Well, most likely any attempt at prosecuting you would fail. However IANAL so don't trust me on that one. You should be all right if you keep a low profile, but then again you've posted on slashdot already so that's out of the question. At least you'd have the comfort of knowing that if they did try to book you on DMCA infringement you've have the entire Slashdot Crowd TM behind you:)
Pardon the inline HTML but the slashcode seems to strip the <sup> tag.
I actually saw (back when TechTV was called CTVN, before it was ZDTV), a host for a show on CTVN (Computer Television Network) get a letter from someone asking how "GIF" the file format should be pronounced. He said something along the lines of only a true geek would want to know, so he asked. He sent a letter to CompuServe and got a reply stating that GIF the file format should be pronounced like JIF, as in the Peanut Butter.
Depends no the phrasing, but you might still be abiding. If it says "1 device may be connected to the cable modem," then I'm thinking almost anything goes. A hub is a single device, never mind that it allows you to connect more devices. The same holds true for switches and especially routers. Cripes, with a router (and a layer 2 switch to a certain extent), the other side is on a completely different physical subnet. You only have 1 device attached to the cable modem, it's just providing you with another interface to set up another network. They're connected at layer 3, but at layer 1, they're separate networks.
I really think this is the kind of way that OSS could win out in the end over closed proprietary software. When one OSS group does somethign innovative, new, etc, the other guys will either try to "one-up them" (disregard the reasons here) or say to them "hey, that's a great idea, mind if we implement it here?" Basically OSS development just keeps going with thousands of programmers each contributing what they know. Isn't this a major point of OSS anyway? Not to flat out "beat the commercial competition" but rather to develop the best software possible with the help of others? We have multiple OpenSource operating systems, and we have healthy competition in them (something the commercial market is currently lacking). As long as one side keeps innovating (must...refrain...), development will make leaps and bounds as the competition tries to improve upon the other to "better their market share".
Funny you mention the lack of write protect features on hard drives...I was actually wondering where that feature went! I have an old SCSI drive with a write protect jumper that I have actually used on occasion to prevent myself from doing silly things like that.
Anyone know any HDs that still have a drive enforced write protect? I'd think that extra feature might end up as a selling point in some markets.
A great use however would be for dictation of hand written material. OCR isn't nearly as accurate for hand written material as it is for typed, and, as you said, a person can speak continuously making few errors when reading from something (assuimg they don't have to constantly stop and say "what is that!?").
I bet a lot of places would find that useful, including teachers (lesson plan books), secretaries (daily logs/calenders), students (lots of hand written notes), etc.
Actually (IANAL), but I'm guessing that most lawyers today could argue that by bypassing this copy protection, you have saved money by not having to buy said product again. Hence, private financial gain (just in the I'm not losing it sense, as offposed to the I'm gaining it sense).
1) The point of a backup is to have an ADDITIONAL COPY if the primary fails; the CD isn't your "backup copy" it's your "primary" or "original" copy, hence the need for the backup in the event of failure (stepping on CD, scratches, etc).
2) Ok, I see a fair argument there, the government of today doesn't have the resources to deal with EVERYTHING, but that's not to say they should ignore it if the public doesn't want them to!
3) You're comparing completely different (and incompatable) mediums to each other. This is more akin to Sony telling me I can't watch their VHS on my Pioneer VCR.
4) This is at least partly valid, I won't critique this one:)
Basically, you've fallen to what the MPAA/RIAA wants you to think. CD breaks? Buy a new one silly! I want you to watch that DVD on windows. Why? Because I said so.
No seriously, it's really neat that Linux can be used in an environment designed for maximum security. This kind of thing (despite the IP-hating people's snyde comments) is probably "the future" of e-commerce (if there is going to be any, See Also: Dot Bomb). It takes a lot of entropy to do SSL on a very active secure web server like the E-Commerce places do.
This shows that Linux can in fact deal with the things that are needed for businesses to succeede on the Internet (along with all the other things being done, clusters, apache, etc). When they are all combined, I think the result will be "kick-ass".
If you read the DMCA, what you emphasized is strictly prohibited, yes. Does that mean it's right? You seem to have decided (and I would agree that it's NOT a good thing).
The DMCA explicity permits COPYING, just not circumventing any device designed to control ACCESS to a work. So, I'm free to copy that DVD all I want, but I can't watch it on [instert alternative OS of the month here]? Madness? Once again, you decide (and you seem to have made it pretty obvious what your decision is on that one).
As for why eBooks aren't selling well, I'd tend to agree. At least with DVDs the access control mechanisms aren't very evident to Joe Sixpack (except when you try to FF through the FBI warning like on a VHS). With an eBook, even basic functionality that most users know how to do from their word processor isn't available. What about a hardcopy? I thought that's what a BOOK was.
I really don't see that kind of thing happening, at least certainly not with the operating systems. Remember, Microsoft is currently being investigated for anticompetitive practices, I don't think a law that basically says "No alternative OS that doesn't implement these [closed] standards for DRM may be created." Basically, that would give microsoft a legal monopoly, which the DOJ probably wouldn't like.
However there is a possibility that these alternative OSes can implement an open DRM technique, this would allow for competition, while still preserving the rights of the oh-so-important **AA. Of course, in an opensource situation, the honest people would be honest, and the people who wanna break the rules just go comment out some part of the kernel (though since when did DRM belong in the kernel, only microsoft...), recompile, and hack all they want, until the feds find them.
No, your linux isn't going anywhere unless the US legal system is much more corrupt than we realize (sometimes flawed laws are passed, you just have to make sure they can be overturned for reasons other than money).
I keep windows around purely for the games (and the scanner). Would I get rid of it in a heartbeat if I could play Diablo II and use my scanner in linux? Yes.
I use Linux whenever I can because I actually prefer the desktop, filesystem conventions, etc. I don't just use it because it's the "in thing to do." Not everybody in the world who runs linux runs it for the "religion". Some run it simply because they believe it to be a superior operating system (UNIX-like things in general for me) than windows, but they still have to keep windows around because they must bow down to the wishes of the local monopoly and all the businesses out there who support them (ahem, Blizzard).
...or at least we're decently confident of it. It's the drake equation (right?) that says that SOMEWHERE there's almost got to be life out there, if either of the two methods used in there, maybe we can talk to little green men (or whatever they happen to be).
--MonMotha
(And I woulda had FP if I hadn't read the article, so please read the article before you post so as not to insult me:)
Is it also possible that double ROT13 (presumably more secure than single ROT13, right?) will also be illegal under the DMCA? Just wait till someone tries to make the act of reading illegal.
For those of you who don't know, double ROT13 (AKA ROT26) will bring you right back to where you started, unencrypted.
The sad thing is that all of the DMCA publicity recently actually got me to bring up my "circumvention device" (aka "rot13") to try to "decrypt" your post.
Thanks for pointing me at the article. It was well written, pointing out both the (many) flaws in the DMCA as well as it's original intent. It wasn't the average "DMCA bashing" article, nor was it the average media's "hackers bad, IP good" article.
I'd encourage anyone interested in this sort of thing to read the article and rate it appropriately.
Slashdot Mirror
Well, most likely any attempt at prosecuting you would fail. However IANAL so don't trust me on that one. You should be all right if you keep a low profile, but then again you've posted on slashdot already so that's out of the question. At least you'd have the comfort of knowing that if they did try to book you on DMCA infringement you've have the entire Slashdot Crowd TM behind you :)
Pardon the inline HTML but the slashcode seems to strip the <sup> tag.
--MonMotha
The subject is SO related to the content I think you missed part of it :)
--MonMotha
I actually saw (back when TechTV was called CTVN, before it was ZDTV), a host for a show on CTVN (Computer Television Network) get a letter from someone asking how "GIF" the file format should be pronounced. He said something along the lines of only a true geek would want to know, so he asked. He sent a letter to CompuServe and got a reply stating that GIF the file format should be pronounced like JIF, as in the Peanut Butter.
--MonMotha
Depends no the phrasing, but you might still be abiding. If it says "1 device may be connected to the cable modem," then I'm thinking almost anything goes. A hub is a single device, never mind that it allows you to connect more devices. The same holds true for switches and especially routers. Cripes, with a router (and a layer 2 switch to a certain extent), the other side is on a completely different physical subnet. You only have 1 device attached to the cable modem, it's just providing you with another interface to set up another network. They're connected at layer 3, but at layer 1, they're separate networks.
--MonMotha
Dunno, I think "WAP" (pronounce WHAP!) was more appropriate... :)
--MonMotha
I really think this is the kind of way that OSS could win out in the end over closed proprietary software. When one OSS group does somethign innovative, new, etc, the other guys will either try to "one-up them" (disregard the reasons here) or say to them "hey, that's a great idea, mind if we implement it here?" Basically OSS development just keeps going with thousands of programmers each contributing what they know. Isn't this a major point of OSS anyway? Not to flat out "beat the commercial competition" but rather to develop the best software possible with the help of others? We have multiple OpenSource operating systems, and we have healthy competition in them (something the commercial market is currently lacking). As long as one side keeps innovating (must...refrain...), development will make leaps and bounds as the competition tries to improve upon the other to "better their market share".
--MonMotha
Funny you mention the lack of write protect features on hard drives...I was actually wondering where that feature went! I have an old SCSI drive with a write protect jumper that I have actually used on occasion to prevent myself from doing silly things like that.
Anyone know any HDs that still have a drive enforced write protect? I'd think that extra feature might end up as a selling point in some markets.
--MonMotha
A great use however would be for dictation of hand written material. OCR isn't nearly as accurate for hand written material as it is for typed, and, as you said, a person can speak continuously making few errors when reading from something (assuimg they don't have to constantly stop and say "what is that!?").
I bet a lot of places would find that useful, including teachers (lesson plan books), secretaries (daily logs/calenders), students (lots of hand written notes), etc.
Just a thought.
--MonMotha
It's a circumvention device! RUN! It's illegal under the DMCA! Heh, couldn't help but get the DMCA bashing in there on that one.
--MonMotha
Actually (IANAL), but I'm guessing that most lawyers today could argue that by bypassing this copy protection, you have saved money by not having to buy said product again. Hence, private financial gain (just in the I'm not losing it sense, as offposed to the I'm gaining it sense).
--MonMotha
I see a few flaws in your logic here...
:)
1) The point of a backup is to have an ADDITIONAL COPY if the primary fails; the CD isn't your "backup copy" it's your "primary" or "original" copy, hence the need for the backup in the event of failure (stepping on CD, scratches, etc).
2) Ok, I see a fair argument there, the government of today doesn't have the resources to deal with EVERYTHING, but that's not to say they should ignore it if the public doesn't want them to!
3) You're comparing completely different (and incompatable) mediums to each other. This is more akin to Sony telling me I can't watch their VHS on my Pioneer VCR.
4) This is at least partly valid, I won't critique this one
Basically, you've fallen to what the MPAA/RIAA wants you to think. CD breaks? Buy a new one silly! I want you to watch that DVD on windows. Why? Because I said so.
Anyway, just my $.02
--MonMotha
Nope no news, some of the pics are kinda interesting though. Take a look in your spare time. --MonMotha
One word: COOL.
No seriously, it's really neat that Linux can be used in an environment designed for maximum security. This kind of thing (despite the IP-hating people's snyde comments) is probably "the future" of e-commerce (if there is going to be any, See Also: Dot Bomb). It takes a lot of entropy to do SSL on a very active secure web server like the E-Commerce places do.
This shows that Linux can in fact deal with the things that are needed for businesses to succeede on the Internet (along with all the other things being done, clusters, apache, etc). When they are all combined, I think the result will be "kick-ass".
--MonMotha
If you read the DMCA, what you emphasized is strictly prohibited, yes. Does that mean it's right? You seem to have decided (and I would agree that it's NOT a good thing).
The DMCA explicity permits COPYING, just not circumventing any device designed to control ACCESS to a work. So, I'm free to copy that DVD all I want, but I can't watch it on [instert alternative OS of the month here]? Madness? Once again, you decide (and you seem to have made it pretty obvious what your decision is on that one).
As for why eBooks aren't selling well, I'd tend to agree. At least with DVDs the access control mechanisms aren't very evident to Joe Sixpack (except when you try to FF through the FBI warning like on a VHS). With an eBook, even basic functionality that most users know how to do from their word processor isn't available. What about a hardcopy? I thought that's what a BOOK was.
--MonMotha
I really don't see that kind of thing happening, at least certainly not with the operating systems. Remember, Microsoft is currently being investigated for anticompetitive practices, I don't think a law that basically says "No alternative OS that doesn't implement these [closed] standards for DRM may be created." Basically, that would give microsoft a legal monopoly, which the DOJ probably wouldn't like.
However there is a possibility that these alternative OSes can implement an open DRM technique, this would allow for competition, while still preserving the rights of the oh-so-important **AA. Of course, in an opensource situation, the honest people would be honest, and the people who wanna break the rules just go comment out some part of the kernel (though since when did DRM belong in the kernel, only microsoft...), recompile, and hack all they want, until the feds find them.
No, your linux isn't going anywhere unless the US legal system is much more corrupt than we realize (sometimes flawed laws are passed, you just have to make sure they can be overturned for reasons other than money).
--MonMotha
I keep windows around purely for the games (and the scanner). Would I get rid of it in a heartbeat if I could play Diablo II and use my scanner in linux? Yes.
I use Linux whenever I can because I actually prefer the desktop, filesystem conventions, etc. I don't just use it because it's the "in thing to do." Not everybody in the world who runs linux runs it for the "religion". Some run it simply because they believe it to be a superior operating system (UNIX-like things in general for me) than windows, but they still have to keep windows around because they must bow down to the wishes of the local monopoly and all the businesses out there who support them (ahem, Blizzard).
--MonMotha
...About 45 lightyears...
From the article.
--MonMotha
...or at least we're decently confident of it. It's the drake equation (right?) that says that SOMEWHERE there's almost got to be life out there, if either of the two methods used in there, maybe we can talk to little green men (or whatever they happen to be).
:)
--MonMotha
(And I woulda had FP if I hadn't read the article, so please read the article before you post so as not to insult me
Is it also possible that double ROT13 (presumably more secure than single ROT13, right?) will also be illegal under the DMCA? Just wait till someone tries to make the act of reading illegal.
For those of you who don't know, double ROT13 (AKA ROT26) will bring you right back to where you started, unencrypted.
--MonMotha
The sad thing is that all of the DMCA publicity recently actually got me to bring up my "circumvention device" (aka "rot13") to try to "decrypt" your post.
That's really scaring me...
--MonMotha
Thanks for pointing me at the article. It was well written, pointing out both the (many) flaws in the DMCA as well as it's original intent. It wasn't the average "DMCA bashing" article, nor was it the average media's "hackers bad, IP good" article.
I'd encourage anyone interested in this sort of thing to read the article and rate it appropriately.
--MonMotha