Earl Grey tea, hot. Nike shoe, blue. (day 22)

In 1999 I saw Richard Stallman (founder of the Free Software Foundation) give a presentation at (now absorbed) TechBC University.   I could say much about this presentation but I will stick with the content which was fabulous.   He said something that has stuck with me ever since.  He explained that because digital information is essentially free (like free beer) to copy, its distribution and sale must be treated differently than a physical object which is not as easily copied (or as exactly for that matter).  This is now common rhetoric but you have to remember this is before the p2p frenzy and the RIAA's unreasonable response.  At the time, many of us were running GNU/Linux and enjoying the fruits of the FSF and Open Source movement.   It seemed like the free flow of information would just around the corner.   It was such a whirlwind...napster, limewire, sharaza, pirate bay.  But alas business models don't die gently.   Rather, they are replaced and fight until the bitter end.  Could it be any different?  Maybe it has been but it's the spectacular failures to play nice that make the news. 

Then someone figured out that people would pay (a little) for convenience and extras.   I can still get my music from p2p sites but it's a more pleasant experience to surf iTunes and get it for .99.  Double that for movies (although the selection on iTunes is culturally and historically deplorable).   Never underestimate people's willingness to part with a loonie for instant gratification.   I still think the price on a movie is too steep.  $4.99 just seems extreme for something that is so intangible with no "special features" and no possibility of rental extension beyond the allotted two days.   Would be nice to get an offer to have unlimited rental for the title for a bit extra.   Chances are that people would pay and seldom play it again.  And if they gave you a key, you could actually 'lend' the movie to someone else so they could stream it for a limited time.   The possibilities are endless.   More choice more better....for everyone.

Next up is the 3D printing industry.   Accessible manufacturing of small parts changes how we think about design and objects.   There is already an open source movement geared toward 3D prints.  Not just open source 3D printers (that can print themselves!) but also open source designs.   If you can afford to print this, you can have it.  The design is free and customizable.  The just-in-time market will be big not just for the open source community but for large manufacturers who can offer individual features (or add-ons) to their products for very little extra efforts.  Much like the book industry, you can have your object virtually or really.   Both have advantages.  If you have a virtual object you can use it on your avatar or in a virtual environment (game or not), or make it part of your latest animation.  If you have it really, you can wear it, use it, paint it, glue it, hang it, (eat it?).   I feel about 3D printing the way I felt about music in 1999: excited and optimistic.  This time, though, I know there will be blood before the promise land.  I just don't know who will strike the first blow.

A song for this post.