🚀 go-pugleaf

jasona@sugar.hackercorp.com (Jason Asbahr) writes:

   (Notice that I refrained from using the "steering wheel" metaphor!)

I appreciate it :).

   Amanda, what do you think about companies that take algorithms, "hard
   code" them into logic circuitry, and patent the resulting machine?  This
   is, in effect, patenting the algorithm.  Doesn't it strike you as a little
   bit silly?

Yes and no.  I have no problem with them patenting the device.  I have major
problems with them patenting the principle by which such a device works.
for example, I don't mind Unisys patenting an LZW chip.  I mind them
patenting the LZW algorithm.

   (Correct me if I am wrong.)

Have no fear :).

   1. Desire for money and limits of the legal system drive the process of
	innovation.

To a large degree, yes.  I don't think these are the *only* things that
drive innovation, of course, but from a pragmatic point of view, they are
the "big two."

   2. Intellectual creations should serve to directly benefit (monetarily)
	only the creator.

If you scratch the word "only" at the end, yes.

   Where does that leave people who create for the simple joy of creation?

They should pursue that impulse.  I do it myself.  Even in software :).

   What if they want as many people to
   benefit from their creations as possible, freely?

Then they should give it away.

I have never argued that "software should never be free."  I've only argued
that "software shouldn't *have* to be free."  If I paint something, I have
the option of giving it (and reproduction rights to it) away for the public
good, or of retaining it and rights to it and deriving personal benefit
from them.  The same should be true for software.

   What if that programmer chose to use something that had been legally
   "protected"?

Then by doing so they should be willing to accept the restrictions
associated with it.  You can't just use someone else's property without
their permission, even for altruistic purposes.

   What if that something was intrinsic to making his/her
   program work smoothly with loads of "protected" software already in use?

Then the programmer should either strike a deal with the holder of the
rights in question, or pick another project...

Nobody ever said life was fair.
--
Amanda Walker						      amanda@visix.com
Visix Software Inc.					...!uunet!visix!amanda
-- 
"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until
 your friends are dead.  Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving,
 cheering words while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them."
		--George Childs