But that misses my point

But that misses my point

Posted Aug 1, 2005 23:45 UTC (Mon) by felixfix (subscriber, #242)
In reply to: It's entirely too possible, given some self-control by the Dark Side by Max.Hyre
Parent article: Microsoft's DRM vision

My point is that people WILL revolt, since in all their ignroance, they assume that once they have rented a DVD, they can play it anywhere, any number of times. Sure, if only a few geeks revolt, no one cares. But if even 1% of the Joe Sixpacks call 800 numbers or bring their PCs back to stores, it will destroy the system. Suppose the stores refuse to accept the returned PCs, or the 800 call centers tell them too bad. If even 1% of those who complain follow up with complaints to the PUC or the congress critters, that will get someone's attention.

Look. How many PCs are sold every year? Suppose it's 10 million in one shape or another. Suppose 100,000 (1%) try to take them back or call the 800 number. Suppose 1000 (another 1%) follow up with complaints to the political or legal system. That's a HUGE number. Congress critters don't like getting 1000 complaints. And it wouldn't be long before some class action lawyer smelled the money.

Even lead balloons fly for a short while, given enough launch money.

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