Richard Stallman Talks On Copyright Vs. the People 329
holden writes "Richard M. Stallman recently gave a talk entitled Copyright vs Community in the Age of Computer Networks to the University of Waterloo Computer Science Club. The talk looks at the origin of copyright, and how it has evolved over time from something that originally served the benefit of the people to a tool used against them. In keeping with his wishes to use open formats, the talk and QA are available in ogg theora only."
Re:One thing I don't get... (Score:1, Funny)
That is dated from 2000 with the same topic title for the talk... is he just reciting this old talk?
The transcript also seems to indicate laughter within the audience. I call FAKE on this.
Re:UW University students' counterpoint (Score:5, Funny)
Re:UW University students' counterpoint (Score:2, Funny)
"In keeping with his wishes" (Score:3, Funny)
But RMS, information wants to be free, and this is just another form for it to freely take!
Re:"In keeping with his wishes" (Score:1, Funny)
You, sir, are a dumbass.
Re:UW University students' counterpoint (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Fizzy Pop? (Score:4, Funny)
This is how he can have a totally polar draconian view of commercial software. He doesn't have to rely on selling it to make a living. And since he doesn't have to win over customers ever, he doesn't have to act tactfully in public. I mean, I rarely dress up, but I at least shave, bathe, comb my friggin hair and act polite when guests/customers are around. It isn't selling out to have proper manners and hygiene...
That said, copyright is hardly as big a problem as people make it out to be. The DMCA [and similar laws] are, but they're not required for copyright to exist and be useful. And at anyrate I'd worry more about patents [especially on math and software] then copyrights.
Tom
Re:I attended (Score:3, Funny)
There was a Pope who was greatly loved by all of his followers, a man
who led with gentleness, faith and wisdom. His passing was grieved by the
entire world, Catholic or not.
As the Pope approached the gates of heaven, it was Saint Peter who greeted
him in a firm embrace.
"Welcome your holiness, your dedication and unselfishness in serving your
fellow man during you life has earned you great stature in heaven. You
may pass through the gates without delay and are granted free access to all
parts of heaven."
"You are also granted an open door policy and may at your own discretion
meet with any heavenly leader, including the Father without prior appoint-
ment. Is there anything which your holiness desires?"
"Well yes," the Pope replied. "I have often pondered some of the mysteries
which have puzzled and confounded theologians through the ages. Are there
perhaps andy transcripts which recorded the actual conversations between
God and the prophets of old? I would love to see what was actually said,
without the dimming of memories over time."
Saint Peter immediately ushered the Pope to the heavenly library and
explained how to retrieve the vaious documents. The Pope was thrilled and
settled down to review the history of man's relationship with God.
Two years later a scream of anguish pierced the stacks of the library.
Immediately several of the Saints and angels came running to the Pope's
side to learn the cause of his dismay.
There they found the Pope pointing to a single word on the parchment,
Repeating over and over, "There's an 'R', There's and 'R'!!!"
"Look, the word is celibrate, not celibate!"