IP: vis-a-vis Libraries

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

>Date: Sun, 08 Apr 2001 10:40:07 -0700
>From: Joe Crawford <joe@artlung.com>
>
>
>A speech from Bruce Sterling from 1992 to the Library Information
>Technology Association  is more prescient every day...
>
>[ read it all at ]
>http://www.eff.org/pub/Misc/Publications/Bruce_Sterling/free_as_air.speech
>
>
>"The American library system was invented in a different cultural
>climate. This is how it happened. You're Benjamin Franklin, a
>printer and your average universal genius, and it's the Year of Our
>Lord 1731."
><....snips....>
>
>"Now forget 1731. It's 1991. Forget the leatherbound books.  You
>start swopping floppy disks and using a bulletin board system.
>Public spirited? A benefit to society? Democratic institution,
>knowledge is power, power to the people? Maybe... or maybe you're
>an idealistic nut, Mr. Franklin.  Not only that, but you're
>menacing our commercial interests. What about our trade secrets, Mr
>Franklin?  Our trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Our
>intellectual property rights. Our look-and-feel. Our patented
>algorithms. Our national security clearances. Our export licenses.
>Our FBI surveillance policy. Don't copy that floppy, Mr. Franklin!
>And you're telling me you want us to pay *taxes* to support your
>suspicious activities? Hey, if there's a real need here, the market
>will meet it, Mr Franklin. I really think this "library" idea of
>yours is something better left to the private sector, Mr Franklin.
>No author could possibly want his books read for free, sir.  Are
>you trying to starve the creative artist?"
>
>         - Joe
>--
>Joe Crawford <mailto:joe@artlung.com>
>  * I am a Web Designer and Developer;
>  * Find out about me at : http://www.ArtLung.com
>  * A Mailing List for San Diego Web Folks : http://WebSanDiego.org



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