I read about this about 12 years ago - it was being called the "primordial sandwich" theory, as opposed to the primordial soup theory. It looks like slashdot is even later than usual with this one.
I never thought of it as a boycott, but I became an ex-fan, and an ex-consumer of Ellison the first time I saw him talk.
What an enormously pompous dick. I actually agree with his stance on sharing his writings, but I would never buy (OR download) anything of his. He's an asshole.
If a billing service, such as paypal, etc. charges your card and delivers the funds to the merchant, they have fully performed their duties.
So what? If the merchant fails to ship the merchandise - YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DISPUTE THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD! Paypal did what they said they would - there's nothing for you to dispute. Law does not include any dispute rights for you when the merchant fails to deliver on their promise after receiving the money from paypal (instead of from mastercard).
You only have to talk to a few people who have been ripped off to the tune of thousands of dollars and have no recourse other than law enforcement local to the seller (if they can figure out where they are) to see that something like this needed to happen.
"Surprisingly passable copies can be obtained simply by aiming a digital camcorder at a cinema screen -- especially if the pirate has access to the projection booth, with a head-free view and a direct link to the sound system.
It would be awfully tempting for a low-paid movie theatre projectionist to accept a few bucks from some quick-thinking pirate, and sneak a high-quality digital video camera into the projection booth for some quick-n-dirty pirated videos of first-run movies!"
Although it's not common in the U.S., I've seen tons of first run movies ripped to the VCD format just that way. It was nice seeing tomb raider months before it was available in theaters (where I was). The added bonus - subtitles in languages like Chinese, Thai, Hindi, Bangla, Tagalog, etc. And, a REAL LIFE laugh track. You can't turn either of them off, though.
The best part of the VCD format (for us, at least) is that it can be played on a tiny PS1 with a flip-up LCD screen with the install of a mod chip(total_cost<$100). Who needs a $1000 portable DVD player?
A couple of quick items from someone trained to handle mines.
No, not all mines have probes or trips above the ground - there are both anti-personnel and anti-armor mines that are completely buried with no above ground protrusions.
"Not that I know much about landmines, but does this mean the detonator cap is smashed without detonating? Or separated from the explosives before it can?" No, this would blow the whole thing.
Actually, I got a great book for Cristmas. Tons of stuff from ancient philosophers in it, from a modern historian. In the last few days I have finally had time to start reading it. I could care less about playing card companies. The roots of western civilization, now that's recreation!
From working at a bank, I can tell you this much. When a company such as paypal charges your credit card and delivers the funds to the intended recipient, you have none of the rights to "dispute" the charge that you would normally have. When you use a card normally, you deal directly with the merchant and can dispute the charge if they fail to fulfill their obligations. But, if you use a service as an intermediary, THEY are the merchant, and their only obligation is to deliver your funds. If you never get the item, or whatever, from the 3rd party, you're SOL as far as your credit card company having any rights to help you.
The nature of law enforcement requires that police forces do everything they legally can to pursue and prosecute criminals (this does not mean I condone everything they do). If I had to catch a malicious hacker, I would want to have a keylogger, and all the better if I can keep the particulars of its operation from the people I intend to use it against. The checks and balances in the american criminal justice system come into play, and judges strike down untenable requests/demands made by law enforcement. It ain't pretty, but it works as well or better than anything else out there.
Slashdot Mirror
I read about this about 12 years ago - it was being called the "primordial sandwich" theory, as opposed to the primordial soup theory. It looks like slashdot is even later than usual with this one.
When I clicked "I do not accept", it plunked me right into the site, so I can check my miles, book tickets, etc.
What an enormously pompous dick. I actually agree with his stance on sharing his writings, but I would never buy (OR download) anything of his. He's an asshole.
Eventually they began to add names like James Kirk. It was successful in generating a TON of interest.
So what? If the merchant fails to ship the merchandise - YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DISPUTE THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD! Paypal did what they said they would - there's nothing for you to dispute. Law does not include any dispute rights for you when the merchant fails to deliver on their promise after receiving the money from paypal (instead of from mastercard).
You only have to talk to a few people who have been ripped off to the tune of thousands of dollars and have no recourse other than law enforcement local to the seller (if they can figure out where they are) to see that something like this needed to happen.
Although it's not common in the U.S., I've seen tons of first run movies ripped to the VCD format just that way. It was nice seeing tomb raider months before it was available in theaters (where I was). The added bonus - subtitles in languages like Chinese, Thai, Hindi, Bangla, Tagalog, etc. And, a REAL LIFE laugh track. You can't turn either of them off, though.
The best part of the VCD format (for us, at least) is that it can be played on a tiny PS1 with a flip-up LCD screen with the install of a mod chip(total_cost<$100). Who needs a $1000 portable DVD player?
A couple of quick items from someone trained to handle mines.
No, not all mines have probes or trips above the ground - there are both anti-personnel and anti-armor mines that are completely buried with no above ground protrusions.
"Not that I know much about landmines, but does this mean the detonator cap is smashed without detonating? Or separated from the explosives before it can?"
No, this would blow the whole thing.
Mmmm... shiny silver box... did someone say donut?
Actually, I got a great book for Cristmas. Tons of stuff from ancient philosophers in it, from a modern historian. In the last few days I have finally had time to start reading it. I could care less about playing card companies. The roots of western civilization, now that's recreation!
I don't see anything that indicates M$ is going to do anything more to protect privacy or security. Those seem to be just the new marketing buzzwords.
From working at a bank, I can tell you this much. When a company such as paypal charges your credit card and delivers the funds to the intended recipient, you have none of the rights to "dispute" the charge that you would normally have. When you use a card normally, you deal directly with the merchant and can dispute the charge if they fail to fulfill their obligations. But, if you use a service as an intermediary, THEY are the merchant, and their only obligation is to deliver your funds. If you never get the item, or whatever, from the 3rd party, you're SOL as far as your credit card company having any rights to help you.
The nature of law enforcement requires that police forces do everything they legally can to pursue and prosecute criminals (this does not mean I condone everything they do). If I had to catch a malicious hacker, I would want to have a keylogger, and all the better if I can keep the particulars of its operation from the people I intend to use it against. The checks and balances in the american criminal justice system come into play, and judges strike down untenable requests/demands made by law enforcement. It ain't pretty, but it works as well or better than anything else out there.
monopoly