Let's assume that WMDRM doesn't exist. Sony-BMG, EMI, Universal etc. will all release their music with various forms of DRM, and various music sites will all come out with various forms of DRM too.
When users encounter DRM, they're not gonna think, DRM's shit, let's all protest.
They're not gonna all switch to Linux because its still too painful - see my blog if you want to know some reasons why I think that.
Most don't know about DRM, and couldn't care less - we're already overloaded with information as it is.
Only in so far as it doesnt pose a problem for them. When they cant watch their HD-DVD, or cant copy their iTunes music to their MP3 player, then they DO get upset and start caring.
So when you think about it, the only good option at the moment is to compromise on both sides, and that's what Microsoft has done. Its hands are tied - it is no where near powerful enough to tell the music/movie industries what to do.
But this is their business model under attack here. You're telling them to dump the business model they've been using for the last 30 or so years (selling music to consumers) and to adopt a business model that gives their core product away for free. Where will the money come from? Advertising? Sponsorship?
I still stand by this statement. We're not all going to turn open source, and scrap the patent system (even though it should be drastically reformed) anytime soon. Capitalism thrives on the fact that you can own something, then control what you do with it.
By all means, boycott - that is your right and a primary principle of capitalism. But you have to consider all the hidden non-financial costs involved with a decision to boycott and weigh them up.
And finally - although my post was mainly focused on media, we're forgetting the positive side of DRM. The main one I can think of is protecting confidential business proposals and reports, what Microsoft calls Information Rights Management. There have been all too many cases where employees have 'accidentally' misplaced CDs, leaked confidential information (e.g. social security numbers).
EDIT by ZIPHNOR: Really sorry samuel, by mistake i hit edit on your post instead of reply and didnt realize it before i saved my own replies into it! I tried restoring what i could. I completely forgot i had moderator rights on the forum. Hope you can restore your post so we can continue the discussion.
When users encounter DRM, they're not gonna think, DRM's shit, let's all protest.
They're not gonna all switch to Linux because its still too painful - see my blog if you want to know some reasons why I think that.
Most don't know about DRM, and couldn't care less - we're already overloaded with information as it is.
Only in so far as it doesnt pose a problem for them. When they cant watch their HD-DVD, or cant copy their iTunes music to their MP3 player, then they DO get upset and start caring.
So when you think about it, the only good option at the moment is to compromise on both sides, and that's what Microsoft has done. Its hands are tied - it is no where near powerful enough to tell the music/movie industries what to do.
But this is their business model under attack here. You're telling them to dump the business model they've been using for the last 30 or so years (selling music to consumers) and to adopt a business model that gives their core product away for free. Where will the money come from? Advertising? Sponsorship?
I still stand by this statement. We're not all going to turn open source, and scrap the patent system (even though it should be drastically reformed) anytime soon. Capitalism thrives on the fact that you can own something, then control what you do with it.
By all means, boycott - that is your right and a primary principle of capitalism. But you have to consider all the hidden non-financial costs involved with a decision to boycott and weigh them up.
And finally - although my post was mainly focused on media, we're forgetting the positive side of DRM. The main one I can think of is protecting confidential business proposals and reports, what Microsoft calls Information Rights Management. There have been all too many cases where employees have 'accidentally' misplaced CDs, leaked confidential information (e.g. social security numbers).
EDIT by ZIPHNOR: Really sorry samuel, by mistake i hit edit on your post instead of reply and didnt realize it before i saved my own replies into it! I tried restoring what i could. I completely forgot i had moderator rights on the forum. Hope you can restore your post so we can continue the discussion.