Preserving the supply of alternatives [LWN.net]

Preserving the supply of alternatives

Posted Apr 19, 2006 13:47 UTC (Wed) by Baylink (subscriber, #755)
In reply to: Lessig, Stallman on 'Open Source' DRM (The Register) by zotz
Parent article: Lessig, Stallman on 'Open Source' DRM (The Register)

Interestingly, this is the topic of Spider Robinson's Hugo award winning short story Melancholy Elephants, which, ironically, the author now disclaims -- though he doesn't say why -- in a new book.

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Preserving the supply of alternatives

Posted Apr 19, 2006 18:50 UTC (Wed) by jhardin@impsec.org (guest, #15045) [Link]

> ... Melancholy Elephants, which, ironically, the author now disclaims --
> though he doesn't say why ...

A quick Google ( http://www.longstoryshortpier.com/2006/03/01/tood-janey response number 2) implies it's because Virginia Heinlein now has a descendant, so he no longer wants Heinlein's work to go into the public domain. Apparently Spider's own words aren't online where Google can find them.

I love reading Robinson's and Heinlein's work and greatly respect their talent and creativity, but this change of heart seems to me to be sadly hypocritical: taking a position for the good of society, but discarding it as soon as your own personal ox (or that of your personal hero) is at risk of being gored.

Preserving the supply of alternatives

Posted Apr 19, 2006 19:11 UTC (Wed) by Baylink (subscriber, #755) [Link]

*Great* catch.

I hadn't thought that Robert and Virginia had had any children; how is there a 3 year old around? And whose?

A friend of mine has been on the concom for Necronomicon for about 20 years; they had the Robinsons' a couple years ago -- perhaps he has a channel to ask this question and get an answer.

I'll look into it.