Before I Can Fix This Tractor, We Have to Fix Copyright Law

When they break down, the manufacturer or an authorized mechanic will fix them.

Why do you need the manufacturer or an "authorized" mechanic to fix it? Why can't the farmer fix it himself? That is the whole point of this!

When the manufacturer places conditions on the sale of their product, that IS property rights.

The manufacturer's property rights? No. It doesn't work that way. If I am to pay for something, it becomes mine and I can do what I want with it. That is how private property works. The person or entity who sold it does not have the right to stupulate what I may do with it. If I buy a piece of dirt, I could choose to build a house, or plant a tree, or farm some vegetables - in any scenario, the person I bought it from has NO SAY at all over it. They don't have the right to make terms.

You are acting like DRM somehow makes it impossible to do business when that is just false.

No, I am saying (and I am in extremely good company btw) that DRM violates consumer rights and freedoms by making it so they don't really own what they buy.

It's barely even noticeable.

Really? Fix it yourself for free, or hire one of their "authorized" repairmen for god knows how much? That's a mafia-style protection racket.

This is so minor and unimportant.

Really? Then why do you defend DRM so fervently?

The tractors WORK and the job is getting done.

The point was that the tractor broke down and was not getting work done.

Don't make it out to be armegedon.

It isn't armageddon now, but can you imagine where this leads to? We need to shut DRM down now before it gets out of hand. I can see a future where everything has DRM - want to open your house? Doorknob has DRM! Can't get out a screwdriver and fix it yourself - you have to call the "authorized" repairman! Want to get some hot water? Your hot water heater has DRM! Nope, you can't pull it out and replace it yourself because only the "authorized" repairman can do that!

I am someone who can think for themselves

Given your defense of DRM, I doubt that. You are losing your head by defending a system to say you don't really own the objects you pay for, and rolling over in acceptance to your corporate overlords telling you to obey their wishes because you're not allowed to do things on your own.

STOP TRYING TO USE MOB RULE TO ORDER PEOPLE AROUND.

This is EXACTLY what DRM is! Mafia dude puts a gun in your face and says nope, you can't fix your own tractor. You have to pay me some "protection" money to do it for you.

/r/technology Thread Parent Link - slate.com