Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2002 09:28:52 -0400
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>
From: Liza Kessler <LKessler at lharris.com>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: fw: metaphorically speaking
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

>I've briefly quoted, with full credit, from three sources in this
>message.  I don't feel this has done anyone any harm, or cut into
>anyone's revenues.
>
> >From what I've been reading, this may not be possible for very many
>more years.  In an attempt to stamp out every possible vestige of
>copyright infringement, the PC as we know it, and even my VT420
>terminal, will soon be outlawed, and replaced with information
>appliances under the exclusive control of large, licensed, "content
>providers" and the government.  The information appliances will reside
>in our homes, but anyone who "tampers" with them will be guilty of a
>serious crime.  Sigh.  The government is not on your side, or mine, or
>that of any but the very largest content providers.
>
>Me, I refuse to have anything in my home that I'm not free to tamper
>with to my heart's content.  But that's just me.

I would encourage each and every one of you, especially those of you who
live in Virginia or Maryland and thus have reasonably meaningful
representation in our representational democracy, to share your thoughts on
"digital rights management" -- as this technology is becoming known -- with
the powers that be.

Senator Leahy has actually set up a specific subsection of the Senate
Judiciary Committee page to provide information about these issues, and to
gather opinions from interested individuals.

Main page on DRM issues: http://judiciary.senate.gov/special/feature.cfm
The user comment page:
http://judiciary.senate.gov/special/input_form.cfm?comments=1

This topic is sure to move fairly slowly in Congress as it also features a
big turf war between the Commerce and Judiciary committees. :)

On a related note, the House Judiciary Committee approved the TEACH Act
yesterday, which enhances what materials may be used, and how, and under
what circumstances, in digital distance learning. The Senate already
approved the bill unanimously, so if it gets voted on by the full House
soon, this fall, schools will actually be able to make fair use of video
clips etc in distance ed, without fear of being sued by the broadcasters or
movie industry.

Liza