Preserving the supply of alternatives [LWN.net]

Preserving the supply of alternatives

Posted Apr 19, 2006 18:50 UTC (Wed) by jhardin@impsec.org (guest, #15045)
In reply to: Preserving the supply of alternatives by Baylink
Parent article: Lessig, Stallman on 'Open Source' DRM (The Register)

> ... 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.

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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.