Either way, record companies have to recognize that the reality of the situation has changed and that they need to.... come on, what am I going to say? Evolve or Die! The point is that not only MP3's but also knowledge and data in general is now basically free to store and transmit. Compared to just a year or so ago, the site really doesn't cost me very much. But there is another point as well. We are a well educated and creative group and so ideas, experience, designs, and code are more than plentiful. We are rich, and when you are rich, it is fun to share. To show off. When my mothers tomato patch was apparently struck by an alien grow ray and we had 50 times the production of the fat red nightshades, she worked her self half to death finding people to give them to. And she was bursting with pride, happy as a clam, and we didn't need the good will of most of the people who she gave to. Now, you might point out that tomatoes don't last long and will spoil if not used when ripe, so it makes sense to give away more than you need when you have it. But... here is my big revalation.... ITS THE SAME WITH KNOWLEDGE! It gets lost, forgotten, hidden under a bushel and doesn't make it from the person who has it to the person who needs it. (yes, yes, that's communism from each... to each... I'll get to that in a minute) I've built a cannery or a freezer and I'm asking you to bring your tomatoes (beyond what you need) and store them for those who need them in the future. You can even mark your basket private and no one else will be allowed to see it, but it won't get lost. And its existence will be know and linked to you so that if anyone wants to pay you for it, they can. I've been offered money a number of times for items that I've marked private on the techref and on occasion, I've taken it. Now, re: Communism vs. Capitalism. Each has its place. Don't tell me you paid your mother to care for you when you were sick (from her ability to your need) or that you are taking care of her to anything like the degree that she took care of you. I would never want to have to run an economy on Communism but I would just as much not want to run a family on Capitalism. There are lots of groups in the world that are somewhere between the two. And I don't think the PICList is very near the economy side. But if it is, or for the part of it that is, we have [AD]: topics and the site does allow advertisers to post to the site. Amazingly, the person who lambasted me the most, has rarely used the former and has NEVER used the latter. I'd like to hear why not and what more a capitalist could possibly want? My wife says I've been on my soap box, so I'll end this now, but I really do want to hear from people who have any ideas what we can do to work for the good of EVERYONE, business and consumer and list fathers and newbies all. James Newton, PICList Admin #3 mailto:jamesnewton@piclist.com 1-619-652-0593 phone http://www.piclist.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Dan Michaels To: Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2001 17:00 Subject: Re: [OT]: Pocket Socialism? David P. Harris wrote: >I would comment that it is likely Napster actually increases CD sales. Napster already tried that argument - I don't think the judge bought it - [the argument, not the CD :)] -- 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