DRM pisses me off. And I think I'm starting to realize why.
In the context of consuming/producing, DRM specifies (and enforces) what type of consumption is permitted.
It is nothing short of unmitigated hubris to impose limits on the legal ways a product is consumed.
Industries looking at DRM as a solution to their problems had better look toward a more permanent solution. As production and distribution costs for digital products plummet, media companies need to focus on their core role: serving as an intermediary. Until they return to truly value-added activities, the ship will continue to sink.
Constraining production methods is a sustainable practice only when a true monopoly is present. Attempting to constrain consumption patterns on goods that are rapidly becoming commodities is suicidal.
Media companies, serving as intermediaries between artists and customers, need to focus on adding value, instead of trying to preserve an outdated business model through technology (DRM) and law (DMCA).
There, I feel better now. Whew.
Posted by Patrick at January 25, 2003 03:07 PM | TrackBack