Grokster
How fitting this should be the word that will define the future of P2P. Grok was a term coined by Robert Heinlein in Stranger in a Strange Land the sci-fi classic in which the protagonist was able to "grok" things, meaning he could understand them fully, completely empathetically. When you grok something you understand it so well as to virtually become it. It is the ne plus ultra of experiential god-like communal consciousness. It's what it's all about. Your life is about it. Everyone's life is about it. It's the consciousness we all plug into... via the internet.
But, that's only the first part of this word. "Ster" is from that nappy headed boy, and not Stevie Wonder. Shawn Fanning changed it all. So, I'm not sure how Wayne chose his word, but, it's pretty obvious. He knew who to nod to. The Stranger from a Strange Land who stayed up for hours and days and cared nothing but the application... signing it all to the Shakesperean uncle from hell... who scared off everyone but Hank. What a story... I wish MTV get his story moving again. Alex Winter is on board, but that's about it.
So, that's what it's about... the big boogeyman who's gonna let people all over the place exchange digital files. The experts for the Petitioners, upon cross examination, were forced to admit that even if all the licensees were to close their doors tomorrow, there is nothing to stop P2P. The Supreme Court's decision will do little to slow P2P. It would allow these conglomerates more weight in scaring and ripping off the public. And, saddest of all, we will continue to stifle the economic engine of the world, that is and always has been technology. But, make no mistake, P2P is here. It is reality. There is no stopping it. Grok it. Accept it. Enjoy it!
It's my hope the court will make the comment it has before, despite the current administration. It's always been the last bastion of protection for the interests of the less powerful voice against paid interests. The facts are clearly closer to Betamax than Napster because of the lack of central servers and follow on participation. So, keep your fingers crossed.
There is a send off party for the Grokster team at 1750 Social Club Thursday night 3/24 at 8pm and anyone interested in supporting the team should contact EFF. Their link is on the right. I will be there so say hi if you see me... or grok me.
But, that's only the first part of this word. "Ster" is from that nappy headed boy, and not Stevie Wonder. Shawn Fanning changed it all. So, I'm not sure how Wayne chose his word, but, it's pretty obvious. He knew who to nod to. The Stranger from a Strange Land who stayed up for hours and days and cared nothing but the application... signing it all to the Shakesperean uncle from hell... who scared off everyone but Hank. What a story... I wish MTV get his story moving again. Alex Winter is on board, but that's about it.
So, that's what it's about... the big boogeyman who's gonna let people all over the place exchange digital files. The experts for the Petitioners, upon cross examination, were forced to admit that even if all the licensees were to close their doors tomorrow, there is nothing to stop P2P. The Supreme Court's decision will do little to slow P2P. It would allow these conglomerates more weight in scaring and ripping off the public. And, saddest of all, we will continue to stifle the economic engine of the world, that is and always has been technology. But, make no mistake, P2P is here. It is reality. There is no stopping it. Grok it. Accept it. Enjoy it!
It's my hope the court will make the comment it has before, despite the current administration. It's always been the last bastion of protection for the interests of the less powerful voice against paid interests. The facts are clearly closer to Betamax than Napster because of the lack of central servers and follow on participation. So, keep your fingers crossed.
There is a send off party for the Grokster team at 1750 Social Club Thursday night 3/24 at 8pm and anyone interested in supporting the team should contact EFF. Their link is on the right. I will be there so say hi if you see me... or grok me.
posted by Intervision at 4:32 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home