XKCD on piracy

This is the essence of the music industry’s problem and why it has no credibility: it sees you as a criminal either way, so you may as well do it.

Steal This Comic [XKCD]

1. [pork musket]

   Or you could buy DRM-free files. Vote with your wallet, support the systems that behave the way you want them to, and things are more likely to change.

2. [elliottb]

   i really hate to be a nark but someone had to say it: are you relying on the CC licence to display the comic image? Because a) you haven’t fulfilled the attribution requirements (eg name of the works, author/creator and the licence it’s under with appropriate links) and b) advertising on the page means it probably doesn’t constitute noncommercial use…

3. [zuzu]

   Orbitcast: Music will (eventually) be free …or as an alternate headline, the “Service Model vs. Product Model” (far less exciting).

4. [Anonymous]

   Amazon.com/MP3

   No DRM.

5. [Downpressor]

   barf.

6. [Rob Beschizza]

   Hi, Elliott.

   This issue of XKCD is clearly under CC-Steal This Comic.

   Seriously, check Randall’s notes:

   “Note: You are welcome to reprint occasional comics pretty much anywhere (presentations, papers, blogs with ads, etc). If you’re not outright merchandizing, you’re probably fine. Just be sure to attribute the comic to xkcd.com.”

   As we did (and linked in, too!)

   Regarding CC-noncommercial on ad-supported blogs, the consensus seems to be that it’s OK so long as the ads and the CC content aren’t perniciously interlinked. We’re not selling the comic or placing it on something that is sold to consumers, such as a mug or a magazine. Though I’m sure all that gray area stuff is far from settled.