Posted by anthonyberet on 12/27/05 21:43

name wrote:
<snip>
>
>>I don't see why people should effectively have to pay a levy to the
>>entertainment industry just because they view web pages or download windows
>>updates, Linux distributions or other non-copyright infringing purposes.
>>This reminds me of the UK TV licence idea which is to fund the BBC. We pay
>>the TV licence whether or not we watch BBC services or not, even satellite
>>services.
>
<snip>
>
> You also pay tax for social security in many countries whether you
> actually end up
> using it or not. It can be hard or almost impossible to come up with a
> system that ensures only people who actually use a service pay for it.
> Like an insurance, you pay for something that might happen. If it
> doesn't happen you still pay.
>
<snip>
Hey, that sentiment seems to oppose the sentiment above it...


>>Also unfair. Why should someone who uses media to backup their own files,
>>photos, or whatever pay more for a blank CD just because some others use
>>them to store downloaded music or movies?
>
Did you ever think about non-BBC tv in the UK and how it is funded?
By advertising and subscription of course, but those funded by
advertising are ultimately paid by the population who may not watch
those channels (as I don't much).
At least we only pay for the BBC if we use TV equipment. We pay for ITV
even if we don't have a TV.

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