13 ms·

Besides saying "fuck" over and over again, was the whole point of that post to complain about licensing? If you don't want to deal with licensing issues don't u

by wyday 17y ago

Besides saying "fuck" over and over again, was the whole point of that post to complain about licensing? If you don't want to deal with licensing issues don't use any proprietary technology. Release your work online in OGG format. These types of whiny posts don't contribute much of anything. There's no real solution proposed. Other than "I want to use proprietary technology but I don't want to pay the fees".

windsurfer 17y ago
I think they raise awareness at least. By convincing more people not to use the product, you leave a larger gap for a better product to come along and fill the void. What else can a consumer or producer do, if not complain?
- wyday 17y ago
  Ok, complaining is one solution. Many times it's the best option for consumers. However producers like this guy should work with the owners of the technology and negotiate a better deal. Get support from other independent producers, get a following, get some press, and eventually get your way. Instead he chooses to just complain. That's just lazy.
  - deleted 17y ago
    [deleted]
  - textfiles 17y ago
    What makes you think I am just complaining? Because you read just one of my weblog entries? Now THAT's just lazy.
    - wyday 17y ago
      > Now THAT's just lazy. No, it's presumptuous. You made no mention of ongoing negotiation, and I assumed a post entitled "Blu-Ray Still Blows" would muddy up negotiations if they existed. Since you're here, correct me. Are you working with the owners of the technology to get this solved for independent producers?
      - textfiles 17y ago
        I am not going to "negotiate" with Sony, Panasonic, IBM, and the other three members of the consortium for a "better deal". The Copy Protection is baked into the spec and cannot be removed - that's already a deal breaker for me. The terrible fees on top of it for even utilizing the copy protection you can't even choose not to use make it even worse. My tactic has been to release my work under open licenses (www.bbsdocumentary.com is one, www.getlamp.com is about to be), give presentations in which I discuss this situation, and write weblog entries about such, which, as you see, do garner attention. I donate to the EFF and their occasional efforts to improve the situation on a legal basis.
      - pyre 17y ago
        I question the seriousness of this post if you think that it is possible to have 'reasonable' negotiations with the AACS, the MPAA, Sony, etc about their licensing policies. Large companies/organizations usually dictate their licensing terms downwards. They only make exceptions if they view you as a large enough group to be talking on their level (i.e. a major movie studio).
  - Kadin 17y ago
    > However producers like this guy should work with the owners of the technology and negotiate a better deal. You really think an independent film producer, hell, even all independent film producers as a group, have any negotiating power with the Blu-Ray licensing people? Seriously? If anything, the owners are deeply in bed with the big studios, who have a vested interest in keeping anybody but themselves off the platform. I'm not sure why negotiation with and appeasement of the Blu-Ray people would be that productive. Explaining to consumers why Blu-Ray, as a technology, sucks, and encouraging them to use something else -- which right now might be "stick with DVDs" -- so as not to give their money to Blu-Ray's owners, seems like perfectly a valid strategy, since it might result in something better than Blu-Ray down the road. Working with Blu-Ray won't do that. Blu-Ray may be the "winner" of the HD format war, but they're not gaining traction very fast. If adoption can be slowed down enough -- if users can be convinced it's a shitty format run by a would-be cartel who want to crush independent cinema beneath punitive fees -- then it'll be that much easier for a new format to succeed. Of course it's the economy more than anything that has slowed down Blu-Ray adoption, but I don't see how telling people about the weaknesses of the format and its backers is a bad thing. The more people who know about it, the better, and the greater demand they'll be for an alternative (whether it's USB sticks, SD cards, or some form of online distribution).
- anigbrowl 17y ago
  What better product? This kind of thing costs a fortune to commercialize. YES, in a few years solid-state memory devices will become sufficiently cheap to make distribution a possibility...and people will find ways to complain SS-ROM. Network distribution will allow us to throw 40-50GB files around...eventually...at least in large urban areas. Personally I like what Blu-ray does now and can live with the restrictions. It's preferable to me to both watch and potentially distribute that format than to sit around waiting a decade for the infrastructure to catch up with the leading solution for low-cost bulk media.
  - dasil003 17y ago
    Internet delivery of course.
TheElder 17y ago
I'm not sure why vulgar language is becoming so acceptable and commonly used . Am I just old school (even though I'm 30) when I find myself turned away from people who talk in such a manner or do others feel similar to me?
- unalone 17y ago
  I'm new school (if 19 isn't too old to call myself that), and swearing's becoming such a huge trend because of how natural it feels. It's part of the huge trend towards the unprofessional. That's a good thing. While it's got some irritating side effects, the overall idea is getting rid of bullshit attitudes towards one another. Swearing is a part of language. There's nothing wrong with its being used.
  - TheElder 17y ago
    I'm in agreement with your assessment that the trend is towards unprofessionalism. I live in the US, and have been to Japan three times. My first time there I was totally shocked with the effort put into dress to look as clean and professional as possible. Top notch suits that were perfectly pressed, nice shoes, a nice brief case (very few backpacks), and a very polite attitude. I wish our trend was towards the Japanese attitude towards the way we present ourselves in public. Off topic: it's so refreshing to come here (HN) and read a reply that isn't some kind of verbal attack towards me for the opinion I presented. I thank you for that, for stating your opinion with insights without attacking me.
    - rikthevik 17y ago
      The pressed suit is a nice touch, but I think with North Americans you'll find more of a focus on results rather than presentation. Presentation is great when it follows substance, but it's no substitute.
    - madair 17y ago
      Isn't their saying, "If a nail sticks out, hammer it down"? Is that what you're going for? Or an unintended side effect?
textfiles 17y ago
Ignoring the grannies beneath this reply, the main reason I wrote this entry was because I'd written a previous entry about how Blu-Ray was not going to be used for my film, because the restrictions were so heinous that they overshadowed the power of the technology. A little while ago, the restrictions/costs were changed a bit, and people were starting to ask me "so, does this change things?" and I wanted to make it clear that they didn't change things and all. While it's nice to talk about all sorts of OGG hippydippery and how it should be released online, the fact remains that many people who'd want to see someone's "film" will own or use blu-ray and wonder why the film isn't being released on a 'real' format that can be bought on a nice disc and put into the components in their home. And my bringing these subjects up the way I do is an attempt to explain why that is the case.
- dasil003 17y ago
  The more I think about this the more I am determined to simply boycott Bluray in its entirety. I already watch most things on my laptop attached to a large monitor. Going forward I feel an obligation to throw my consumer support behind open (or at least reasonably-licensed) streaming formats. Devices like Boxee should be supported and nurtured to help do an end-around on these cartels. I can't stand the thought that future technology could be crippled by a few mega corps without the first intention of doing any innovation. All that's needed are the right devices and a critical mass of good content and the cartels will not be able to secure a monopoly.
- rbanffy 17y ago
  How about adding a "Why this title is not available in Blu-Ray" as an extra on every DVD published?
  - billybob 17y ago
    Good idea. In a nice, friendly note to the consumer, spell out the outrageous fees and mandatory crippling, and say 'we can't afford this and frankly, we think you deserve better.' If you succeed commercially, it puts pressure on the big boys to change their nasty ways.
deleted 17y ago
[deleted]

by wyday 17y ago

windsurfer 17y ago

I think they raise awareness at least. By convincing more people not to use the product, you leave a larger gap for a better product to come along and fill the void. What else can a consumer or producer do, if not complain?

wyday 17y ago
Ok, complaining is one solution. Many times it's the best option for consumers. However producers like this guy should work with the owners of the technology and negotiate a better deal. Get support from other independent producers, get a following, get some press, and eventually get your way. Instead he chooses to just complain. That's just lazy.
- deleted 17y ago
  [deleted]
- textfiles 17y ago
  What makes you think I am just complaining? Because you read just one of my weblog entries? Now THAT's just lazy.
  - wyday 17y ago
    > Now THAT's just lazy. No, it's presumptuous. You made no mention of ongoing negotiation, and I assumed a post entitled "Blu-Ray Still Blows" would muddy up negotiations if they existed. Since you're here, correct me. Are you working with the owners of the technology to get this solved for independent producers?
    - textfiles 17y ago
      I am not going to "negotiate" with Sony, Panasonic, IBM, and the other three members of the consortium for a "better deal". The Copy Protection is baked into the spec and cannot be removed - that's already a deal breaker for me. The terrible fees on top of it for even utilizing the copy protection you can't even choose not to use make it even worse. My tactic has been to release my work under open licenses (www.bbsdocumentary.com is one, www.getlamp.com is about to be), give presentations in which I discuss this situation, and write weblog entries about such, which, as you see, do garner attention. I donate to the EFF and their occasional efforts to improve the situation on a legal basis.
    - pyre 17y ago
      I question the seriousness of this post if you think that it is possible to have 'reasonable' negotiations with the AACS, the MPAA, Sony, etc about their licensing policies. Large companies/organizations usually dictate their licensing terms downwards. They only make exceptions if they view you as a large enough group to be talking on their level (i.e. a major movie studio).
- Kadin 17y ago
  > However producers like this guy should work with the owners of the technology and negotiate a better deal. You really think an independent film producer, hell, even all independent film producers as a group, have any negotiating power with the Blu-Ray licensing people? Seriously? If anything, the owners are deeply in bed with the big studios, who have a vested interest in keeping anybody but themselves off the platform. I'm not sure why negotiation with and appeasement of the Blu-Ray people would be that productive. Explaining to consumers why Blu-Ray, as a technology, sucks, and encouraging them to use something else -- which right now might be "stick with DVDs" -- so as not to give their money to Blu-Ray's owners, seems like perfectly a valid strategy, since it might result in something better than Blu-Ray down the road. Working with Blu-Ray won't do that. Blu-Ray may be the "winner" of the HD format war, but they're not gaining traction very fast. If adoption can be slowed down enough -- if users can be convinced it's a shitty format run by a would-be cartel who want to crush independent cinema beneath punitive fees -- then it'll be that much easier for a new format to succeed. Of course it's the economy more than anything that has slowed down Blu-Ray adoption, but I don't see how telling people about the weaknesses of the format and its backers is a bad thing. The more people who know about it, the better, and the greater demand they'll be for an alternative (whether it's USB sticks, SD cards, or some form of online distribution).
anigbrowl 17y ago
What better product? This kind of thing costs a fortune to commercialize. YES, in a few years solid-state memory devices will become sufficiently cheap to make distribution a possibility...and people will find ways to complain SS-ROM. Network distribution will allow us to throw 40-50GB files around...eventually...at least in large urban areas. Personally I like what Blu-ray does now and can live with the restrictions. It's preferable to me to both watch and potentially distribute that format than to sit around waiting a decade for the infrastructure to catch up with the leading solution for low-cost bulk media.
- dasil003 17y ago
  Internet delivery of course.

TheElder 17y ago

I'm not sure why vulgar language is becoming so acceptable and commonly used . Am I just old school (even though I'm 30) when I find myself turned away from people who talk in such a manner or do others feel similar to me?

unalone 17y ago
I'm new school (if 19 isn't too old to call myself that), and swearing's becoming such a huge trend because of how natural it feels. It's part of the huge trend towards the unprofessional. That's a good thing. While it's got some irritating side effects, the overall idea is getting rid of bullshit attitudes towards one another. Swearing is a part of language. There's nothing wrong with its being used.
- TheElder 17y ago
  I'm in agreement with your assessment that the trend is towards unprofessionalism. I live in the US, and have been to Japan three times. My first time there I was totally shocked with the effort put into dress to look as clean and professional as possible. Top notch suits that were perfectly pressed, nice shoes, a nice brief case (very few backpacks), and a very polite attitude. I wish our trend was towards the Japanese attitude towards the way we present ourselves in public. Off topic: it's so refreshing to come here (HN) and read a reply that isn't some kind of verbal attack towards me for the opinion I presented. I thank you for that, for stating your opinion with insights without attacking me.
  - rikthevik 17y ago
    The pressed suit is a nice touch, but I think with North Americans you'll find more of a focus on results rather than presentation. Presentation is great when it follows substance, but it's no substitute.
  - madair 17y ago
    Isn't their saying, "If a nail sticks out, hammer it down"? Is that what you're going for? Or an unintended side effect?

textfiles 17y ago

Ignoring the grannies beneath this reply, the main reason I wrote this entry was because I'd written a previous entry about how Blu-Ray was not going to be used for my film, because the restrictions were so heinous that they overshadowed the power of the technology. A little while ago, the restrictions/costs were changed a bit, and people were starting to ask me "so, does this change things?" and I wanted to make it clear that they didn't change things and all. While it's nice to talk about all sorts of OGG hippydippery and how it should be released online, the fact remains that many people who'd want to see someone's "film" will own or use blu-ray and wonder why the film isn't being released on a 'real' format that can be bought on a nice disc and put into the components in their home. And my bringing these subjects up the way I do is an attempt to explain why that is the case.

dasil003 17y ago
The more I think about this the more I am determined to simply boycott Bluray in its entirety. I already watch most things on my laptop attached to a large monitor. Going forward I feel an obligation to throw my consumer support behind open (or at least reasonably-licensed) streaming formats. Devices like Boxee should be supported and nurtured to help do an end-around on these cartels. I can't stand the thought that future technology could be crippled by a few mega corps without the first intention of doing any innovation. All that's needed are the right devices and a critical mass of good content and the cartels will not be able to secure a monopoly.
rbanffy 17y ago
How about adding a "Why this title is not available in Blu-Ray" as an extra on every DVD published?
- billybob 17y ago
  Good idea. In a nice, friendly note to the consumer, spell out the outrageous fees and mandatory crippling, and say 'we can't afford this and frankly, we think you deserve better.' If you succeed commercially, it puts pressure on the big boys to change their nasty ways.

deleted 17y ago

[deleted]