2007/1/14, Sachin G Nambiar bomlug@snambiar.com:
I create X. I want to use a retail business model(whether it works or does not work is out of the question) but as a proprietor i have a right to choose my business model! [point 1]
You are thinking in terms of the proprietory business model. I agree with you that you have the righ to chose your business model. But why do you think we should accept your model? Because many people already does that? Sorry we in the Free Software world does not think so. See what Eben Moglen thinks abot it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eben_Moglen
Moglen believes the idea of proprietary software is as ludicrous as having "proprietary mathematics" or "proprietary geometry". This would convert the subjects from "something you can learn" into "something you must buy", he has argued. He points out that software is among the "things which can be copied infinitely over and over again, without any further costs".
Software id knowledge and it should be avilable to every one. If you don't agree to this, well we don't agree with you as well :-)
If a person buys mp3 of a shakira song (who i think has a great voice btw)
he has every right to listen to it, add his own effects for his own pleasure (remix it) but he should not broadcast it. Because by doing so, he is infringing on the record labels copyright. Thats what copyrights & patents are for! To prevent misuse and to protect the originator/creator.[point 2]
In the US constitution: The Constitution gives permission for a copyright system with this paragraph (Article I, Section 8):
[Congress shall have the power] to promote the progress of science and the useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.
See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/misinterpreting-copyright.html for more info on the motivations for copyright.
The aim of the copyright law is not to protect originator but to promote progress of science and useful arts. Get your basics right.
So don't think authors have any natural right to their work. It is granted by the goverment so as to benefit the public.
Cheers Praveen