>
> I would comment that it is likely Napster actually increases CD sales.

Doesn't matter. Copyright law is very clear that unauthorized copying is
illegal. What Napster really points out is that the relative anonymity of
the internet and its ubiquitious reach totally negates the sellability of
CDs as a media for profit.

I'm just wondering how mass copying, authentication, and encryption can
be mixed to provide volumn mass distribution of music and software. With
the number of internet users hitting 1 billion over the next year or so, I'd
seriously consider having widespread distribution at $1 or less a pop for
each unit.

BAJ
> D
>
> Dan Michaels wrote:
>
> > David Gulley wrote:
> > >Byron A Jeff wrote:
> > >  <SNIP>
> > >> 1) When it comes to the selling of hardware, I have a rock solid insistence
> > >> that the interface specifications be available. As a Linux guy the most
> > >> aggravating thing is to want to use a piece of hardware and the information
> > >> required to make it work isn't available. 20 years ago when you bought
> > >> hardware, almost all of the interface specifications (cables, pins, timings,
> > >> commands) were provided with the product.
> > >  <SNIP>
> > >
> > > For example, HP providing full schematics of their test equipment.
> > >(That's how I learned ECL design.)
> > >
> > >  <SNIP>
> > >> It's a fantasy world. But one I'd like to see.
> > >  <SNIP>
> >
> > I pretty much agree with everything you wrote, BAJ, but Napster
> > shows us we don't quite yet live in the world of Candide. There are
> > 2 types of people in "this" world, and the second type dotes on
> > Napster.
> >
> > Just the same, I have serious doubts about the effectivity of
> > "commercially protected disclosure", the way it was introduced in
> > this thread - the patent system is a complete mess, and from what
> > I have read, most companies opt for making information proprietary
> > as a way of protecting their interests.
> >
> > Plus, I am still TOTALLY DUMBFOUNDED by the statement "hiding,
> > hoarding knowledge = dirty".
> >
> > Every time I read this last statement, I am reminded of the 2 bank
> > accounts I had with my first wife - first, there was "her" account
> > and then there was "our" account -(ummm, just kidding, Pammy :).
> >
> > And I am still waiting for people hoarding their $20 bills to start
> > sending them to me -(thank you, Dmitry - he, he).
> >
> > - dan
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
> > mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
> mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu
>
>

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu