Why bother, I ask? [LWN.net]

Why bother, I ask?

Posted Oct 21, 2003 4:41 UTC (Tue) by coriordan (guest, #7544)
In reply to: Why bother, I ask? by stuart
Parent article: Time for another Europatent push

I don't share all of your pessimism about the current state, or your optimism about a revolt.

Look at America. They get all sorts of stupid laws rammed down their throats, but you don't see them revolting. BigBusiness is smart. When they want to shut down napster, they don't stick a fat cat on the TV, they get Metallica to say it for them.

One of the big problems with broadening the patent system is that it's very hard to undo. Patents are private property, once handed out they are out of the control of governments.

I've gotten a lot of great responses from MEPs I've talked to. I really believe most of them are doing their best. There are a few Arlene McCarthys in there too, but their mostly good. Ireland has 15 MEPs. 4 didn't turn up for the vote, but the other 11 voted exactly as we asked them to (with detailed explanatory letters).

We weren't expecting such a complete victory at the plenary stage, maybe we'll be pleasently surprised by what happens at the Council stage too. Since we have educated our MEPs, the Council will have to put up a good case to go against their decision.

I reckon it's worth at least one letter.

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Why bother, I ask?

Posted Oct 23, 2003 11:33 UTC (Thu) by zmower (subscriber, #3005) [Link]

Look at America. They get all sorts of stupid laws rammed down their throats, but you don't see them revolting. BigBusiness is smart. When they want to shut down napster, they don't stick a fat cat on the TV, they get Metallica to say it for them.

I think all this did was make fans realise that Metallica have totally sold out. My final CD purchase of theirs was ...And Justice For All (and no, I won't be P2Ping their stuff or attending their concerts; I'm definitely an ex-fan).

Given the recent RIAA actions, some sort of civil disobedience is in order. Even a small personal decision to not buy any RIAA CDs would be a start. I'll take that pledge.

I reckon it's worth at least one letter.

Mine went last Sunday. I've also asked my employers what their thoughts are on the current legislation given that it's bound to drive up costs. As the UK government is our major customer, I've also asked them if they've expressed these views to their customers. You never know...