Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!OHSTVMA.IRCC.OHIO-STATE.EDU!RAMO%AC.DAL.CA
From: RAMO%AC.DAL.CA@OHSTVMA.IRCC.OHIO-STATE.EDU (Richard Outerbridge)
Newsgroups: gnu.misc.discuss
Subject: RE: Re: Copywrongs
Message-ID: <8908190134.AA11681@cheops.cis.ohio-state.edu>
Date: 19 Aug 89 00:56:00 GMT
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Reply-To: gnu-misc-discuss@cis.ohio-state.edu
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This is a general comment directed at some of those who themselves commented
on my "copywrongs" posting.

My assertion is that the system, as it presently exists, is not in harmony
with physical laws.

My conclusion is that the system might benefit from some changes.

Those who argue that, under the present system, the consequences of allowing
the free copying of information are undesirable are only strengthening my
case.

It is not my intention to suggest that simply repealing copyright laws will be
of any use.

As a thought experiment I would suggest the following: If there were no
copyright (and patent) laws. If for some reason we, as a society, were firm in
our decision not to enact such laws. If we wanted to prevent the kinds of
problems that such laws were created to prevent. What could we do instead?

I would raise one more point, in parting. If you would all allow me the
assumption that the vast majority of copyright infringements go unpunished
(without going into the issue of deterrents), then don't the copyright laws as
they now operate confer a very unfair (although perhaps minor) advantage to
those who violate them?

I apologize if my original posting was on the rough side. I was not entirely
satisfied with my eloquence or irrefutibility, but I wanted to try and get
something out. Hopefully, one of three things will happen: Someone else will
take the basic idea and soup it up, or the feedback I get will help me identify
my weak points so that I can improve it myself, or best of all Playboy magazine
will offer to publish (and, of course, copyright) the original posting and
make me a wealthy and famous author and secret supporter of all I profess to
despise. Stay tuned.