Re: Stallman calls for an end to file sharing war

[David Kastrup]

Alan Mackenzie <acm@muc.de> writes:

> In gnu.misc.discuss Ben Pfaff <blp@cs.stanford.edu> wrote:
>> Alan Mackenzie <acm@muc.de> writes:
>>> How about approach 2A: allow free copying of music and films, but instead
>>> of paying artists out of taxes, they get paid by a levy on high speed
>>> internet lines.  A levy of, say $50 a year, or $100 a year could provide
>>> handsome income to musicians and film-makers.  There are obviously
>>> difficult practical issues to sort out, but given how badly copyright now
>>> misworks the levy would probably work better.
>
>> I don't download music or films (legally or illegally).  Why
>> should I pay such a fee?
>
> To support your country's musicians and film makers.  It might seem a bit
> (or even a lot) unfair, but it's not all that much money.  Would you
> rather that general taxes be used to support them (as others have
> suggested), or that the current "system" continue as it is?
>
> I do understand the objection; in Germany, I'm required to pay for a
> radio license on account of possessing a net-connected computer.

That is going to change next year if I understand correctly.  Then you
will be required to pay for a television license on account of having a
home.

> If you're not downloading music or films, do you really need a high
> capacity net link?  Wouldn't a thinner connection do?

If you are not in possession of electronic devices, do you really need a
roof over your head?  Wouldn't a cardboard box do?

Anyway, I find it amusing how any levying scheme here is ridiculed as
the brain farts of wannabe communists and whatever else, when such
systems are in place and working in capitaliC-w free market oriented
countries.

-- 
David Kastrup