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Why we need a Software Bill of Rights

August 22, 2009 in Blog comments 9

Hatred towards DRM and other copy protection measures is as high as ever online, so it's hard to find fair articles that look at the problem from both sides.

The following article was written by Dr. John B. Williston, and it presents one of the most structured and logical articles on the topic you will ever find (for those with the patience to read through all the details).

For starters, why do software vendors get to do ridiculous things that other vendors cannot? Why can Microsoft insist, for example, that I do nothing to decompile or even tweak their products, yet Ford cannot insist that I never lift the hood of one of their cars, adjust the timing, etc.? From what I’ve seen, software vendors think they can do anything they damned well please, as long as it is mentioned in the software license. But where is the line drawn? Can some company write into their software license that they can confiscate your computer if you should merely install a competitor’s product? Why not? They seem to think they can screw up my hard drive and then hide behind their software license, even though it provides none of the relevant technical details about how they’re screwing it up.
psxmeup via gameobserver.com »
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  • 3
    chautemoc* Aug 22, 09
    http://gamegrep.com/news/12880-the_gamers_bill_of_rights_according_to_stardock/
  • 3
    MikeyGrea Aug 22, 09
    ^
    Extreme lolage. I agree though.
    • 4
      chautemoc* Aug 22, 09
      I don't see why it's funny.
  • 0
    psxmeup Aug 23, 09
    Nice, didn't see that article. But I think the writer of this piece is asking for something "official", not something drafted by a single developer out there. Some points in Stardock's article are a little weak. #3, why? When you buy a car or a book, do you have the "right to expect meaningful updates"? And with #2 there ("Games must be released in a finished state"), why would you even need #3? #4 and #9 are the same thing, etc. I think the bill of rights should be a Act enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.
    • 1
      Play ISDF Aug 23, 09
      Because as far as games go, it's all about the US and only they should enforce it, right?

      Regardless of the typical self-centered American comment, I do agree, with digital media evolving as it is, it's time everyone around the world takes a good look at the rights of everyone involved in regards to it.
  • 0
    Bale Fire Aug 23, 09
    Quite a interesting article, I can see where he's coming from. I was hoping it be a little broader though, this one doesn't really stretch beyond copyright.
    • 1
      psxmeup Aug 23, 09
      Interesting. What other things did you want the article to touch on?
      • 0
        Gamesta100 Aug 23, 09
        His happy place?
      • 0
        Bale Fire Aug 23, 09
        Well psxmeup, I'd just generally ask for a little more journeying into the problems which face the console demographic. The recent DLC debate, where certain perks which give you advantages over others in multiplayer. Some more looking into the responsibility of warranty. Maybe something more on glitches and patches. Those are just some random examples, I'm sure there's more, both for PC and consoles.

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