Free Information vs Information Protectionism

[Kyle Lahnakoski]

Paul Foley wrote:
> 
> On Mon, 28 May 2001 02:35:36 +0200, Francois-Rene Rideau wrote:
> 
> > >> Do you admit that some "labour" has occurred?  The only result is that
> >> pattern of bits in the computer!
> >>
> > Yes, but if I somehow get ahold of a copy and duplicate it
> > with my own computer on my own disk with electricty I paid for,
> > the new copy is mine, because it was the product of my labour.
> 
> You own the copy, but still not the data, because it's *not* a product
> of your labour.
> 
> > Similarly, when some company first launches ship to trade with India,
> > one particular result is that some goods are exchanged, at a profit;
> > another more general is that trade happens between Europe and India,
> > that didn't exist before.
> > Does the company of Indies own the more general result,
> > or only the particular one? Why?
> 
> They aren't owed a monopoly on "trade with India"; that's an "idea",
> which I've already dismissed any claim to (and, in any case,
> individual Indians are free to trade with whomever they wish).  But
> for anyone else to trade with India, they'll either have to buy space
> on the existing ship, or build or buy their own ship.

May you clarify the distinction between "idea" and data.

Thanks

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Lahnakoski                                  Arcavia Software Ltd.
(416) 892-7784                                 http://www.arcavia.com