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
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