[pp.int.general] Court Decision - Equitable Remuneration

[Richard Stallman]

    flat rate argument infers this:

    1) file sharing is damaging the artists
    2) the copyright system can be replaced by flat rate system
    3) the flat rate system will support the creators

Are you sure?  Who makes that argument?

I have seen a different argument:

1. File-sharing is good.
2. Simply legalizing sharing would lead to punishment by the WTO.
3. A flat rate system offers an excuse that can be given to
   the WTO, so as to legalize sharing.

This argument presumes continued acceptance of the WTO's regime.
Since it is antidemocratic and lowers wages everywhere, I would rather
see the WTO destroyed.  But that doesn't invalidate the logic of this
argument.


-- 
Richard Stallman
President, Free Software Foundation
51 Franklin St
Boston MA 02110
USA
www.fsf.org, www.gnu.org