[CS-FSLUG] Proprietary Software: Capitalism or Greed?

[Ed Hurst]

Robert W. wrote:

[snip]

> The supply of software is nearly infinite. One can make a perfect copy
> of any software. And one can continue making perfect copies without
> degrading the original. So as the supply approaches infinity, the price
> drops closer to zero.
> 
> That is why proprietary software companies can not survive in a
> capitalist economy. They produce a nearly valueless product.
> 
> A proprietary software license is an attempt to artificially reduce
> supply so prices rise. In other words, proprietary licenses counteract a
> free market. And, therefore, goes against the very definition of
> capitalism.

Very well put. This moves the debate to whether the current licensing 
scheme is legitimate in any way. A purist reading of copyright law says 
not. I'm not aware of a direct challenge to the click-wrap license, 
which presumes to be a contract.

-- 
Ed Hurst
----------
Bible Application - http://ed.asisaid.com/bible/index.html
Plain & Simple Computer Help - http://ed.asisaid.com/
Mission, Method & Means - http://ed.asisaid.com/blog/