software against used software
November 13, 2005 12:39 AM   Subscribe

Sony's software to prevent usable used software I've already found this everywhere (BoingBoing most recently) -- Sony's patent on a way to prevent second hand software from being successfully reused is much in the news. -- I suggest we get ahead of them and write down all the other possible ways of preventing the reuse, resale, portability, sharing, or carrying over of anything purchased beyond use on the first platform, in the first room, under the first reading light, and any other such nefarious attempt to steal more than one glimpse of anything after paying once for it. -- My first suggestion -- fingerprint recognition on smart-paper book covers. You buy it, it's registered to your fingerprints, and if anyone else picks it up, it erases itself. -- Next, visual distortion of 3-D screen imagery to match your particular eyesight, so you can only view the screen _without_ wearing your eyeglasses (anti-optical-correction algorithms tied to your prescription). Anyone else viewing the 3-D movie just gets a headache. -- There are plenty of good ideas for making people miserable that could be applied, including in stories like Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" ....
posted by hank (8 comments total)

This post was deleted for the following reason: sony already being discussed on front page



 
Sony sucks, but please don't bastardize Harrison Bergeron, I really don't think it applies.
posted by tweak at 12:43 AM on November 13, 2005


Couldn't you put it in this post, still on the front page? I must also agree with tweak; Vonnegut deserves much better.
posted by kyleg at 1:58 AM on November 13, 2005


How about a website where ppl post stuff about things they've found on the internets, that only YOU like. Everybody else looking at your monitor just gets a headache reading the site.

*runs off to the patent office
posted by slater at 1:59 AM on November 13, 2005


When informed of said bastardization via email, Vonnegut only replied with:

*
posted by loquacious at 2:09 AM on November 13, 2005


Otherwise, yeah, Sony has been smoking a whole lot of pole lately.
posted by loquacious at 2:10 AM on November 13, 2005


I... I... I have a blog.
posted by hypersloth at 2:25 AM on November 13, 2005


Hi ho
posted by hal9k at 4:30 AM on November 13, 2005


As tempting as this idea seems, it would be too expensive for individuals to pursue. An organization might make it possible. They could license the patents to those who pledged to only use them for Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

(Sorry, I forgot those concepts have become mutually exclusive...)
posted by Enron Hubbard at 4:48 AM on November 13, 2005


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