RE: PHIL: converter

Cranz Gregory (gcranz@cmp.com)
Fri, 01 Dec 1995 14:25:07 -0500


"Could we all just get back to VRML issues, not intellectual
property rights...there are surely forums for that interesting
topic, somewhere else."

Sandy,

I only brought the topic up because it seemed relevant. Obviously people
have different opinions about copyright issues & intellectual property. But
some people have since proposed possible modifications to the way that VRML
is utilized from a technological standpoint in order to accomidate this
concern. That surprized even me. Issues of encryption, information nodes,
etc. have been raised. Now I don't want to seem like a royalty-grubbing
bastid, especially since my VRML hasn't seen the light of day yet, & who's to
say if it's worth ANYTHING...

"> I'ts increadible how people sometimes overestimate the value of their work.
> I've seen shareware programs that I can write blindfolded in my sleep with
> one hand tied to my back, that people have the nerve to ask $40 for!"
***$grubBastid mode on***
Well... come to think of it... I'M THE ONE who dictates what my work is
worth. & so is that person who's selling the $40 shareware junk. & WHY?
Because it's a free market. If people aren't willing to pay, then I suppose
I'll have to come down on my price or look for someone else.. That's the way
the world works, no?
***$grubBastid mode off***

"> If you're bothered by people stealing your stuff,
> what make's you think that you're interested in the WEB?
>
> Preventative information has little place in the future.
>

I agree 100 percent--information should be shared
and disseminated, not hoarded and wielded over others for
the purposes of some kind of coercive dominion."

OK, so does that mean that you are software pirates also? ;}
or Spies, double-agents, yadda yadda yadda... 8}

nononononono... Let me retract that. I'm really getting offensive here &
it's not my point.

There ARE (c) laws in place & that's that. We're all building cyberspace
here. That's a Gibson term. In Gibson's worlds, information was currency.
Information was power. & In our world too. Have you been to a book store
lately? I drop >$80 ever time I walk in there & come out with VERY LITTLE
INFORMATION overall.

I think Sandy is right. We've pretty much stated all sides of this issue.
Information is power, but it's a bit-based form. It doesn't take up
resources, just brain cells, so we all want our own copy of that power
downloaded into our heads & like everyday people, we don't want to pay a
price for it. Neither do I, but if I accept that when I give information
BACK, I get paid, then it can be a FAIR system.

I still haven't heard a solution, although the best so far, IMHO, was the
source encryption p/w schema, but I don't see how we could do that without
slowing down an already overtaxed bandwidth. I think movement &
interactivity are more important that security at this point & we barely have
enough bandwidth for DETAIL.

If I may be so bold as to try to cut the tmesad, if you have a proposal or
CODE then post, otherwise, let's all blow hot air at each other on a personal
level & not waste more bandwidth on the list. Put up or shut up. I believe
I may write a paper on it myself. After all the hubub that it's stirred up
it seems to be something people are interested in.

I have nothing further to say on the subject. I only brought it up because I
thought that if it was left unaddressed it would eventually stymie
development. Now I see the danger in addressing it too early, in that it
could have the same effect. I want VRML to be the cyberspace standard. It's
free & it makes sense. I want Gibson's cyberspace vision to EXIST. Maybe
not to jack into my skull, but at least some decent goggles & a bodyglove.
The key to virtual reality is to let people co-exist in there & interact.
Otherwsie, what's the point, it's just glorified escapism. As a communcation
medium, nothing short of telepathy could ever come close.

'Nuff said? >enough.

- Gregory Cranz
gcranz@cmp.com


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