[Illbay]

I agree with you. There is no reason to ban copying of DVDs or software/music CDs, etc., just because they MIGHT be misused.

I was addressing the statement that the other fellow made, that it's "okay" to make copies of intellectual property--whether LP, tape, CD, DVD, or whatever--and give it to a friend.

It's not. "Fair use" should be vigorously protected, but the casual attitude toward the law is causing the honest people a great deal of trouble.

[anka]

and with that, I completely agree.
i think copyrights do need to be protected (the length of copyright is debatable however).
it just seems that all the major studios (read: copyright holders) want to f*ck the consumers' ability to make _legal_ backups of their data because it _might_ and _could_ be used to pirate their copyright. i say go after those who are illegaly trading and selling copyrighted material. leave the law abiding citizens alone.