Our Stories: Commercialization?

[Jeffrey Kesselman]

On Dec 22, 2007 9:33 PM, M. Edward (Ed) Borasky <znmeb at cesmail.net> wrote:

> Well ...
>
> 1. A recent news item stated that some countries that are heavily into
> hosting on line gambling casinos are asking the World Trade Organization
> to fine the USA because we have legislation to protect our citizens from
> on line gambling casinos.

Don't entirely get your point here.

FWIS, I think their complaint that we are acting in restraint of trade
is an interesting one.  The word "protect" is a pretty loaded term.

The more politics neutral would be to say we  illegalize gambling in
this country (unless its owned and operated by the government,  in
which case not only is it legal but its legal to promote and advertise
too, but thats another topic and not so politically neutral.)

Its an intrresting, global world we live in, and as soon as  trade
began on the internet it became a very small one. We can't expect the
rest of the world to live and play by our wants and prejudices any
more then we would be comfortable with another nation saying we should
live and play by theirs.

But in a global world economy its not so easy to isolate ourselves, either.

Interesting times

>
> 2. Any talk of "commercialization" of anything needs to be gone over
> with a fine-toothed comb by dozens of accountants and attorneys here is
> the USA.

Well, anything with the word "commercialize' in it aught to be gone
over by the attorney of those who wish to commercialize it.  Thats
basic business.

>
> In short, there are always going to be grinches trying to steal our
> Christmases. :)

*shrug*  I rather see it as the free software movement at work.  You
are using the software that was provided to you under open source in
ways perhapse not invisioned by the authors.  Others may use yours in
ways not invisioned by you.

Free as in speech means, by its definition, the freedom to use it in
efforts that are *not* free as in beer.  As long as the terms of use
under which it was released are being respected.


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