You are right of course, but naive. I AM cynical. I know it. But if you think a few people writing their congressman or senetor is going to have any impact compared to a few million dollars in "campaign donations" to same said senetor, you are delusional. It is not just bad. It is REALLY bad.
But instead I am going to try to remain rational and point out some obvious consequences to this "legislation" (read-obvious show of who really runs US government). Disregarding the obvious foreshadowment of true corporate-government, I feel that the foremost problem with this law will be strictly in science communities. I expect a great deal of the better educated and "frontline" scienticts to leave the country. Most notably, expect cryptographers and computer programmers in "high-risk" jobs to exit quickly--thus degrading the quality of these critical applications. I think Russia said it best when they discouraged their tech-heads travelling to the US for fear of litigation. We are a corporate entity now, and the rights or actions of a single man jeapordize this mentality, and therefore incur the wrath of a legal system designed for only two parties: lawyers and businesses. How amazing this is. That a country like ours can only 20-30 years ago (and today i guess) be such a leader (perhaps the leader) in tech advances and science, only to regress backwards because new technology and research cuts into corporate profits on lousy, old-fashioned products and business models. Imagine if the encryption is weak on US nuclear weapons codes, but no is *allowed* to alert the government that terrorists can break the code...
Tell the conference organizers to meet in Russia from now on as they harbor a more "free" and innovative environment. irony of ironies...
-------------rhad, a poor US college student destined to either leave the fucked up US or go to jail for wanting to be anonymous, speaking out and protesting corporations hellbent on a "fuck the individual" policy, and dreaming of a government that actually cares about the people who made it possible, rather then a plethora of corporate whores who can add money to their demands, as opposed to just a signature.
PS: It distresses me personally as to who is to be found accountable. Apathy is so rampant. No one cares. We have the power, but just dont give a damn... Its terribly depressing.
but isn't it circumvention, not method that is prohibited?
Say I blow a lot of coin and build the DES cracker explained in the EFF's little book. Am I not liable for circumventing the copyright regardless of the fact that I did not design the machine? Even more importantly, the necessary mechanism to prosecute him is already available... See post #21 on the same topic, titled "ferguson's mistake". I have a nasty feeling that he is more then likely screwed once the code is publicly cracked regardless of his statements here...
point: I would never release a "demonstration" either. It is too risky. how sad.
Wow, i actually agree with Katz
on
Seanbaby.com
·
· Score: 2, Insightful
While I do not know about seanbaby.com not "being there" if AOL or M$ get "control", i agree that this kind of independent and uncurtailed web site/news post/opinion page scares the heck out of old-school media conglomerates and industry. Corporations have always thrived on controlling the flow of information.
Why do you buy a product? You were informed about it. By who? Under what influence? Think about the ungodly amount of information and awareness manipulation [yes you are manipulated!] that occurs everyday. Feeling unhappy? Buy a car! Feeling ugly? You need makeup and plastic surgery! Consumerism, folks...
The web (but not necessarily seanbaby:) causes this flow of information [read--propoganda] to become a fictional pastime of greedy corporations. If you can find true accounts and reports, rather than a stem of corporate sponsored media and advertisment, suddently the consumer is aware and a little smarter. Even better, imagine a society where consumerism in't the name of the game, and happiness/enlightenment/existance involves more then just a sale at the mall...
Ah, the informed consumer. What America as a culture needs, but what america as a business fears...
----------------rhad
Re:The mysterious disappearing story
on
Primordial Helium
·
· Score: 1
Same here, apparently this story exists, but not on the front page. You can access it via the "science" link in the sections tab on the left of the screen.
Writing articles on subject you are totally ignorant of without any forethought as to the outcome.
Katz--get a grip. You have gone a little far here in attempting to create a "scary" story of the internet's "terrible ramifications". Stick to ranting about corporations and American government. At least then you sound like just a "conspiracy nut". Here you sound just misinformed and misguided. I leave the examples to others. They have already pointed the majority of them out.
Why is it that programmers of these types of programs still insist on releasing code such as this with their name on it?
Admittedly, [before i get flamed] it is disturbing and unfair that code written with such reasonable and understandable intent gets pushed into the realm of "piracy". However, with the recent plethora of court cases and laws mandating that anything against the corporate interest or without respect for commercial entities attempting to ream the consumer for every cent they are worth, why not throw up your hands and ditch this line in the source:
report bugs and comments to yourname@whatever??
I rest assured that the recent decisions of courts and corporations will actually make it harder for them to keep tabs on what programs are available and how, simply due to the fear they promote. I.e., If I was pavolich, i would rescind to the demands and just release all further code anonymously and underground. In fact, I see that a lot of "controversial" code such as this would probably benefit from anonymity.
if they want to take away your rights and act in an unethical manner, counteract them in the easiest way possible. insist on your rights, and provide the ability to others regardless and via whatever means available.
why don't these coders see it this way? Anyone care to tell me what is holding back these people? It just seems like strange irony. These programmers are to "honest" or maybe "proud" to not put their name on their work. Whereas the company suing them is about as dishonest and non-consumer oriented as possible.
It think that it is probably long past due for the scientists and engineers that have been continually bullied around by corporate power-whores to start using the same tactics against them. It is unfortunate also. It is too bad that the methodology of "sue first, ask questions later" is so close to enveloping the last holdouts for common sense:
Its not really censorship. They are trying to protect frivolous (and unethical) copyrights, not censoring free speech. They have no power to tell somebody what they can or cannot say, just that it is illegal (thanks to politicians working for money) to circumvent giving them (the RIAA) a large portion of the money spent on overpriced CDs. I.e.: they would be censoring if they came to this forum (slashdot) and got all the negative posts about them deleted. As it is, they are just being short-sighted corporate ***holes whose greed and control are put in front of anything else.
oh wait. that means that they are generally just like any other American company--just with considerably more money.
its really quite depressing.
The real problem (if i may venture out on a limb) is that the American public has shown for a considerable length of time now that they simply do not care how the corporations are taking over the legal system, and in effect, the entire country. Politicians pander to those with more money, true, but in the end that is only because they know none of the people who elect them care enough to not vote for them again even if their time in office reeked of scams and "dirty deals". However, if people really did react and take part in the political system, if people reacted by booting money-whores and corporate stooges out of office, you can bet the new lawmakers would work harder for the people.
Unfortunately, apathy and cynicism are rampant. It is a LOT of work and pain to struggle against the power of lobbyists and corporations. It is up to the people though.
It is so easy to sit here and bitch and moan about how the country is being chiseled away by corporate power. Even if you don't want to get off your chair and struggle yourself, support those who do: EFF, ACLU, 2600, Refuse and Resist etc... That is how you change things.
Cynicism and belief that the fight is hopeless are what we should really be moaning about...
Well, not surprisingly anyhow, the Green Bay Packers probably have the best attendence and loyalty of any team in the NFL, simply because they are "part of the community" (and also, i'd bet, because they are "owned" by the community). I'd buy stock just to show my support. Naturally however, as a bonus to Mandrake, I would be hard-pressed to buy from any other linux distributor.
As someone who works in and around NASA, this move doesn't seem to surprising to me at all.
The reasoning for this move are, although sad, is rather obvious. People are not as interested in the space program anymore. Why?
It is the combination of two things. First, the average American does not find space exploration exciting unless it is just that: exploration. Experiments and equipment testing, although necessary, just does not garner widespread public attention. This is an interesting catch-22 in our American society--the fact that people are so horrified when things go wrong (challenger) and blame lack of safety measurements etc, only to cut funding when not enough "exciting" missions occur in rapid succession. You can't have both, IMO.
More importantly, the American people, and their associated representatives have been brainwashed into thinking that any money given to NASA is a frivolous investment, the funding of which could be better used on other programs. The idea that "space is our future" rarely applies anymore unless people see incredible advancements on a rapid schedule or politicians can find some political reasoning to voice their support.
Which brings me to my second point. NASA has some real problems. Management fads are at the extreme in and around JSC. Politics and "pseudo-marketing" (hard to say NASA really "markets" anything, i hope you catch the distinction) have overrun the opinions and agendas of scientists and engineers. Which is where NASA's slogan of "better, cheaper, faster" becomes the biggest oxymoron in the world. NASA designs what must be some of the most complex, and most advanced machinery in the world. Not only that, but this machinery must withstand and incredible environment few can even fully comprehend. If you have read anything on the problems associated with building and designing the ISS, it is fairly plain to see that the technical achievment is very impressive. However, even with such incredible design potential, corners were cut that seem ridiculous in comparison to the money already spent. Likewise, the idea that "budget overrruns" are anything but to be expected in designing a reusable spacecraft is, IMO, ludicrous. Management yells, "we want safety and perfection!", and at the same time "hurry up!". The X-33 and 34 were great ideas that would have sped up and IMO, revitalized the space program. However, I'm sure that "public opinion experts" and budgeting gurus have stamped out these programs in favor of something more flashy like Mars exploration. Just don't be surprised if that runs way overbudget too.
although the RIAA likes to trample all over services like napster for "hurting the artist" and "stealing from the artist", the only real people who lose money are the gozo-millionaire types who run the labels. Courtney Love realized this a while back and tried to sue her label for "her piece of the pie" which supposedly the label was fighting for. Although I am sure she lost, the irony is just sickening.
those who are claiming to help the "starving artist" take 97 cents to the dollar for their "services". out of the frying pan and into the fire.
could we then file a class action suit against british telecom for every broken hyperlink ever?
this suit is so retarded it hurts. when did technology fall from the hands of righteous nerds into stupid lawyers and corporate idiots?
tis a sad day.
--rhad
i always liked the fact that the RIAA kept yelling and screaming that mp3 tech. would ruin sales of CDs etc... and then there annual profits for that quarter was the best ever in terms of sales. more CDs sold then ever before and at HIGHER prices i refuse to buy another 16 dollar CD by companies that rip-off legitamite artists and consumers alike. phooey on that. --rhad
"M$ knows that if they go...split up sooner i really doubt that msoft will be split up. the DOJ's demands are (as usual) way too broad to be accepted by the appeals court. the problem (IMHO) is that the DOJ doesn't quite understand the software industry's processes. amazingly, i would have to agree "slightly" with M$ on the ruling. in terms of "rights" to company code, the DOJ has no right to limit what M$ has to open-source, or not combine. M$ wrote the program, and they can do whatever they want with it. now, admittedly they haven't by any means played fair, but i would hate that if I wrote a copyrighted program that turned super-popular, the DOJ could force me to open it up to other developers. I wrote it, you can't make money off it unless I give you liscense. the DOJ should base there case on M$'s bullying of companies and control over OEMs through threats and money etc... the points about not letting OEMs customize windoze etc. are just silly and will probably ruin the case. just my 2-bits --rhad
Slashdot Mirror
rhad
Tell the conference organizers to meet in Russia from now on as they harbor a more "free" and innovative environment. irony of ironies...
-------------rhad, a poor US college student destined to either leave the fucked up US or go to jail for wanting to be anonymous, speaking out and protesting corporations hellbent on a "fuck the individual" policy, and dreaming of a government that actually cares about the people who made it possible, rather then a plethora of corporate whores who can add money to their demands, as opposed to just a signature.
PS: It distresses me personally as to who is to be found accountable. Apathy is so rampant. No one cares. We have the power, but just dont give a damn... Its terribly depressing.
Say I blow a lot of coin and build the DES cracker explained in the EFF's little book. Am I not liable for circumventing the copyright regardless of the fact that I did not design the machine? Even more importantly, the necessary mechanism to prosecute him is already available... See post #21 on the same topic, titled "ferguson's mistake". I have a nasty feeling that he is more then likely screwed once the code is publicly cracked regardless of his statements here...
point: I would never release a "demonstration" either. It is too risky. how sad.
-----rhad
Did you read the article or his essay?
--------------rhad
that story is at the register.
----rhad
Why do you buy a product? You were informed about it. By who? Under what influence? Think about the ungodly amount of information and awareness manipulation [yes you are manipulated!] that occurs everyday. Feeling unhappy? Buy a car! Feeling ugly? You need makeup and plastic surgery! Consumerism, folks...
The web (but not necessarily seanbaby :) causes this flow of information [read--propoganda] to become a fictional pastime of greedy corporations. If you can find true accounts and reports, rather than a stem of corporate sponsored media and advertisment, suddently the consumer is aware and a little smarter. Even better, imagine a society where consumerism in't the name of the game, and happiness/enlightenment/existance involves more then just a sale at the mall...
Ah, the informed consumer. What America as a culture needs, but what america as a business fears...
----------------rhad
-rhad
the ever cynical, [and getting more so everyday]
--------rhad
Writing articles on subject you are totally ignorant of without any forethought as to the outcome.
Katz--get a grip. You have gone a little far here in attempting to create a "scary" story of the internet's "terrible ramifications". Stick to ranting about corporations and American government. At least then you sound like just a "conspiracy nut". Here you sound just misinformed and misguided. I leave the examples to others. They have already pointed the majority of them out.
-----------------rhad
Admittedly, [before i get flamed] it is disturbing and unfair that code written with such reasonable and understandable intent gets pushed into the realm of "piracy". However, with the recent plethora of court cases and laws mandating that anything against the corporate interest or without respect for commercial entities attempting to ream the consumer for every cent they are worth, why not throw up your hands and ditch this line in the source:
report bugs and comments to yourname@whatever??
I rest assured that the recent decisions of courts and corporations will actually make it harder for them to keep tabs on what programs are available and how, simply due to the fear they promote. I.e., If I was pavolich, i would rescind to the demands and just release all further code anonymously and underground. In fact, I see that a lot of "controversial" code such as this would probably benefit from anonymity.
if they want to take away your rights and act in an unethical manner, counteract them in the easiest way possible. insist on your rights, and provide the ability to others regardless and via whatever means available.
why don't these coders see it this way? Anyone care to tell me what is holding back these people? It just seems like strange irony. These programmers are to "honest" or maybe "proud" to not put their name on their work. Whereas the company suing them is about as dishonest and non-consumer oriented as possible.
weird.
please enlighten me...
rhad
Obviously they want reactions to the "enhanced" media without potential lawsuits mixed in.
------------------rhad
"You have the right to make backups of this media, but that does not mean the company has to make that process available to you"
------rhad
1) take a few good points
2) add some paranoid delusions of corporate takeover, mind control, ineffectual government etc.
3) throw in some foreboding words and "horrible things to come"
4) make good points get lost in the wave of nausea induced upon readers due to steps 2 and 3
this one seemed a little more crazy from the offset however, so at least he is warning us now.
--rhad
the researchers and designers themselves.
just my opinion,
rhad
oh wait. that means that they are generally just like any other American company--just with considerably more money.
its really quite depressing.
The real problem (if i may venture out on a limb) is that the American public has shown for a considerable length of time now that they simply do not care how the corporations are taking over the legal system, and in effect, the entire country. Politicians pander to those with more money, true, but in the end that is only because they know none of the people who elect them care enough to not vote for them again even if their time in office reeked of scams and "dirty deals". However, if people really did react and take part in the political system, if people reacted by booting money-whores and corporate stooges out of office, you can bet the new lawmakers would work harder for the people.
Unfortunately, apathy and cynicism are rampant. It is a LOT of work and pain to struggle against the power of lobbyists and corporations. It is up to the people though.
It is so easy to sit here and bitch and moan about how the country is being chiseled away by corporate power. Even if you don't want to get off your chair and struggle yourself, support those who do: EFF, ACLU, 2600, Refuse and Resist etc... That is how you change things.
Cynicism and belief that the fight is hopeless are what we should really be moaning about...
Just my opinion.
--rhad
Sounds like a cool idea...
--rhad
The reasoning for this move are, although sad, is rather obvious. People are not as interested in the space program anymore. Why?
It is the combination of two things. First, the average American does not find space exploration exciting unless it is just that: exploration. Experiments and equipment testing, although necessary, just does not garner widespread public attention. This is an interesting catch-22 in our American society--the fact that people are so horrified when things go wrong (challenger) and blame lack of safety measurements etc, only to cut funding when not enough "exciting" missions occur in rapid succession. You can't have both, IMO.
More importantly, the American people, and their associated representatives have been brainwashed into thinking that any money given to NASA is a frivolous investment, the funding of which could be better used on other programs. The idea that "space is our future" rarely applies anymore unless people see incredible advancements on a rapid schedule or politicians can find some political reasoning to voice their support.
Which brings me to my second point. NASA has some real problems. Management fads are at the extreme in and around JSC. Politics and "pseudo-marketing" (hard to say NASA really "markets" anything, i hope you catch the distinction) have overrun the opinions and agendas of scientists and engineers. Which is where NASA's slogan of "better, cheaper, faster" becomes the biggest oxymoron in the world. NASA designs what must be some of the most complex, and most advanced machinery in the world. Not only that, but this machinery must withstand and incredible environment few can even fully comprehend. If you have read anything on the problems associated with building and designing the ISS, it is fairly plain to see that the technical achievment is very impressive. However, even with such incredible design potential, corners were cut that seem ridiculous in comparison to the money already spent. Likewise, the idea that "budget overrruns" are anything but to be expected in designing a reusable spacecraft is, IMO, ludicrous. Management yells, "we want safety and perfection!", and at the same time "hurry up!". The X-33 and 34 were great ideas that would have sped up and IMO, revitalized the space program. However, I'm sure that "public opinion experts" and budgeting gurus have stamped out these programs in favor of something more flashy like Mars exploration. Just don't be surprised if that runs way overbudget too.
--rhad
although the RIAA likes to trample all over services like napster for "hurting the artist" and "stealing from the artist", the only real people who lose money are the gozo-millionaire types who run the labels. Courtney Love realized this a while back and tried to sue her label for "her piece of the pie" which supposedly the label was fighting for. Although I am sure she lost, the irony is just sickening.
those who are claiming to help the "starving artist" take 97 cents to the dollar for their "services". out of the frying pan and into the fire.
--rhad
--rhad_the wumpus hunter
that game rocked!--i miss the wumpus...
i totally agree
could we then file a class action suit against british telecom for every broken hyperlink ever? this suit is so retarded it hurts. when did technology fall from the hands of righteous nerds into stupid lawyers and corporate idiots? tis a sad day. --rhad
i always liked the fact that the RIAA kept yelling and screaming that mp3 tech. would ruin sales of CDs etc... and then there annual profits for that quarter was the best ever in terms of sales. more CDs sold then ever before and at HIGHER prices i refuse to buy another 16 dollar CD by companies that rip-off legitamite artists and consumers alike. phooey on that. --rhad
"M$ knows that if they go...split up sooner i really doubt that msoft will be split up. the DOJ's demands are (as usual) way too broad to be accepted by the appeals court. the problem (IMHO) is that the DOJ doesn't quite understand the software industry's processes. amazingly, i would have to agree "slightly" with M$ on the ruling. in terms of "rights" to company code, the DOJ has no right to limit what M$ has to open-source, or not combine. M$ wrote the program, and they can do whatever they want with it. now, admittedly they haven't by any means played fair, but i would hate that if I wrote a copyrighted program that turned super-popular, the DOJ could force me to open it up to other developers. I wrote it, you can't make money off it unless I give you liscense. the DOJ should base there case on M$'s bullying of companies and control over OEMs through threats and money etc... the points about not letting OEMs customize windoze etc. are just silly and will probably ruin the case. just my 2-bits --rhad