Friday, May 11, 2007
Fight for Freedom
It's more than a week since the so-called "Digg revolt". It reached Forbes, BBC, CNNMoney, FOX News, The New York Times, Financial Times and many other news sites. But, that revolt changed the Internet or even the world? The dust has settled. Digg users are no longer flooding the site with articles about the HD DVD encryption key and it seems people are saying nothing more about it.
So, it's hard to answer that question right now, but I think the answer is yes, partially. The revolt had two triggers: Digg censorship and displeasure at MPAA and DRM. The first one is the part I think has changed, as Michael Arrington said: "Until today, it seems, even Digg didn’t fully understand the power of its community to determine what is “news.” I think the community made their point crystal clear". And I think that sentence it's applicable not only to Digg but any other community oriented website. Important note: Digg or any other website has the right to censor any post, but it may result harmful for the business.
The displeasure at MPAA it's still there, though. Some people, MPAA included, seem to think that the revolt is about piracy. I think they are wrong. It's about playing what you legally bought when, how and where you want. However, the Digg revolt might really change the world (and I refer to this second revolt trigger) if we continue annoying "the industry" with our complaints. It doesn't mean flooding Digg again, but trying to educate everybody about the potential risks of this practice. This kind of restriction may be applied to other contents/formats and many people don't think about it.
In short, some actions we can take (and many have been doing them for a while, but we need critical mass):
There are many other ways to contribute. Have you any idea?
Add to: del.cio.us | digg | blinklist | netvouz | Other
So, it's hard to answer that question right now, but I think the answer is yes, partially. The revolt had two triggers: Digg censorship and displeasure at MPAA and DRM. The first one is the part I think has changed, as Michael Arrington said: "Until today, it seems, even Digg didn’t fully understand the power of its community to determine what is “news.” I think the community made their point crystal clear". And I think that sentence it's applicable not only to Digg but any other community oriented website. Important note: Digg or any other website has the right to censor any post, but it may result harmful for the business.
The displeasure at MPAA it's still there, though. Some people, MPAA included, seem to think that the revolt is about piracy. I think they are wrong. It's about playing what you legally bought when, how and where you want. However, the Digg revolt might really change the world (and I refer to this second revolt trigger) if we continue annoying "the industry" with our complaints. It doesn't mean flooding Digg again, but trying to educate everybody about the potential risks of this practice. This kind of restriction may be applied to other contents/formats and many people don't think about it.
In short, some actions we can take (and many have been doing them for a while, but we need critical mass):
- Promote free open source software. The industry will have to change their mind if their products result illegal for most users.
- Promote open formats. The more people use open formats the more likely will appear gadgets support them.
- Do not merge anti-DRM with piracy. Many people won't support the idea of removing DRM if they think it promote piracy.
- By the way, if you don't like the HD DVD and Blue Ray restrictions then don't buy them. I don't use either format and I have no plans for buying any player or disc in the future.
There are many other ways to contribute. Have you any idea?
Add to: del.cio.us | digg | blinklist | netvouz | Other
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