"Imposing antitrust liability on the basis of product enhancements and imposing 'code removal' remedies may produce unintended consequences," Pate said. "Sound antitrust policy must avoid chilling innovation and competition even by 'dominant' companies. A contrary approach risks protecting competitors, not competition, in ways that may ultimately harm innovation and the consumers that benefit from it."
IMO , this is a very sticky subject. For instance - what if a TV manufacturer couldn't sell remotes? What if MacDonalds Couldn't sell french fries or sodas? I know that's a little silly but it is still similar.
On one hand M$ should be able to 'innovate' and add new features users want, on the other, they ARE a convicted monopoly and should not be allowed to use that position illegaly (unless of course I bought the stock at the right time). Microsoft, however, has become a victim of their own tactics.
By that I mean, that Microsoft as essentially muscled windows into what many consider is a 'staple' product (/. users excepted of course), now they may have to live with the fact that they may not forcibly bundle certain 'features' within the OS. An OS may go the route of a commodity (and in this day and age probably should, although I would probably be against any law that forces commodity pricing for windows), making MS compete in the open market, and on the basis of quality for all of Windows 'Features'.
Nevertheless, maybe we should have a definition of what an OS is, and what must be sold seperately.
That brings the unique capability of the Internet to connect people with shared interests, together with the ability to perform some kind of action in the face-to-face world...
One of the problems with this mirrors the real world scenario, except that it allows for it to happen much faster. Being that people tend to gravitate towards others who share their beliefs and ideals more easily. Doing this gives them bolsters their opinion that "They are Right", and they tend to shut out opposing views.
Of course, it can be argued that the opposite is also true. That the internet allows people to more easily find other viewpoints and expand their knowledge. Nevertheless, it is much harder (perhaps by subconscious choice) to find opposing viewpoints, and give a requisite amount of credibility to them - one must be trying to prove themselves wrong, or at least see if they can, and a great number of people do not like to be proven wrong - no matter how far fetched or unfounded their ideas may seem.
actually 1.07*0.88 = 94 cents. Actually that brings up an interesting question, must you pay sales tax if you live in a state which has an Apple Computer Store?
Maybe, Maybe not. OK, I downloaded the 'sample' song, "What's you name" by Damian Anderson. Anyway, the file is encoded as WMA and does allow burning to a CD, although I haven't seen an option to convert to MP3 or another format. Further, if they are all going to be WMA, wont that allow for different Labels adding their own DRM into different files? In other words, you can burn some, but not others.
WALMART.COM may from time to time amend, supplement or modify the terms of this Agreement. It is your responsibility to check these Terms of Service (available in the Music Downloads Help section) periodically for changes. Your continued use of the Service following the posting of changes will mean that you accept and agree to the changes. If you do not agree to be bound by the Agreement as amended, you must stop using the Service.
Also, looking at the useage terms
What are the restrictions on how I can use the music I download?
By purchasing a music download, you are entitled to:
* Download the music to 1 computer and back up music to 2 additional computers (see instructions below)
* Make 10 burns to a CD
* Make unlimited transfers to a portable device
Microsoft Windows Media(R) Player 9 keeps track of the rights associated with each song.
To back up your music, you will need to make copies of 1) the song files, and 2) the license files and transfer these to the new computer. Your song files are available in the place where you download your music.
To back up license files, in Windows Media Player go to the Tools menu and click on License Management. You will see a dialogue box asking you where you want to store the license backup files. Click the "Back up Now" button to save the license files to this location. Then transfer the license files to the new computer. Please refer to the instructions in the Windows Media Player's help system for more information on backing up and restoring music to a computer.
Of course you could re rip from the CD's and convert into the format of your choice, but that is an extra step, and I personally wouldn't pay for a service that doesn't allow me to easily do whatever I wish, with the data on my computer.
this may be a little off topic, but cell phones are full of the same damn bloat. Got a Samsung from verizon a couple of months ago and the damn thing has to boot, show a welcome scree, show the verizon logo, make a sound, "find" service, then finally you get access. God forbid if your phone is off and you need to make a call in a hurry.
Cable now has integrated PVR
on
TiVo Will Die
·
· Score: 1
At least Comcast in my area. The recorder is built into the cable box, and even records HiDef. Of course you pay the monthly service for the digital cable. With my internet acces + cable + HiDef (in two rooms) it comes to $120 a month. Of course that's just basic digital cable, but who needs HBO, etc, when they release everything on DVD's that you can rent from Netflix.
Hell, you can even file a "DESIGN PATENT", which is basically just a patent on the way something looks. For instance, it is my understanding that alot of Nike shoes are 'Patented', not for any new fangled speed adding ability or innovation, just for the way they look.
Joe Public doesn't even know what an IP address is, I'm still trying to get my cousin from sending me 8megs of files at a time from his new digital camera (he doesn't get the fact that he is sending them at a huge & unnecessarty (photo quality) resolution for view on the screen.
There are ample amounts of not only Dihydrogen Monoxide, But Silicon Dioxide as well in both places. Some say nerds are at more risk, especially from the latter. Further research indicates that Slashdotters are expecially vulnerable to a very nasty compound from the methylxanthine family
Slashdot Mirror
"Imposing antitrust liability on the basis of product enhancements and imposing 'code removal' remedies may produce unintended consequences," Pate said. "Sound antitrust policy must avoid chilling innovation and competition even by 'dominant' companies. A contrary approach risks protecting competitors, not competition, in ways that may ultimately harm innovation and the consumers that benefit from it."
IMO , this is a very sticky subject. For instance - what if a TV manufacturer couldn't sell remotes? What if MacDonalds Couldn't sell french fries or sodas? I know that's a little silly but it is still similar.
On one hand M$ should be able to 'innovate' and add new features users want, on the other, they ARE a convicted monopoly and should not be allowed to use that position illegaly (unless of course I bought the stock at the right time). Microsoft, however, has become a victim of their own tactics.
By that I mean, that Microsoft as essentially muscled windows into what many consider is a 'staple' product (/. users excepted of course), now they may have to live with the fact that they may not forcibly bundle certain 'features' within the OS. An OS may go the route of a commodity (and in this day and age probably should, although I would probably be against any law that forces commodity pricing for windows), making MS compete in the open market, and on the basis of quality for all of Windows 'Features'.
Nevertheless, maybe we should have a definition of what an OS is, and what must be sold seperately.
Really, damn I sure dropped the ball on that one. Well, at least I got the DVD
That brings the unique capability of the Internet to connect people with shared interests, together with the ability to perform some kind of action in the face-to-face world...
One of the problems with this mirrors the real world scenario, except that it allows for it to happen much faster. Being that people tend to gravitate towards others who share their beliefs and ideals more easily. Doing this gives them bolsters their opinion that "They are Right", and they tend to shut out opposing views.
Of course, it can be argued that the opposite is also true. That the internet allows people to more easily find other viewpoints and expand their knowledge. Nevertheless, it is much harder (perhaps by subconscious choice) to find opposing viewpoints, and give a requisite amount of credibility to them - one must be trying to prove themselves wrong, or at least see if they can, and a great number of people do not like to be proven wrong - no matter how far fetched or unfounded their ideas may seem.
Oh geez, a duke link, I hae duke, but am too lazy to change it.
actually 1.07*0.88 = 94 cents. Actually that brings up an interesting question, must you pay sales tax if you live in a state which has an Apple Computer Store?
Usage and License Rules
Terms of Service
God, why would I want to sign up for this, when there are so many other, easier, and less draconian options.
WALMART.COM may from time to time amend, supplement or modify the terms of this Agreement. It is your responsibility to check these Terms of Service (available in the Music Downloads Help section) periodically for changes. Your continued use of the Service following the posting of changes will mean that you accept and agree to the changes. If you do not agree to be bound by the Agreement as amended, you must stop using the Service.
Also, looking at the useage terms
What are the restrictions on how I can use the music I download? By purchasing a music download, you are entitled to: * Download the music to 1 computer and back up music to 2 additional computers (see instructions below) * Make 10 burns to a CD * Make unlimited transfers to a portable device Microsoft Windows Media(R) Player 9 keeps track of the rights associated with each song. To back up your music, you will need to make copies of 1) the song files, and 2) the license files and transfer these to the new computer. Your song files are available in the place where you download your music. To back up license files, in Windows Media Player go to the Tools menu and click on License Management. You will see a dialogue box asking you where you want to store the license backup files. Click the "Back up Now" button to save the license files to this location. Then transfer the license files to the new computer. Please refer to the instructions in the Windows Media Player's help system for more information on backing up and restoring music to a computer.
Of course you could re rip from the CD's and convert into the format of your choice, but that is an extra step, and I personally wouldn't pay for a service that doesn't allow me to easily do whatever I wish, with the data on my computer.
this may be a little off topic, but cell phones are full of the same damn bloat. Got a Samsung from verizon a couple of months ago and the damn thing has to boot, show a welcome scree, show the verizon logo, make a sound, "find" service, then finally you get access. God forbid if your phone is off and you need to make a call in a hurry.
At least Comcast in my area. The recorder is built into the cable box, and even records HiDef. Of course you pay the monthly service for the digital cable. With my internet acces + cable + HiDef (in two rooms) it comes to $120 a month. Of course that's just basic digital cable, but who needs HBO, etc, when they release everything on DVD's that you can rent from Netflix.
A sting operation is legal, I think you may mean entrapment
Hell, you can even file a "DESIGN PATENT", which is basically just a patent on the way something looks. For instance, it is my understanding that alot of Nike shoes are 'Patented', not for any new fangled speed adding ability or innovation, just for the way they look.
THIS may come to pass.
What so they can have healthy foody AND a clean energy source
well 'The Claps' and pornstars probably do go together
Episode XP . . . when we last left our hero, he was in the grip of the mighty Giddy Billionaire.
Darth RaMaul: Trusted Computing has been rolled out, my Master
Bill: Everything is going as I have forseen
Kernel 2.6.4-rc2-bk3: Your overconfidence is your weekness
Bill: Your faith in the OSS community is yours.
to be continued. . .
Joe Public doesn't even know what an IP address is, I'm still trying to get my cousin from sending me 8megs of files at a time from his new digital camera (he doesn't get the fact that he is sending them at a huge & unnecessarty (photo quality) resolution for view on the screen.
There are ample amounts of not only Dihydrogen Monoxide, But Silicon Dioxide as well in both places. Some say nerds are at more risk, especially from the latter. Further research indicates that Slashdotters are expecially vulnerable to a very nasty compound from the methylxanthine family
Where can I get some of this Boradband, I need some RIGHT NOW!
is that most predictions will be wrong
Integral Anomoly: NEO
Integrate the equation for a finite line and we get 'Integral Anomolies': +C & -C
To solve the equations the C's must cancel out, just like Agent Smith/NEO had to infect NEO/Agent Smith to solve the equation.
CALCULUS SOLVED THE MATRIX
oh say it isn't so
Mortal Kombat VI: Finish Him! Her & Yourself!
How many tons of water had to be 'used' to grow the plants, that had to die to . . .
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.
uh one, uh two, uh three . . . crunch - three
the world will never know
no, Bill is the emperor.
Kernel 2.6.4-rc2-bk3: Never, I'll Never turn to the Dark side, I'm open source...like my father before me.
Bill: So be it, open source
Bill: if you will not be turned, you will be destroyed (shooting purple lightning bolts)
Bill: You will pay the price for your lack of vision
Kernel 2.6.4-rc2-bk3: Linus please (in agony).
.....to be continued
I await my -5 (Troll)