I think you may be missing part of the issue. There is a difference between 'copy' and 'move'. When I loan a paperback or a CD to a friend, I'm not making a copy of it.

DRM that restricts 'copy' isn't really what you're arguing against with this line of reasoning. This line of reasoning only covers DRM which restricts 'move'. Imagine a DRM scheme which allowed you to 'move' your files as many times as you wished, but restricted your ability to 'copy'.

With a 'move' enabled DRM scheme, I could 'move' my ebook to your ebook reader. I could 'move' my .ogg files from one player to another. I could 'move' my movies from my hard drive to yours. I just wouldn't be able to 'copy' them. Just like with regular DVD's and printed books I would have to go out and buy them again when you didn't return them ;)

Oh no, not again.

I've been through four providers in 6 years. One who had issues with melting hard drives. One had issues with allowing spammers direct access to their mail server. One with a bad accountant. And now GoDaddy is censoring websites.

Anyone want to start a hosting company with me?

Shouldn't that last line read, "all your IP are belong to us?"

he he...

I've been lovin' BoingBoing since my first copy of Happy Mutants Handbook. It has been re-purchased 4 times due to it's endless perma-borrowed status from my library. Is it still in print? I may have to go for a fifth.

If you ever find some PHP/Ajax work needing attention send me an email. Will work for Boings.