[cc-licenses] Parallel Distribution Statement
Rob Myers
rob at robmyers.org
Mon Nov 27 19:35:05 EST 2006
James Grimmelmann wrote:
> Some authors feel it is good for their works to
> receive wider distribution, even on platforms that use DRM or from which
> it is hard to extract works.
Are we discussing freedom or loss leaders? Do these authors feel that it
is good for them to *receive* work in such a format? Do you believe that
they will still do so when their eBook reader breaks, they buy an
incompatible eBook reader, or when they wish to copy some text to write
a review?
I would imagine that they will feel this until precisely half a second
after it bites them in the ass, at which point they had better have a
non-DRM backup. Which of course everyone who uses dual distribution will
keep. You always download two versions of a file to make sure that you
have one that you cannot use in case you need it in fifty years time.
These poor helpless users can in fact install GNU/Linux on their PS3,
iPod or DS or even just the PC that they are using to transfer this
content and not just experience unencumbered media but also gain all the
other benefits of Free Software. We should concentrate helping them do
so, not helping those who would remove their freedom.
- Rob.
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