[Nottingham] BBC iPlayer petition

[Tom Bird]

Andy Davidson wrote:
> On 5 Jul 2007, at 16:09, Graeme Fowler wrote:

>> If a closed source Linux version of the BBC iPlayer turned up, there are
>> plenty of people who would use it without considering the "ethical"
>> situation
> 
> I have my views on BBC content and I notice that someone on LugRadio 
> this week said they had the same opinion.  Because I pay my TV License, 
> I own that content.  That content is *mine*.  I shouldn't need to pass 
> through layers of Digital Restrictions Management in order to get to 
> something I own.

You "own" none of it, just as you don't own any software you might've 
paid for.  Read the "EULA", enlightening things that they are.

Also, if you want BBC content, remember that it's squirted out 
unencrypted 24/7 from a high point near you, and if you're on a proper 
ISP, you can join the multicast groups from as31459 and receive the same 
data as you would on freeview.

Another argument that is often raised is that the license is a "tax". 
It may or may not take the same form as a tax, (you have to pay it or 
you'll be in the shit) but you have to admit the beeb produces some 
bloody good services (lets ignore iplayer's DRM windows lock in for now) 
and programmes.  Take for example, planet earth.  This was made on the 
BBC's license fee supported budget and has been widely acknowledged as 
nothing short of brilliant.  Now lets look at what demand based TV 
companies come up with -- Big Brother.  Yes, Endemol is seriously 
coining it off a load of retards wondering if a couple of other retards 
will shag on telly.  A bit more of me dies every time I hear about that 
show.

-- 
Tom

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