What's up with the black stripe across the logo on the home page?  I hope it's just protecting the identity of the suspect, and not mourning.....
 
Peter

I suspect it has to do with the one day boycott by google and other internet entities to protest proposed new legislation trying to impose government regulation of the internet.  Go to google.com and you'll see the black stripe there, too.
 
Bill, tgo

Ah, yes.  Of course.
 
Peter

if you click on the black stripe, you go to:
https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

I wrote my congressman about how I have supported my family on a free and open internet for almost 20 years. That's more important to me than the rights of a few copyright holders.
 
I won't apologize: a free and open Internet is more important than copyright. (And for the same reason that we have copyright, constitutionally.)
 
Bradley

I don't think that protection of IP and an open internet are mutually exclusive. It's worth protecting IP, but SOPA and PIPA were just not reasonable. They were cases of using a nuclear weapon where a flyswatter is more appropriate.

Edwin,
 
Given the choice of one or the other, I'd pick the Internet.  Not saying that's actually the choice, but I'm having a hard time believing that the existing regulations aren't already overstepping reasonable bounds. See megaupload.

I feel it's worth noting that nothing new comes out of nothing.  Everything is derivative in some form or fashion to some degree.  While I don't see a problem with someone making money off an interpretation of a concept or idea, granting anyone (or any company) sole rights is, to me, a misapplication of justice.  This is especially true in music, imho, where there truly is nothing new under the sun, just different ways to mixing it up (and arrangements can't be copyrighted).
 
I suspect I'll need to bring at least enough soup for both Paul TSO and myself to the next Chicago gathering..
 
John

I don't see any reason to discuss an either or analysis. Too much discourse happens this way with the result that one side ascribes to the other arguments that are not made and are neither realistic nor reasonable. Conversations heat up and then everything becomes polarized. While I respect your position that you feel that a free and open internet is more important than strong copyright policies, it's not a decision that needs to be made as both needs can be met. Others might disagree and the beauty of a democracy is that a middle ground can be found.

Edwin,
 
I'll leave off... too close to politics.  Suffice it to say: I believe we're already well past middle ground, and in a dangerous place.
 
Bradley