine as having every computer run the same operating system.
And if you think that only the "worst of the worst" will get outlawed, then think once again Charlie. That's not how politcos work. It's more like this: OK I'll agree to outlaw pornagraphy if you agree to outlaw hate speech and you agree to outlaw political dissent and you agree to outlaw encrpytion, so we're agreed, everything is now outlawed.
Thinking more about the issue, I can't help but wonder if many problems are solved by only allowing a post to be downward moderated once. This way, excessive points aren't wasted and the dissenting opinions - which should be read - won't get battered by clueless moderators.
Of course, I still think all downward mods are a waste. Upward moderation helps because it saves time. If you want filtered speech, AOL would be more suited for the majority of moderators.
As much as I'd like to blame the moderators, it is the site administration that is at fault. They want the troll war to continue. It all adds up to more page views, downloaded ads, posts. Of course, soon, competing sites will reach critical mass and slowly bleed off users from /. Supporting a larger community requires more critical thinking than these people have.
Then MSFT makes a press release and publicly offers to help / run their site. They offer free software and maybe even kick-in for some hardware. Not to mention the fact that open source and Linux get bad press (due to very poor editorial control and the moderation thugs) / = Linux. This is how the media sees it. That is how I see it. It doesn't matter what % are running other OS's.
If you like MSFT and visit / then be prepared to ride in the back of the bus. It' more fun in the back anyways.
Why don't you moderate UP posts instead of worrying about crap nobody would read unless they were INTO the troll discussion?
#1 Trolls WANT to be moderated downward. I am a troll, I know. If your troll doesn't get to -1, you have failed. The solution of course is to eliminate downward moderation. This creates more points for upward moderation thus making the task of finding good posts easier.
#2 Many dissenting posts have both upward and downward moderation. The result is that a controversial post often goes nowhere. Personally, I'd much rather see a post that was mod'd up 4 times and mod'd down 4 times than one that is at 5.
#3 Registered users posting as AC. I used to post AC all the time, but I registered for the convenience of customizing / and haven't posted AC regardless of kharma - see my history I still troll. Why do SO DAMN MANY registered users put anything of dissent as AC? You fear downward moderation. You want to tell someone to "fuck off" because they debunked your post, but you post AC. Pathetic. Perhaps to scare the kharma whores, AC post moderation should be linked back to the user so only their ID is masked.
I still wholeheartedly support Anon posting. Though I make exceptions for kharma whores who are protecting a worthless number in a database.
So... despite that your solution is wrong and won't work, you'd still like action taken on a flawed plan?
One question: When are you running for Congress and can I be your campaign manager? [It's a 2-part question]
Consider this as well. Nothing is going to stop people from puting re-recording devices (camereras and microphones) between the bit stream and their eyes or ears. The best technology can do is lead to slightly inferior - but still damn good - copies. The best law can do is to create black markets and underground networks.
After DMCA fails to prevent piracy, they will go after all recording devices, speakers, monitors, everything. By then, you'll probably have an integrated compu-suit, you'll be targeted as well.
If they want to survive financially, they need new business models. The biggest threat to them is that distributors, marketers and middlemen become nearly obsolete. Once you can buy directly from the artists, not only will prices fall but you may even WANT to pay because it is fair and reasonable and you're not the piece of shit human trash like the assholes that pass these laws.
That's a good point. If Linux had been developed in the USSR, it would not of been free. You'd wait in line for 3-hours only to get a less-than-preferred distro. It would likely cost a weeks worth of Rubles too.
"I am not sure what exactly a good defenition of information is, but I would exclude most movies (except for scientific films) from having status of informative."
Sneaking into a theatre and watching without paying is theft of a service. Downloading a film may be illegal but in no way whatsoever is it theft of a service. Services are things like haircuts, legal advice, and blow jobs.
If copyrighted works are not information, then what the heck is a copyright protecting? Copyrights don't generally protect services, if ever. Words, images, sounds, software and generally everything that is represented by bits.
In a perfect world, I'd grant anyone creating anything the ability to state precise terms of use. This is not a perfect world. Theatres require permits (greasing local politicians). TV and radio stations require airwaves (greasing the FCC). Movies require union cooperation (overpaying the politically well connected).
There probably is a way to accomadate both camps - restrictive and unrestrictive copyright usage. Unfortunately, the intricate power structure of governments and corporations makes having 2 competing methods for popular media close to impossible. DIVX version 1.0 died a quick and well-deserved death. DMCA is DIVX 2.0. Beware. Boycotting Circuit City is easy. Boycotting Uncle Sam will get you locked-up and ass raped.
If there is going to be one way, it damn well better be one that errs on the side of freedom and doesn't toss people in jail en masse. Corporations and media owners will stop at nothing to use government power to trample on your rights to ensure your business. Don't let them.
The "funny" poster who talked about boycotting everything was right. I say, bankrupt the mother fuckers until/unless they clean up their act. If copyright holders want ANY respect from me of their rights, they have a lot to learn and do to not infringe on mine.
Wow, that's a refreshing change. A lot of gurus and self-help types have told me to give up. Or at the very least, they implore, set your sites lower.
If a magsail is feasible in 10 years, then it may take 15 years to complete the launch. No problem by me if it never goes at all.
Stangely, the article never mentions the point of this exercise. Is it
1) Just a "proof of concept" project?
2) Is there some interesting solar system data that can be acquired from a "near but outside" perspective (cause the probe isn't going very far)?
3) What planets, if any, will it fly by?
There most be some interesting science that can be done. However, one must wonder whether the goal of going fast will take higher priority over carrying instruments and telescopes.
This is our chance to DESTROY V-GER well before it gets to the 23rd century and is programmed to destroy all carbon-based life forms!!!
Eat your heart our Captain Kirk.
It ain't going nowhere. It won't even reach 1/2 a light year out (far enough to look for a planet X canidate - a 10x larger than Jupiter or brown dwarf perhaps).
Even if it carried the standard compliement of NASA porn, ain't nobody gonna see it. 'Cept for V-GER maybe...
TV Networks are very dependent on the local affiliates to support their programming. Since netcasting from NY or LA would jeopardize future revenues, I'd expect a big fuss put up. Affiliates generally have exclusive broadcasting rights within there geographical region, they'd demand a cut and the law would support them.
Of course, it's possible to require a zip code to tailor local ads, but this is very easily abused.
The big potential of this service would be the ability to drop cable service and just get high speed net access (once quality improves of course).
Looks like the stupid moderators are too stupid to know that a post refers to its parent, not its parent's parent.
Stupid moderators. Trix are for kids.
Is it just me or does anyone else envision the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" whenever they see the Pope?
Oh. So it is just me.
Don't beat yourself up. You did the best anybody could of expected. Better luck next time. Never give up, never surrender.
Maybe you're a dutch jew...
I would say moderators are fucking morons but that almost goes without saying. The problem is kharma and pointlessness of downward moderation.
The fucking morons are the people who set up this flawed system and are too impervious to reason to fix it.
Carry on.
"I partly agree with them, but the forget that as atheists, they do exactly the same."
Consider the difference between "weak" atheism and "strong" atheism. If you don't understand it, then your philosophical education is lacking.
In weak atheism, the atheist asserts nothing: "I do not believe in god."
In strong atheism, the atheist asserts something: "I believe there is no god."
Weak atheism is disbelief, whereas strong atheism puts forth an assertion. The difference, a weak atheist has nothing to prove and, therefore, cannot be disproved - of course, they'll still burn in hell. A strong atheist gets sucked into arguments about the supernatural. That is pointless since the supernatural is impervious to the natural.
Very few episodes relied on black holes - I can't even think of one TNG off hand.
Most concerned some type of space anomaly - weird entities, vortices, conduits, wormholes, supernovas. Like the big giant dark face that looked like the face of a racoon and wanted to kill only 1/3 of the crew. Spooky and with absolutely know quantum/relativity explanation either!
You're trying to be helpful? You call AC "new" and stupid, then you call me flameboy... OF ALL THE NERVE!!!
You wanna throw? Let's throw! But try not to get delusional about your role in this flamewar.