new dog old trick

Group seeks political power for P2P | CNET News.com

Group seeks political power for P2P | CNET News.com. Another interesting development in using the internet as a political vehicle as well as another front in the war on the entertainment industry. I've just come across this article so as yet I haven't had a chance to check out exactly what the organization is advocating, its sponsorship and membership, etc. You can check it out too here.

Just off the top of my head, I'd guess the question of success for this movement will hinge on the positions this group takes. If this is nothing but cover for the extremist slashdot/open everything/rip off the music industry crowd, it won't attract enough support to have any clout - certainly not enough to provide a viable counter to the power of the RIAA and its ilk. If the positions taken are based on more reasoned advocacy of openness, the fair use rights of consumers vs. the evil empire of the RIAA, the need for change based on new enabling technology, and protection of the intellectual property rights (including the right to be compensated) of artists/creators then I think that an organization like this could pick up some real momentum.

Microsoft and Anti-Trust

There were lots of stories today regarding Microsoft's antitrust problems. The U.S. case may be on the cusp of final settlement although, as noted in this story, there continue to be attempts to increase or restructure the penalties associated with case. Dan Gillmor also got himself revved up again about the whole issue in his weblog, here, as did some more folks in the comments on his post.

On the other hand, there was an editorial in yesterday's (4 November) Wall Street Journal regarding the ongoing European Commission investigation of potential Microsoft antitrust violations. I think the points raised in the WSJ editorial deserve careful consideration even by those who view MSFT as the evil empire and who are appalled by the limp penalties imposed on MSFT even after it was found to have engaged in illegal monopolistic practices...