GeekSugar

Is File Sharing Illegal If Rights Owner Says It's Okay to Share?

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:30:47 -0700

I go back and forth on the file sharing debate, unable to find solid footing on just one side of the issue. But when I heard that Michael Moore was releasing his new documentary online as a free download, and was even encouraging watchers to "share it or show it in any way you see fit," I thought "Okay, that works." But unfortunately, after the film showed up on torrent sites, letters of cease-and-desist were delivered to many users, sparking a geographical sharing debate.

Since Michael only owns the North American rights to the film, anyone trying to download the film from across the pond will be subjected to copyright infringement. Michael's reasoning on the file sharing issue is this: "What are 'geographical rights'? I'll say it for the hundredth time: If I buy a book and read it, and then give you the book to read, I have broken no laws. Why is that not true for all media?"

I tend to take Michael's side on this one: he made the movie, why can't he distribute it as he sees fit? Maybe I just don't understand the inner workings of movie making, but hey - that's why I'm behind a computer and not a camera!

Source

Michael Moore Won't Be First In Line For The iPhone

GeekSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:00:33 -0700

Michael Moore and Steve Jobs will be going head-to-head this Friday as Moore's new movie Sicko premieres in theaters the same day the much talked about iPhone goes on sale.
Headlined News reports that Moore isn't happy with Jobs' plan to get thousands of people to Cingular and Apple stores and steer them away from an educational film about America's healthcare system. “This is an appalling display of greed and jealousy,” said Moore after a recent screening of his new movie. “Apple and AT&T obviously don’t care about fixing America’s healthcare system. They only care about how many iPhones they’re going to sell." What do you think of Moore's statement?

Daily Tech: First Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates Vista Ad Debuts

GeekSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:50:38 -0700

Microsoft has kicked off its first commercial featuring Jerry Seinfeld alongside Bill Gates, and the verdict is in: It's a whole lotta randomness! Not exactly the simplistic Microsoft vs. Apple ad I was hoping for. - Gizmodo
Going back to school? Here are some helpful tips for prepping your gadgets for the new school year. - CrunchGear
Palm is getting ready to unveil new Centro models in green and rose hues, which are said to become available next month. - Gadgetell
Some people are having way too much fun with Google Chrome. - Unplggd
The Xbox 360 has just become the lowest-priced gaming console in the US! - Engadget
Michael Moore's Slacker Nation, a new documentary about trying to get younger generations to vote, will be distributed online for free via Blip.tv. - Valleywag