Jon Lech Johansen has been getting some email from folks that think he has gone too far. They say that allowing Linux users to view DVD's was one thing. But he is stepping over the line if he starts messing with DRM. Needless to say he begs to differ.
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--Sorry to say this but, unlike with DeCSS where you were allowing Linux users to view DVDs, this time you've gone too far.-- None of them explain how this is different and why GNU/Linux users should not be allowed to play legally bought music. Instead they go on to rave about how great iTMS is and that the imposed DRM is a good compromise. If they hadn't been completely clueless about copyright law, they'd know that Fair Use is the compromise. Some of them claim that this will lead to the RIAA imposing stricter DRM. Did they suddenly realize that it's the RIAA, and not Apple, which determines the rules for the iTMS DRM? When they complain about Microsoft's DRM used by other music stores, why do they think that it's Microsoft, and not the RIAA, which determines the DRM rules? They have failed to understand that by buying into DRM they have given the seller complete control over the product after it's been sold. The RIAA can at any time change the DRM rules, and considering their history it's likely that they will when the majority of consumers have embraced DRM and non-DRM products have been phased out. Some DVDs today include commercials which can't be skipped using "sanctioned" players. If the RIAA forces Apple to include commercials, what excuses will the Mac zealots come up with? "It's a good compromise"? |
QTFairUse was posted last Friday on the site with the taunt So Sue Me! As we reported earlier, the open source program circumvents, but doesn't break the iTunes DRM. The program creates a new file from memory that is identical in quality to the original-sans DRM.
Jon Lech Johansen, is now 19 years of age. He faces a new trial on Tuesday for his DeCSS program. He was aquitted in January and the case is now under appeal in Norway. Has he jumped from the frying pan to the fire, has he indeed gone too far this time? Or, if you don't agree with DRM can you decide to not use it? Inquiring minds want to know.
Source: Jon Lech Johansen's blog
