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"As a technology nerd, of course I want the freedom to modify and develop stuff, without restrictions, on my devices." My point was that our representatives di

"As a technology nerd, of course I want the freedom to modify and develop stuff, without restrictions, on my devices." My point was that our representatives did not have a concept of anyone doing that unless it was part of their job (with a corporation). The idea of some kid hacking out the next big thing in their dorm room was (and likely remains) foreign to most of our politicians. "So at least for me, I am willing to give up some control, if it means that I don't have to be plagued by technical support calls from my non-technical family members." Except that you'll still be plagued by your less-technically-literate friends and family members. A few months ago, my mother called to ask me how she could copy a movie from a DVD to her new, locked-down tablet. I also received calls for help when she got a new cable TV receiver that would not work with her 720p TV because of HDCP. Such is the reality of the world of built-in restrictions and computers that are designed to fight their users.

wes-exp 13y ago
I also received calls for help when she got a new cable TV receiver that would not work with her 720p TV because of HDCP This is lamentable, for sure. But, at least products exist, ready to go and on the shelf, that would work and are interoperable. Consider for a moment in a world of maximum freedom (without "Intellectual Property" at all), no one could really profit making this kind of stuff, and it wouldn't exist at all. What would be left? DIY? So instead the moms of the world should buy all the parts for an HTPC, assemble it, and then read up in the MythTV wiki how to make it all work? Is that really a better future?
- betterunix 13y ago
  "Consider for a moment in a world of maximum freedom (without "Intellectual Property" at all), no one could really profit making this kind of stuff, and it wouldn't exist at all. What would be left? DIY?" Standards are a separate issue. We manage to have standards for things like screws, nuts, bolts, and even connector head shapes for electronics. Electronics manufacturers made plenty of money in a world of analog standards; they make plenty in a world of digital standards too, and would continue to make plenty of money in the absence of HDCP. Electronics manufacturers and entertainment companies became some of the most powerful corporations in the country before the DMCA was passed.

wes-exp 13y ago

I also received calls for help when she got a new cable TV receiver that would not work with her 720p TV because of HDCP This is lamentable, for sure. But, at least products exist, ready to go and on the shelf, that would work and are interoperable. Consider for a moment in a world of maximum freedom (without "Intellectual Property" at all), no one could really profit making this kind of stuff, and it wouldn't exist at all. What would be left? DIY? So instead the moms of the world should buy all the parts for an HTPC, assemble it, and then read up in the MythTV wiki how to make it all work? Is that really a better future?

betterunix 13y ago
"Consider for a moment in a world of maximum freedom (without "Intellectual Property" at all), no one could really profit making this kind of stuff, and it wouldn't exist at all. What would be left? DIY?" Standards are a separate issue. We manage to have standards for things like screws, nuts, bolts, and even connector head shapes for electronics. Electronics manufacturers made plenty of money in a world of analog standards; they make plenty in a world of digital standards too, and would continue to make plenty of money in the absence of HDCP. Electronics manufacturers and entertainment companies became some of the most powerful corporations in the country before the DMCA was passed.