...until an *AA bot nails a student in the music or computer science departments for sharing files legally. Then this little philosophy goes right out the window.
If you can show that you or your business was damaged in some way (even if it was only your reputation) by one of these letters, then yes... you can go to trial and probably collect.
It's like going to stand in the town square and denouncing a local shopkeeper for selling drugs. Even though he's not selling drugs, and it's plain to see that he isn't, you can still damage his reputation this way.
I'm not sure of the exact legal status of this letter (it's not published, so it's not libel, and it's not spoken, so I don't think it's slander) but I am pretty sure that you can't defame someone's reputation, even if you do so without really knowing what you're talking about.
Supposing a collapse-type end of the universe, is there any possibility that this could result in another big-bang type event, which would really make this not an "end" of the universe, but something more akin to a "reboot" of the universe?
"Are you passing notes, Mr. Smith? Forward that to me so I can read it out loud to the class... hmmm... a slash s slash l slash pick wan two cyber? What is this crap?"
So I'm supposed to pay SCO to use a version of an OS that may have a few lines of their "copied code" in it? I'm sorry... this is like them asking people to pay to use Windows or MacOS because "key elements" in computer operating systems came from Unix. Who knows? Maybe that's where SCO's trying to go with this...
Do you feel that the RIAA/MPAA are infringing upon the perogatives of the true owners of the IP rights (the artists themselves) by going after end users of these materials? Should corporate entities like this be allowed the leeway to sue on behalf of their clients without their clients' consent? If so, do you think the ramifications of this (ability to exploit a contract with a client for personal gain, possibly against the will of the client) can bleed over in to other areas of the law?
Now, hear me out, an don't mod me up as funny or down as a troll.:)
Microsoft often takes the quick-and-dirty way, and despite this, they've been successful, because, on the whole, their project is usable to end users. This should be what you strive for in business. If it works 95% of the time as a quick-and-dirty solution, then worry about fixing that 5% later when you have time. If the end users can get their work done without causing any potentially serious complications, why bother?
Of course, I also have to develop databases using FileMaker Pro. All I know is quick and dirty!
As much as I hate to say it, I'd rather not see an anti-spam law on the books. I think it infringes too much on one of the greatest things about the Internet, which is that the 'Net is by its very nature hard to regulate. It's not owned by any one country, and it can be used by virtually anyone.
What I would not mind seeing, however, is a system of torts that would allow users to take on spammers the same way that people get to take on telemarketers and junk mailers who do the same things. There are all sorts of scams, frauds, blackmails, etc... that come over the phone and through our postal system. Currently, US law provides for people to be able to sue up to $5,000 for teleblackmail and telefraud scams. Although this number is pitifully small, there does seem to be some interest in raising the bar a little.
We don't need a law banning spam. It would just be circumvented somehow anyway. What we need is a weapon for the people to fight back against the spammers with, a law that allows us to take them to court for practices already illegal that they have carried over into the digital domain.
Honorable Darl McBride, Emperor of Evil Empire SCO,
We regret to inform you that your crass and stupid public remarks regarding the honored and revered Rinux operating system have deeply offended our nation and further disgraced yourself. Here is your tanto. Your retainer Chris Sontag will be standing by with katana to further help you complete your ritual suicide.
Last time I voted (at the University of Texas in Texas' 2002 state elections) I voted on electronic voting machines. They are surprisingly easy to use... if only the security on the machines could be ramped up...
Slashdot Mirror
It's like going to stand in the town square and denouncing a local shopkeeper for selling drugs. Even though he's not selling drugs, and it's plain to see that he isn't, you can still damage his reputation this way.
I'm not sure of the exact legal status of this letter (it's not published, so it's not libel, and it's not spoken, so I don't think it's slander) but I am pretty sure that you can't defame someone's reputation, even if you do so without really knowing what you're talking about.
[annoying IM noise]
"Are you passing notes, Mr. Smith? Forward that to me so I can read it out loud to the class... hmmm... a slash s slash l slash pick wan two cyber? What is this crap?"
I ate there last night. I add my recommendation for this one too.
You have failed this, in the same way you failed your father, you dress-wearing penis loving nancy boy!
Do you feel that the RIAA/MPAA are infringing upon the perogatives of the true owners of the IP rights (the artists themselves) by going after end users of these materials? Should corporate entities like this be allowed the leeway to sue on behalf of their clients without their clients' consent? If so, do you think the ramifications of this (ability to exploit a contract with a client for personal gain, possibly against the will of the client) can bleed over in to other areas of the law?
You haven't been here long, have you?
Now, hear me out, an don't mod me up as funny or down as a troll. :)
Microsoft often takes the quick-and-dirty way, and despite this, they've been successful, because, on the whole, their project is usable to end users. This should be what you strive for in business. If it works 95% of the time as a quick-and-dirty solution, then worry about fixing that 5% later when you have time. If the end users can get their work done without causing any potentially serious complications, why bother?
Of course, I also have to develop databases using FileMaker Pro. All I know is quick and dirty!
What I would not mind seeing, however, is a system of torts that would allow users to take on spammers the same way that people get to take on telemarketers and junk mailers who do the same things. There are all sorts of scams, frauds, blackmails, etc... that come over the phone and through our postal system. Currently, US law provides for people to be able to sue up to $5,000 for teleblackmail and telefraud scams. Although this number is pitifully small, there does seem to be some interest in raising the bar a little.
We don't need a law banning spam. It would just be circumvented somehow anyway. What we need is a weapon for the people to fight back against the spammers with, a law that allows us to take them to court for practices already illegal that they have carried over into the digital domain.
SCO worker:Captain! We get signal!
Chris Sontag:Main screen turn on!
Japanese dignitary appears, holding Darl McBride captive
Sontag:It's you!
Dignitary:Good evening, gentleman... all your CEOs are belong to us...
We regret to inform you that your crass and stupid public remarks regarding the honored and revered Rinux operating system have deeply offended our nation and further disgraced yourself. Here is your tanto. Your retainer Chris Sontag will be standing by with katana to further help you complete your ritual suicide.
Sincerery,
Japan
But what good is freedom when you don't... have a brain?
So now people who download illegal MP3s are crack junkies?
"Man... I'm jonesin' for my latest fix of Metallica... gimme the good stuff!"
Nah nevermind.