Sure you can make a server or firewall out of pre-pentium computer. But how many people need those? (Ans: Only a few geeks would bother) And can you really do anything else with them? (Ans: No)
In my experience, a 486 (or 68040) or below isn't worth the energy it takes to run them (especially considering today's energy situation), or the space to keep them around.
I completely agree. In fact, I think this policy should apply to ALL products, not just computers, here in America. Perhaps the best single method to make our lifestyle less wasteful is to include the full environmental cost of cleaning up after it in the price of every item. And SHOW that price on the item, so they know just how much it is. It would encourage both producers and consumers to be more mindful in order to save money, and on top of that could actually reduce taxes by creating less cleanup jobs for the government.
Environmental cost may be difficult to determine (and you can bet the companies will try to get away with all they can), and preventing exploitation of the system by the garbage companies (which are in at least one large city run by the mafia) might be tricky, but it beats spotty here-and-there legislation.
These direct recycling programs for electronic appliances are a great start, and are easy to implement since you don't even have to determine cost. Expanding the system to include all electronic appliances would be simple, and could really jump-start the 3rd-party recycling industry.
It may look good, but I seriously doubt you could bring the durability up to spec. First of all, all those detachable parts (particularly the touchpad) are just begging to be lost, and since they are proprietary designs you won't be able to replace them easily.
More importantly, the way the monitor/base part of the unit is designed looks inherently fragile. There are way too many opportunities and ways to break those two sets of hinges -
1) If they break on their own due to heavy use. Since the hinges flex in opposite directions, it would be too easy to push them the wrong direction.
2) If you push down on top of the screen while it's in desktop mode, you'll put way too much stress on the hinges. Of course, gravity will be doing this all the time.
4) It looks like all it would take is a very small push near the top to knock this expensive piece of hardware over (forwards or backwards), which would be bad enough except that the three parts then have plenty of opportunity to bang against each other. And since the screen, electronics, and drives are all in that unit they could be easily damaged.
Take it from me, broken hinges suck. They shouldn't push their luck.
cryptochrome
Farscape is way better anyways.
on
Voyager Eulogy
·
· Score: 3
Seriously, when Star Trek was started people were overly idealistic and special effects were limited. Those two things have been bogging the franchise down ever since. And frankly, I thought DS9 was the best of the bunch, simply because it actually had a plot and characters that went somewhere, even if the station did not.
In any case, Farscape is by far the best SF on TV yet in all ways, much better than trek, and consistently so. (The only things that came close were Alien Nation, which was very subtle and thoughtful, and Babylon 5, which was epic and diverse).
I hadn't realized that Australia and New Zealand were in another region entirely from 1 and 2. If anyone is going to get this party started it will have to be folks like you and the quebecian francophones, who are really being hurt by the standard and have the clout to do something about it.
Unfortunately I doubt if it would be easy to get the ball rolling on region elimination here in the US that easily, simply because it affects us the least. Sure, there are a lot of snipey anime fans and foreign film buffs, but they don't have much clout. Those folks also know where to find multiregion players (although I challenge you to find one current DVD-equipped laptop that can be safely modified) And as evidenced by the fact that the MPAA managed to push through a feature that really only served them (region coding) on a foreign company (Sony) whose entertainment choices weren't even protected by the regions (anyone in europe can get them if they don't mind Japanese), it will be an uphill battle. So make some noise enough to attract the press.
The following was in response to a question similar to my previous statement, which I received very promptly from Iam Walmsley:
You are correct in the statement that the scalability of our experiment is no better than that of a classical system. (I don't think the UR News Release claimed otherwise, did it? If so, I'd better check with our PR people!) The point is really a different one:
First, we have shown formally that any information processing system based on quantum interference alone (e.g. a single Rydberg atom, or a single photon) can be implemented with equal efficiency with an all-optical interferometer. The important physics here is to realize that with a quantum computer the information in the register has no reality until you read it out, and so you must account for the readout resources in determining the efficiency of the computer.
Second, we implemented an all optical version of Bucksbaum's Rydberg atom Grover search to show that our hypothesis is correct. The resource scaling in both is slightly better than that of Grover's second search algorithm, since we do not need the inversion-about-the-mean operation he proposed. Instead, we use part of the input as a reference beam and make use of interference to do the phase-to-amplitude conversion.
This might leave one with the impression that all interference based schemes, including those based on quantum interference alone, can never do better than a classical machine. But recent articles by D. Meyer (PRL, 2000) and E. Knill et al (Nature, 2001) show that interference without entanglement can be used to advantage over classical computers. Therefore we are now seeking to implement the algorithms they analyze optically, and to provide a measure for evaluating the resources needed for them.
Hope this helps - rest assured we are certainly not claiming that we can do everything full-blown quantum computers can, only those that are based on single-particle interference alone.
Parenthetically, one can look for a single marked element in a database of 2^50 items using our method quite easily, provided the database is binary encoded to begin with. But such encoding schemes are also available in classical machines. For unary encoding we are limited to 50-element databases. Perhaps this is what you meant in your second paragraph.
The recombinant beam isn't compared to the original beam. When you recombine the two beams you create interference. Depending on how you set it up, the interference could be constructive or destructive for the target or background frequencies. In other words, you can rig it so that only the correct frequency will make it through, and either a)detect frequency directly to determine which value is correct or b)use a prism to spread the beam again and project it against a wide detector and see which frequencies are appearing/not appearing, and thus which is correct.
While this is a neat trick, it isn't readily scalable and thus will be of limited use compared to a quantum computer. It is working in parallel, but with only 50 values. You could expand that number by using multiple units, but based on the capabilities quoted in the article the system can only be scaled linearly, while a quantum computer can scale exponentially.
Now if the can/do have a way to use those 50+ bits exponentially, that's a whole other story. All of this depends on how the data is stored within the tellurium dioxide and thus how it affects the light traveling through it representing the database. Although the method indicated is a linear search the article seems to indicate that it has much more potential.
In any case, either the article overstated things or did not report the technique correctly.
If you insulate it properly you could probably just use the heat from the servers and powerplant to warm it to room temperature. Of course you'll need a backup heater in case everything gets shut down, who knows how being way below freezing would affect things.
Alternatively, you could set the place up to cool the solid state components separately from the drives.
Ever wonder WHY California is running out of power NOW? Guess what - it ain't environmentalists and it ain't oil shortages. It's a staggering increase in demand due to the increased number of electronic devices, in particular air conditioners and computers. Server farms are especially a problem. But instead of investing in more efficient chip designs like PowerPCs or Transmeta Crusoe processors, they run them off of hot, inefficient Pentium 3s, 4s, and so on. And now they're overclocking and water cooling them? For crying out loud, does your mp3 program really need that much?
No, the elevator would be stationary with regard to the earth's surface, not necessarily the magnetic field. And as you can see here, there is a huge difference in the shape of the magnetic field with regard to where the sun is. Thus every day you'd be going through huge variations in magnetic field strength. And if nothing else, fluctuations in the field would also have unpredictable effects, and likely cause all manner of stress and strain. This is another good FAQ.
Actually, nanotubes are NOT cohesive enough. In fact in nanotube composite materials, the tubes are so smooth and so non interactive that they slip around each other and any binding matrix. So I'm afraid we'll be needing that nanotube polymerase or polymerizing reaction or nanomachine constructor. Potentially some slight modifications may need to be made - if it's twice as strong as it needs to be, maybe we could compromise that strength a little by cross-linking them. If they were somewhat longer, weaving might also be an option. Perhaps carbon nanofibers (VGCF) would be easier to produce. How would they perform?
But there are other problems too. Nanotubes will degrade under certain high-energy conditions. Therefore they might not work so well in space. And finally, one of the forms of nanotubes is conducting. If you have an electrical conductor (the elevator wire) sweeping through a magnetic field (the earth's) you'll generate an electrical current in the conductor (high voltage, potentially useful) as well as mechanical force perpendicular to the magnetic field and the conductor (BIG problem). It wouldn't take long for that to be dragged down to earth. I'm not sure how the semiconductor form would hold up. Carbon nanofibers are very conductive too.
Microsoft could try this, but everyone is going to hate it, even if by some fluke it were actually more economical to everyone. The perception of the thing will be so negative it will have people flocking to alternatives in droves.
More importantly, when renewal time comes around people will be forced to consider the choice, wheras now they don't really think about it. How many do you think are going to choose microsoft when the time comes, especially if their monopolies are weakened?
No see, the movies do have to be damn good. Or more accurately, the movie and screen have to be damn good.
See, there is life beyond DVD and HDTV. Maybe you've heard of those prototype FMDs that can store a terrabyte on a disc, and could be used to distribute movie theater quality digital films. Also screen technology is rapidly improving in both ppi resolution and size. Think of a wallscreen a few meters in size and you get the idea.
The point is, this sort of monitor encryption won't have a chance to establish itself in the current climate because it's just not worth it on its own to the consumer. But it can piggyback on the next big thing. That's how we got DeCSS and region coding.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Slashdot should organize and publicize a formal boycott. The music industry (really the whole entertainment industry) is a nasty, anti-competitive business that screws artists and consumers alike. This corruption and monopolization of radio is just one more facet of the bigger problem. Keep in mind these are the same folks who are vigorously opposing low-power radio and undermining commercial internet broadcasting.
Slashdot has a lot of readers and therefore a lot of influence. We ought to get the ball rolling on a boycott of the industry, and show them who's boss.
The point about sorenson video not being licensed is tragic, but in case you didn't know, Sorenson doesn't even measure up to DivX. Despite its popularity, DivX is not a very good codec, playing it on macs is barely possible due to microsoft crippling, and there is no encoding option.
Fortunately, besides the new Sorenson 3 codec which should be improved, and an MPEG4 codec which should become available sometime soon for QT5, there are also several 3rd party codecs coming out which have much better performance. On2's VP3 codec is already available for multiple platforms, and there VP4 codec is due soon. VP3 is an excellent codec. Better yet, the folks who made the mac DivX player are now working on their own codec called 3ivx, which so far is already more advanced than many commercial codecs. They even are working on the OpenQuicktime project, which is meant for all *nix environments, and are developing the codec for as many platforms as they can, even the PS2! Beyond that there is also Project Mayo's open source OpenDivX, FastVDO's Allstream technology, and probably dozens of others.
Quicktime is the best multimedia file architecture which unfortunately has been hampered by slow codecs and a late start to streaming media. But don't assume sorenson is the only codec out there.
Wanting to watch and listen to what you want to is certainly a valid problem with this boycott idea. Unlike boycotts for material goods, there is no perfect alternative or substitute for a particular movie or album. But let's face it, that's what you'd have to give up. As long as you can't bear to be without that latest album, they'll have us over the barrel.
Personally, I don't mind the radio and I haven't wanted to watch a movie in some time ('cause they're mostly crap). I'm not saying that you should engage in what the corporations call "piracy" per se. I AM saying that we should cut off the flow of money to them. And we need to be very public about it. Individually choosing not to buy is good, but a mass action with media coverage that will bring in other people would be priceless. The uncertainty of a fiscal quarter with revenue slashed in half would probably be enough to start some real change.
So what should you do?
Borrow from a someone who already has it.
Put off your purchases for a fiscal quarter.
Cultivate an interest in music from indy labels.
Buy CDs directly from the band.
Corrupt youth.
Get a decent mp3 player to hook up to your car.
Make lots of noise.
Start or join a good hotline server.
and c'mon timothy, michael, CmdrTaco - slashdot has influence and power. Why not use it for something other than killing interesting websites?
Why aren't we formally boycotting the RIAA and MPAA yet? We talk alot about legal arguements and political wrangling, but let's face it, the corporations definitely have the edge there. But as consumers, we ultimately have control over the almighty dollar. We should show them who's boss.
It's not like we don't have a reason, what with all the bullying, monopolizing, and litigation they jerk us around with. It's not like their business models aren't totally outdated. And it's not like geeks don't have influence - particularly slashdot. We're some of their biggest consumers. Make enough of a ruckus, hit 'em in the pocketbook, and they'll bend. Hell, we might even be able to take them out and give control back to the artists.
Love 'n Stuff,
cryptochrome
P.S. And just something to consider - years ago there was this big corporate squabble between VHS and Betamax. Everyone said it was stupid and expensive to have two standards, which is why a single DVD standard was settled on early. Then they split it up into 8 standards (aka "Region codes"), meaning you can't watch movies from foreign countries without a new player. Jerks.
P.P.S. And now would be a great time to hurt the film and TV industry, what with the double whammy of writers and actors strikes.
Indrema was supposed to do DVD playback, CD playback, Tivo-type recording, and internet browsing, plus games. Of course, that's dead now. Possibly some of what they have developed may make its way to the open-source TuxBox, but that remains to be seen.
Apple has mentioned having the PC as a digital hub for various appliances - and they usually follow through on those sorts of pronouncements. They already have their own CD-ripping and DVD-making software and hardware too. (I wouldn't count on DVD ripping software from any company just yet though). It's not out of the question that we could see, at the very least, digital recievers/tuners/recorder/player combos that allow PC control and data exchange.
TIVO style personal tv capability was one of the things that made indrema interesting. But there's no mention of it with Tuxbox. I hope that's not gone and if so, I hope they bring it back. TIVO, replay, and ultimate TV boxes cost way too much individually and their subscription fees are ridiculous and unnecessary.
Slashdot Mirror
Sure you can make a server or firewall out of pre-pentium computer. But how many people need those? (Ans: Only a few geeks would bother) And can you really do anything else with them? (Ans: No)
In my experience, a 486 (or 68040) or below isn't worth the energy it takes to run them (especially considering today's energy situation), or the space to keep them around.
cryptochrome
I completely agree. In fact, I think this policy should apply to ALL products, not just computers, here in America. Perhaps the best single method to make our lifestyle less wasteful is to include the full environmental cost of cleaning up after it in the price of every item. And SHOW that price on the item, so they know just how much it is. It would encourage both producers and consumers to be more mindful in order to save money, and on top of that could actually reduce taxes by creating less cleanup jobs for the government.
Environmental cost may be difficult to determine (and you can bet the companies will try to get away with all they can), and preventing exploitation of the system by the garbage companies (which are in at least one large city run by the mafia) might be tricky, but it beats spotty here-and-there legislation.
These direct recycling programs for electronic appliances are a great start, and are easy to implement since you don't even have to determine cost. Expanding the system to include all electronic appliances would be simple, and could really jump-start the 3rd-party recycling industry.
cryptochrome
Nah, pr0n doesn't use the keyboard that much. Cybersex, on the other hand...
From the latin: "it happened after so it was caused by". A fairly common and fallacious argument, confusing cause and effect.
Methinks you should read about Carl Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit.
cryptochromeIt may look good, but I seriously doubt you could bring the durability up to spec. First of all, all those detachable parts (particularly the touchpad) are just begging to be lost, and since they are proprietary designs you won't be able to replace them easily.
More importantly, the way the monitor/base part of the unit is designed looks inherently fragile. There are way too many opportunities and ways to break those two sets of hinges -
1) If they break on their own due to heavy use. Since the hinges flex in opposite directions, it would be too easy to push them the wrong direction.
2) If you push down on top of the screen while it's in desktop mode, you'll put way too much stress on the hinges. Of course, gravity will be doing this all the time.
4) It looks like all it would take is a very small push near the top to knock this expensive piece of hardware over (forwards or backwards), which would be bad enough except that the three parts then have plenty of opportunity to bang against each other. And since the screen, electronics, and drives are all in that unit they could be easily damaged.
Take it from me, broken hinges suck. They shouldn't push their luck.
cryptochrome
Seriously, when Star Trek was started people were overly idealistic and special effects were limited. Those two things have been bogging the franchise down ever since. And frankly, I thought DS9 was the best of the bunch, simply because it actually had a plot and characters that went somewhere, even if the station did not.
In any case, Farscape is by far the best SF on TV yet in all ways, much better than trek, and consistently so. (The only things that came close were Alien Nation, which was very subtle and thoughtful, and Babylon 5, which was epic and diverse).
I hadn't realized that Australia and New Zealand were in another region entirely from 1 and 2. If anyone is going to get this party started it will have to be folks like you and the quebecian francophones, who are really being hurt by the standard and have the clout to do something about it.
Unfortunately I doubt if it would be easy to get the ball rolling on region elimination here in the US that easily, simply because it affects us the least. Sure, there are a lot of snipey anime fans and foreign film buffs, but they don't have much clout. Those folks also know where to find multiregion players (although I challenge you to find one current DVD-equipped laptop that can be safely modified) And as evidenced by the fact that the MPAA managed to push through a feature that really only served them (region coding) on a foreign company (Sony) whose entertainment choices weren't even protected by the regions (anyone in europe can get them if they don't mind Japanese), it will be an uphill battle. So make some noise enough to attract the press.
cryptochrome
Unfortunately articles don't last too long on slashdot... Iam was quick to respond, but not quick enough I'm afraid.
cryptochrome
The following was in response to a question similar to my previous statement, which I received very promptly from Iam Walmsley:
You are correct in the statement that the scalability of our experiment is no better than that of a classical system. (I don't think the UR News Release claimed otherwise, did it? If so, I'd better check with our PR people!) The point is really a different one:
First, we have shown formally that any information processing system based on quantum interference alone (e.g. a single Rydberg atom, or a single photon) can be implemented with equal efficiency with an all-optical interferometer. The important physics here is to realize that with a quantum computer the information in the register has no reality until you read it out, and so you must account for the readout resources in determining the efficiency of the computer.
Second, we implemented an all optical version of Bucksbaum's Rydberg atom Grover search to show that our hypothesis is correct. The resource scaling in both is slightly better than that of Grover's second search algorithm, since we do not need the inversion-about-the-mean operation he proposed. Instead, we use part of the input as a reference beam and make use of interference to do the phase-to-amplitude conversion.
This might leave one with the impression that all interference based schemes, including those based on quantum interference alone, can never do better than a classical machine. But recent articles by D. Meyer (PRL, 2000) and E. Knill et al (Nature, 2001) show that interference without entanglement can be used to advantage over classical computers. Therefore we are now seeking to implement the algorithms they analyze optically, and to provide a measure for evaluating the resources needed for them.
Hope this helps - rest assured we are certainly not claiming that we can do everything full-blown quantum computers can, only those that are based on single-particle interference alone.
Parenthetically, one can look for a single marked element in a database of 2^50 items using our method quite easily, provided the database is binary encoded to begin with. But such encoding schemes are also available in classical machines. For unary encoding we are limited to 50-element databases. Perhaps this is what you meant in your second paragraph.
Best regards
IAW
Your groans are payment enough :)
cryptochrome
The recombinant beam isn't compared to the original beam. When you recombine the two beams you create interference. Depending on how you set it up, the interference could be constructive or destructive for the target or background frequencies. In other words, you can rig it so that only the correct frequency will make it through, and either a)detect frequency directly to determine which value is correct or b)use a prism to spread the beam again and project it against a wide detector and see which frequencies are appearing/not appearing, and thus which is correct.
While this is a neat trick, it isn't readily scalable and thus will be of limited use compared to a quantum computer. It is working in parallel, but with only 50 values. You could expand that number by using multiple units, but based on the capabilities quoted in the article the system can only be scaled linearly, while a quantum computer can scale exponentially.
Now if the can/do have a way to use those 50+ bits exponentially, that's a whole other story. All of this depends on how the data is stored within the tellurium dioxide and thus how it affects the light traveling through it representing the database. Although the method indicated is a linear search the article seems to indicate that it has much more potential.
In any case, either the article overstated things or did not report the technique correctly.
cryptochrome
If you insulate it properly you could probably just use the heat from the servers and powerplant to warm it to room temperature. Of course you'll need a backup heater in case everything gets shut down, who knows how being way below freezing would affect things.
Alternatively, you could set the place up to cool the solid state components separately from the drives.
cryptochrome
Funny how an offhand comment can get you severe disciplining or even expulsion at school, but an administrator can threaten jail with impunity.
Ever wonder WHY California is running out of power NOW? Guess what - it ain't environmentalists and it ain't oil shortages. It's a staggering increase in demand due to the increased number of electronic devices, in particular air conditioners and computers. Server farms are especially a problem. But instead of investing in more efficient chip designs like PowerPCs or Transmeta Crusoe processors, they run them off of hot, inefficient Pentium 3s, 4s, and so on. And now they're overclocking and water cooling them? For crying out loud, does your mp3 program really need that much?
cryptochrome
No, the elevator would be stationary with regard to the earth's surface, not necessarily the magnetic field. And as you can see here, there is a huge difference in the shape of the magnetic field with regard to where the sun is. Thus every day you'd be going through huge variations in magnetic field strength. And if nothing else, fluctuations in the field would also have unpredictable effects, and likely cause all manner of stress and strain. This is another good FAQ.
cryptochromeActually, nanotubes are NOT cohesive enough. In fact in nanotube composite materials, the tubes are so smooth and so non interactive that they slip around each other and any binding matrix. So I'm afraid we'll be needing that nanotube polymerase or polymerizing reaction or nanomachine constructor. Potentially some slight modifications may need to be made - if it's twice as strong as it needs to be, maybe we could compromise that strength a little by cross-linking them. If they were somewhat longer, weaving might also be an option. Perhaps carbon nanofibers (VGCF) would be easier to produce. How would they perform?
But there are other problems too. Nanotubes will degrade under certain high-energy conditions. Therefore they might not work so well in space. And finally, one of the forms of nanotubes is conducting. If you have an electrical conductor (the elevator wire) sweeping through a magnetic field (the earth's) you'll generate an electrical current in the conductor (high voltage, potentially useful) as well as mechanical force perpendicular to the magnetic field and the conductor (BIG problem). It wouldn't take long for that to be dragged down to earth. I'm not sure how the semiconductor form would hold up. Carbon nanofibers are very conductive too.
cryptochrome
Microsoft could try this, but everyone is going to hate it, even if by some fluke it were actually more economical to everyone. The perception of the thing will be so negative it will have people flocking to alternatives in droves.
More importantly, when renewal time comes around people will be forced to consider the choice, wheras now they don't really think about it. How many do you think are going to choose microsoft when the time comes, especially if their monopolies are weakened?
cryptochrome
No see, the movies do have to be damn good. Or more accurately, the movie and screen have to be damn good.
See, there is life beyond DVD and HDTV. Maybe you've heard of those prototype FMDs that can store a terrabyte on a disc, and could be used to distribute movie theater quality digital films. Also screen technology is rapidly improving in both ppi resolution and size. Think of a wallscreen a few meters in size and you get the idea.
The point is, this sort of monitor encryption won't have a chance to establish itself in the current climate because it's just not worth it on its own to the consumer. But it can piggyback on the next big thing. That's how we got DeCSS and region coding.
cryptochrome
Dear slashdot users and moderators,
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Slashdot should organize and publicize a formal boycott. The music industry (really the whole entertainment industry) is a nasty, anti-competitive business that screws artists and consumers alike. This corruption and monopolization of radio is just one more facet of the bigger problem. Keep in mind these are the same folks who are vigorously opposing low-power radio and undermining commercial internet broadcasting.
Slashdot has a lot of readers and therefore a lot of influence. We ought to get the ball rolling on a boycott of the industry, and show them who's boss.
Love n' stuff,
cryptochrome
The point about sorenson video not being licensed is tragic, but in case you didn't know, Sorenson doesn't even measure up to DivX. Despite its popularity, DivX is not a very good codec, playing it on macs is barely possible due to microsoft crippling, and there is no encoding option.
Fortunately, besides the new Sorenson 3 codec which should be improved, and an MPEG4 codec which should become available sometime soon for QT5, there are also several 3rd party codecs coming out which have much better performance. On2's VP3 codec is already available for multiple platforms, and there VP4 codec is due soon. VP3 is an excellent codec. Better yet, the folks who made the mac DivX player are now working on their own codec called 3ivx, which so far is already more advanced than many commercial codecs. They even are working on the OpenQuicktime project, which is meant for all *nix environments, and are developing the codec for as many platforms as they can, even the PS2! Beyond that there is also Project Mayo's open source OpenDivX, FastVDO's Allstream technology, and probably dozens of others.
Quicktime is the best multimedia file architecture which unfortunately has been hampered by slow codecs and a late start to streaming media. But don't assume sorenson is the only codec out there.
cryptochrome
Wanting to watch and listen to what you want to is certainly a valid problem with this boycott idea. Unlike boycotts for material goods, there is no perfect alternative or substitute for a particular movie or album. But let's face it, that's what you'd have to give up. As long as you can't bear to be without that latest album, they'll have us over the barrel.
Personally, I don't mind the radio and I haven't wanted to watch a movie in some time ('cause they're mostly crap). I'm not saying that you should engage in what the corporations call "piracy" per se. I AM saying that we should cut off the flow of money to them. And we need to be very public about it. Individually choosing not to buy is good, but a mass action with media coverage that will bring in other people would be priceless. The uncertainty of a fiscal quarter with revenue slashed in half would probably be enough to start some real change.
So what should you do?
Borrow from a someone who already has it.
Put off your purchases for a fiscal quarter.
Cultivate an interest in music from indy labels.
Buy CDs directly from the band.
Corrupt youth.
Get a decent mp3 player to hook up to your car.
Make lots of noise.
Start or join a good hotline server.
and c'mon timothy, michael, CmdrTaco - slashdot has influence and power. Why not use it for something other than killing interesting websites?
cryptochrome
It may be dangerous sometimes and always contentious, but it beats having others think for me. I'm glad I live in America.
cryptochrome
Dear Slashdot users and moderators,
Why aren't we formally boycotting the RIAA and MPAA yet? We talk alot about legal arguements and political wrangling, but let's face it, the corporations definitely have the edge there. But as consumers, we ultimately have control over the almighty dollar. We should show them who's boss.
It's not like we don't have a reason, what with all the bullying, monopolizing, and litigation they jerk us around with. It's not like their business models aren't totally outdated. And it's not like geeks don't have influence - particularly slashdot. We're some of their biggest consumers. Make enough of a ruckus, hit 'em in the pocketbook, and they'll bend. Hell, we might even be able to take them out and give control back to the artists.
Love 'n Stuff,
cryptochrome
P.S. And just something to consider - years ago there was this big corporate squabble between VHS and Betamax. Everyone said it was stupid and expensive to have two standards, which is why a single DVD standard was settled on early. Then they split it up into 8 standards (aka "Region codes"), meaning you can't watch movies from foreign countries without a new player. Jerks.
P.P.S. And now would be a great time to hurt the film and TV industry, what with the double whammy of writers and actors strikes.
Indrema was supposed to do DVD playback, CD playback, Tivo-type recording, and internet browsing, plus games. Of course, that's dead now. Possibly some of what they have developed may make its way to the open-source TuxBox, but that remains to be seen.
Apple has mentioned having the PC as a digital hub for various appliances - and they usually follow through on those sorts of pronouncements. They already have their own CD-ripping and DVD-making software and hardware too. (I wouldn't count on DVD ripping software from any company just yet though). It's not out of the question that we could see, at the very least, digital recievers/tuners/recorder/player combos that allow PC control and data exchange.
cryptochrome
TIVO style personal tv capability was one of the things that made indrema interesting. But there's no mention of it with Tuxbox. I hope that's not gone and if so, I hope they bring it back. TIVO, replay, and ultimate TV boxes cost way too much individually and their subscription fees are ridiculous and unnecessary.
cryptochrome