Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.
Re: Napster and Software
Author: Russell Lipton Posted: 7/13/2000; 10:04:16 AM Topic: scriptingNews outline for 7/12/2000 Msg #: 18567 (In response to 18566) Prev/Next: 18566 / 18568
Thank you for this crucial insight that had escaped me.In a digital world where bits can (and should) be conveniently repurposed across varied media to suit the desires of the user (moi) - and repurposed automatically whenever possible (agents, etc) - I should pay once-only.
Isn't it true that "valuing bits" appropriately is the entire crux of the Internet's business dilemma? This is true whether it has to do with pricing Frontier as a Web app (let alone Manila) as much as for CDs and MP3's.
Now, I think I understand why. We're wrestling over something that is, at the same time, incredibly abstract (e.g., "bits") and yet as practical as Napster. Let's face it - even we techies are quarreling over the terms. No wonder that perfectly intelligent others are confused.
Hey, bravo. I'm sure others have caught this but I had missed it entirely.
aka HeadDuffer
duffer.editthispage.com
bookmark.editthispage.com
There are responses to this message:
- Re: Napster and Software, Jacob Levy, 7/13/2000; 10:08:06 AM
- Re: Napster and Software, Ken MacLeod, 7/13/2000; 10:22:55 AM
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