When FatWallet.com and other consumer-to-consumer shopping sites posted leaks on post-Thanksgiving sales, they received letters from Wal-Mart and other retailers that they were violating copyright and could be prosecuted under DMCA. The retailers argued that their sale information was copyright content, and thus protected under DMCA. Wal-Mart went further, demanding that FatWallet.com turn over the identity of the scallywag who leaked the information.
On Monday, FatWallet fought back, demanding that Wal-Mart drop this demand to name names -- since the Supreme Court had ruled that a compendium of facts cannot by copyrighted. Today, I got a press release from FatWallet's lawyers, announcing that Wal-Mart has dropped the demand for a name, and that FatWallet was asking for damages for Wal-Mart's knowingly false invocation of DMCA.
Still, FatWallet pres Tim Storm said in the press release: "The use of the DMCA to remove factual information about prices that retailers charge consumers is just wrong. We stand by our belief that consumers have the right to share the factual shopping information required to be a smart consumer."
A victory against McCarthy-esque tactics, but illegal quashing of data goes unchallenged.
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Abuse of the DMCA
The DMCA I feel suffers from the same poison as many laws. First any law should be written as simple and direct as possible that way the populace can understand it. A good example is military training manuals are written at an 8th grade level. It can reach more people this way.
Second companies that wish to trample on other peoples writes push one part rather than look at the hole. The DMCA has parts that allow for reverse engineering of products. Basicaly the reason for this allowance is to ensure that we evolve on the tech front. If no one could improve upon another persons ideas we sure wouldn't get any place. However companies to day like disney sony and so forth only have one goal to make money no matter what the expence is to you or anyone else.
From the look of this Walmart is the same way. What's better take a look at thier prices. They really are not that great. About the only thing I get at walmart today is food or something I need right that instant. anything else I can find a reputable dealer online and a hell of a lot less costly.
Places I use are
www.bizrate.com
www.mysimon.com
www.pricewatch.com
and others....
Some of these have retailer ratings so you know if you realy want to deal with that company or not.
I figure in the last 2 years shoping online for everything from computer parts to furniture has saved me close to 15k. It helps when I have a family to support.
So frankly to hell with companies like walmart.
I remember when I was younger. I lived in Concord NC walmart was just getting big then. They killed many of small buisness when they moved in because they could by in bulk which gave them cheaper prices. Of course then Sam Walten was the owner and not his prick son. Sam like his customers and he new who put the food on the table. I had the pleasure of meeting him. His son doesn't have a 10th the character or class that's easy to see by how the stores are run. I guess I will probably see a comment well he has to answer to his stock holders and the board. Sure he does but there is always more than one answer, beside the how may I kiss your today.