According to Nicole Sperling (Hollywood Reporter) "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" has generated more than 220 million dollars at the box office since it's debut Dec. 17. Second only to "Spider Man" in the time it took to cross the 200 million mark, "King" could well exceed the 340 million racked up by its 2002 predecessor, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."
Let's all hope so, because in case you didn't know it the movie industry is about to go broke thanks to our darned kids and their pesky computers. Even jacking the cost of a movie ticket up to $ 10.25 a pop in New York recently isn't doing much good. Jack Valenti, president of the MPAA, told Penn State University faculty and students this fall that his industry is in "a state of crisis" over digital theft.
Temporarily putting reading, writing and 'rithmatic on the back burner, for 100,000 dollars the movie moguls can send their hand picked lackeys to give a chat with our youngsters in the classrooms. What better, or should I say, "cost effective" way to take a fresh look at copyright law from the viewpoint of the movie industry! While were at it, lets make it fun with trips to Hollywood, DVD players, (but not recorders- recorders are part of the problem I guess) dvd movies, theater tickets and money. But wait, here is the best part, teachers too can win prizes for "effectively communicating" the "approved message" in class.
The thought of schools being offered money to alter the curriculum to spread a corporate message, is disturbing to say the least and has raised the suspicion level to orange over at National Education Association. Also, the plan may be flawed anyway, as there is nothing more unpredictable than a 14 year old computer whiz that is trying to avoid a brainwashing by some corporate dweeb. They (the kids that is) have a well developed look on the situation and aren't afraid to share their thoughts. But, will they be allowed to? Freedom of speech can be a touchy subject when 6 figures are at stake.
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Effort raises concerns Civil libertarians object that the movie industry is presenting a tainted version of a complex legal issue, while the country's largest teachers' lobby is concerned about the incentives the program offers. "What's the Diff?: A Guide to Digital Citizenship" launched last fall with a lesson plan that aims to keep kids away from Internet services that let users trade songs and film clips: "If you haven't paid for it, you've stolen it." "We think it's a critical group to be having this conversation with," said MPAA spokesman Rich Taylor. Melinda Anderson, a spokeswoman for the National Education Association, says it's unsettling when corporate presence in the classroom is tethered to sponsored incentive programs. In this case, Junior Achievement is offering students DVD players, DVD movies, theater tickets and free trips to Hollywood for winning essays about illegal file-sharing. Teachers, too, can win prizes for effectively communicating the approved message in class. "What it speaks to is kind of a new era in commercialism emerging in classrooms where the attempts to connect with students are becoming more and more sophisticated. Schools that are often strapped for cash are more tempted to partner with these organizations," Anderson said. "Coming from school, these companies are getting a tacit endorsement for their product," she said. "That's not a school's role -- to be the purveyors." The program got a rocky start in a presentation to cyber-savvy teens at Raoul Wallenberg High School in San Francisco. Andrew Irgens-Moller, 14, rolled his eyes as the guest teacher warned of computer viruses and hackers that could take control of a user's desktop via file-sharing programs. He pointed out that antivirus software could scan downloaded files and only sophisticated hackers could pull off a desktop computer takeover. Then the teacher cut him off. |
Then the teacher cut him off...what's wrong with this picture? You tell 'em Melinda Anderson! However, the day wasn't over yet at the school house though:
Bret Balonick, a tax accountant on loan from Pricewater-house Coopers to teach the anti-piracy class, was arguing that some downloaders have been affected by malicious activity. Besides, he said, it's illegal to upload and download unauthorized content online. Some aren't convinced: "If it's illegal in America, host it in Uzbekistan," snapped the 14-year-old.
Balonick then had the freshmen role-play as singers, actors, producers, computer users. But even the "producers" quietly acknowledged that they too share song files over the Internet. "It's not illegal if you decide to give it away," said Wilson Cen, 13, regarding copying music CDs for his friends. "They don't want you selling them. It's a gift; you're not selling it." Brenda Chen said she swaps files because "I just want certain tracks from the CD, not the whole CD. It's a waste of money."
Source: The Indy Star
