Re: Stallman calls for an end to file sharing war

[Alexander Terekhov]

David Kastrup wrote:
> 
> 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.

Yes, but GEZ broadcast fee isn't really a "license." The money goes to
the state-controlled TV and radio stations to support operation and to
*license* (paying royalties for) the copyrights from individual authors
and author associations such as GEMA.

regards,
alexander.

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