Group wants to shut down DRM

[RDS1955]

Interesting article about the Free Software Foundation and some of their insight on DRM

http://news.com.com/Bringing+free+software+to+the+masses/2008-7344-6060960.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e433

[smearbrick1]

I don't know if I'd be entirely comfortable just handing over the copyright to my software to these guys. Sure, today they're all about free distribution of software, but what about in the future if one of their developers creates something that surpasses a Microsoft or similar company's product and these guys start seeing dollar signs?

These guys seem to put a little too much emphasis on getting your copyrights.

[tekkieman]

What people need to remember is that the FSF isn't really about free software (free as in beer). They are about freedom. Freedom to see the code and how it works. Free to alter the code to fit your needs. Free to distribute the changes to everyone else who wants it.

Anyone remember how long the thread was when DVDShrink was no longer available? Remeber the cries to release the source and let others pick up where the author left off? This is the freedom they advocate. I would never malign the author that gave us such great software for free (as in beer), but much as smearbrick suggests, the author seems to have seen the dollar signs. If the original source had been released, it would have been available for anyone to pick up and run with.

Sure, someone can start from scratch, but look at what the world lost. As a software developer, I am paid for the software I write. The source for that software will never be available to the public. However, I also believe that there should be free software as well. Both can exist in our world.

[Cornucopia]

Sure, someone can start from scratch, but look at what the world lost. As a software developer, I am paid for the software I write. The source for that software will never be available to the public. However, I also believe that there should be free software as well. Both can exist in our world.

That's one of the flaws I see in this whole IP/Copyright mess. "Never" is too long of a time. Society should be benefitting, as well as the author/owner--and not just as a Consumer.

Scott