DOJ Doesn't Like the Idea of A Copyright Czar 215
sconeu writes "Seems as if the DOJ is not particularly happy about HR 4729, the 'Copyright Czar' bill. The Deputy AG told Congress that the current structure works quite effectively. 'Panel members also expressed concern over Section 104 of the bill, which would allow a copyright owner to collect statutory damages for each copyrighted work that is stolen. Detractors fear that this provision could result in protracted lawsuits ... Section 104, however, would penalize criminals on a per-song basis, so if someone pirated a motion picture soundtrack that had songs from 12 different artists, the pirate would be charged with 12 separate offenses and be subject to exorbitant fees.'"
What does "stolen" mean? (Score:5, Insightful)
All Pau... (Score:5, Insightful)
It this passes... (Score:5, Insightful)
The real reason for unhappiness (Score:5, Insightful)
Bottom Line (Score:4, Insightful)
Taken past a certain point, though, it impairs the ability of the court system to be responsive, and brings massive costs to the agencies which have to support the infrastructure.
We're getting to that point.
Pointless (Score:5, Insightful)
Yanks: DO something about your electoral system! It's time to move back to Democracy from Corporate Oligarchy.
These people need to get real (Score:5, Insightful)
Check and balances (Score:4, Insightful)
This isn't a bill written to make the constituents happy... I'm glad the DOJ is doing more than following along.
Re:These people need to get real YEAH, MAYBE! (Score:3, Insightful)
Yeah, for now.
Re:All Pau... (Score:3, Insightful)
What makes you think things are going to go differently this time?
Re:What does "stolen" mean? (Score:5, Insightful)
The RIAA gets the money. Metallica doesn't see a penny.
Re:All Pau... (Score:4, Insightful)
Heh (Score:5, Insightful)
Each blow in assault is not a seperate offence (Score:5, Insightful)
If someone is assaulted they cannot prosecute the assailant for each punch/stab/whatever....
They are entitled to fair protections but the system must make the redress fair as well. Each $2.99 song is a million dollars by their accounting. Now they want each instance to give them a retrial and more ability to punish the poor with larger threatened lawsuits. This is not trial by judge or jury anymore. They are fighting for trial by the inefficiency of our judicial system. They want to make the court system worse and more expensive while they use it as a hammer to win settlements - out of court. And who picks up the tab??? The country.
Go back to the initial copyright as set out by the constitution. Remove the extensions and emphasize the benefits of a global distribution system that costs peanuts to maintain.
Re:crybaby (Score:3, Insightful)
It's not about stealing, dipshit. It's about choice.
Re:It this passes... (Score:3, Insightful)
I am sure that many of the people that provide their information and shape their policies know this, but I also doubt they are telling.
Re:What does "stolen" mean? (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:All Pau... (Score:2, Insightful)
I don't shop at best buy (or anywhere else that demands to see my receipt: ComUSA, Costco, Mars Music, etc.. I don't care what their reasons are.) but I can only imagine that they stock their shelves for the mainstream stuff.
Personally, I've given up on pop music. I've developed a fondness for the classics: Mozart, Bach, those guys: Not the Stones or Beatles. Granted, I still enjoy a good tune on the radio, but actually acquire a pop CD? I haven't done that in over ten years. The classics are less than $10 as long as you buy the generic recording by some philharmonic somewhere. Now, if you see a good looking person on the cover with a name, then you'll pay the $18 for the damn thing - same composer, just a pretty person playing it. Even a Yo Yo Ma CD is more than the Joe Schmoe CD. You know what, I don't care if it's a celebrity musician or not - I can't tell the difference. And considering all of the talented folks in the World, I don't see the point of paying $10 more for a CD because its played by a celebrity.
when reality changes (Score:4, Insightful)
or you can adapt gracefully, and keep right on swimming
adapt, or die
i mean these are some pretty fantastic death throes we are witnessing now
riaa, mpaa: in 5 years i want to see shocktroopers on the street with congressionally mandated shoot to kill on sight orders for anyone caught singing christmas carols without prior authorization
that's the logical progression of your denial
Re:The problem-nobody is waking up like they used (Score:2, Insightful)
Applying the term "christian right" to a political movement before the 70's is like calling something a "genocide" that happened before WWII - it uses a term that didn't exist at the time of the event, not to describe it, but to leverage current emotional and intellectual trends to get the reaction the writer wishes.
In other words, trolling.
Re:The NET Act Made it Criminal (sometimes) (Score:4, Insightful)
One in office
One in jail.
No exceptions.
Re:It this passes... (Score:2, Insightful)
You were modded troll for the crime of actually knowing a definition.
That's pretty funny
Re:All Pau... (Score:4, Insightful)
The unfair taxation which fomented the American Revolution was judged to be preventing merchants from making a living. Add to that the insult of excluding British merchants from the taxes and tariffs, and you've got a revolt.
The RIAA's tactics aren't preventing anyone from making a living--at least, not directly. Like the 18th century British crown, they're woefully out of touch, but they're not so much exacting taxes and tariffs as they are filing ridiculous lawsuits based on wild accusations.
Re:what you said was true (Score:3, Insightful)
The choice is simple, continue fighting a war against your own citizens or simply allow the people who already deal with powerful drugs the ability to control the situation. There is only one sane option, unfortunately we are far from arriving at it.