XKCD takes on DRM...

[pseudopseudo]

Sorry for the random XKCD whoring, but this was too funny (and is sure to spark some interesting discussion):

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/steal_this_comic.png

[Jeffool]

As gamers we're more technologically inclined than the average consumer, and as such, most of us have probably already been fucked over in some way, shape, or form by DRM. So the notion that gamers (or any consumer, really,) should support something against their own interests is insane. (And to anyone saying "then why should artists make (artistry here)?" I say, "if they don't want their games played, films watched, or music heard, they shouldn't create them.")

I hope for a future where no one (or few people) outright charge for content. Artists will be forced to only make money on the good will of fans (donations,) live performances, or the original physical good (such as an original painting,) created by their artistry. My general idealism on this has been blogged The World Post-Piracy (http://blog.jeffool.com/2008/08/18/the-world-post-piracy/). :D

[pseudopseudo]

Artists will be forced to only make money on the good will of fans (donations,) liver performances...

Is that like a drinking contest or something? ;)

[Vandabo]

Ah, I love xkcd, and I love his sentiments on this topic.

I just wish the people in charge could look past the few dollars they lose to piracy and allow consumers to buy what they want without fucking them in that ass in the process. All the time and money wasted fighting this unwinnable war against piracy, and the only person that can't get the music (or whatever) they want is the person that is willing to actually pay for it.

[Atepsflame]

Don't worry, this will all get sorted out when the RIAA figures out a way that they can extract money from us everytime we listen to a song with anyone else within earshot. I'm sure it will somehow be tied to our genetic structure.

[pomeroy]

Eh...I like XKCD when it's actually funny.

[Jeffool]

Eh...I like XKCD when it's actually funny.Dear sir, I firmly disagree with the notion that comics should always be "funny." To do so devolves the art form to the level of 'funny books' of the 1920/1930s.

Sincerely, the Undersigned.
~Jeff W. Bridges, Jr.

[pomeroy]

Dear sir, I firmly disagree with the notion that comics should always be "funny." To do so devolves the art form to the level of 'funny books' of the 1920/1930s.

Sincerely, the Undersigned.
~Jeff W. Bridges, Jr.

That's cool, man. I just know that I'd rather have a comic about which types of fruit are awesome (in a chart form) then this one. To each their own.

[Jeffool]

That's cool, man. I just know that I'd rather have a comic about which types of fruit are awesome (in a chart form) then this one. To each their own.Dear sir,
Hugs.

Sincerely, the Undersigned.
~Jeff W. Bridges, Jr.

[Ancalagon]

Ah, I love xkcd, and I love his sentiments on this topic.

I just wish the people in charge could look past the few dollars they lose to piracy and allow consumers to buy what they want without fucking them in that ass in the process. All the time and money wasted fighting this unwinnable war against piracy, and the only person that can't get the music (or whatever) they want is the person that is willing to actually pay for it.

The problem is that, although the artists probably couldnt give a shit, they are bound by agreements to the recording labels. Recording labels are in turn controlled by their execs, who as a rule are greedy old white men who do not understand "teh interwebs".

Sad fact, but its true. They still havent got their heads round the idea that consumers dont want DRM, and that it harms sales more than it helps. They want us to only be able to buy albums, so that artists can full an album with crap and one catchy tune, and consumers are forced to buy the whole lot.

Dont blame the artists here - the only problem with them is that they either dont have the clout or the nerve to go independant and rely solely on digital distribution. There was a good article on how distribution used to be the thing that necessitated recording labels, but now that isnt really the case because of the internet, and so if we are lucky they might cease to exist altogether.

[NoName]

Eh...I like XKCD when it's actually funny.

But this comic was funny... :p

[Raen]

I think the fact that Apple introduced iTunes Plus a while back, and then moved them to the same price point a little while later says a lot on their opinion of their own DRM. For those of you who don't use the iTunes store iTunes Plus is a set of songs (from EMI originally, although it seems to becoming more and more common) that are sold completely 100% DRM free.

My own view on the argument? I've bought an awful lot off of iTunes and have never had a single issue with it. I realise now that as soon as I get home I'll discover my hard disks are on fire for jinxing it.

[Lint of Death]

When I got a new PC it was pretty painless to transfer the rights to my iTunes files, so that was no problem. I prefer DRM-free from, say, Amazon for other reasons: I can listen to them in any media player; I can use them in Audiosurf; Amazon's files have double the kbps; and I can introduce the occasional close friend to an otherwise virtually unattainable song (oh no! I'm a monster!).

[Deadend]

DRM has been one of the biggest waste of money and resource scams in the last 10 years... except for subprime.

[Superman's Dead]

Dear sir,
Hugs.

Sincerely, the Undersigned.
~Jeff W. Bridges, Jr.

Oh, Jeffool! You're always acting the Fooljeff.

[xoanon]

I wouldn't equate iTunes-style DRM with those subscription services where you are fucked when they decide not to keep up the servers anymore. At least you always have some kind of out. That said, DRM is ass and every new person who cares about avoiding it hastens its demise.