Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on January 18, 2004 02:31 AM
To understand why software cannot be owned, except through artificial agreements and contracts that restrict software to make it conform to unnatural constraints, one need only consider the nature of intangible goods. Intangible property is non-rivalrous. While I can look out the window and see that I have that '67 Chevy on cinder blocks rusting on my front lawn, I can be sure that nobody else does. If somebody else did choose to take it overnight while I was asleep, bless their soul, it would be gone, and I would be denied the ability to use it.
Bad example.
Live in my city? Code 55 abandoned vehicle. You don't have the right to own that car because of 1. the condition it is in (abandoned)
2. not registered
3. location
Not located in my city? Virtually all states, cities, towns, municipalities have regulations on the books that will fine you until you get rid of the car, will take the car from you, and may charge you criminally (misdemeanors from what I've seen) depending on how the regulation is written.
So you actually have the right of ownership on that car for a limited time. Until the local enforcement agency catches up with you or a neighbor complains. Limited time. Sound familiar?
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Limited ownership of cars
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on January 18, 2004 02:31 AMBad example.
Live in my city? Code 55 abandoned vehicle. You don't have the right to own that car because of 1. the condition it is in (abandoned)
2. not registered
3. location
Not located in my city? Virtually all states, cities, towns, municipalities have regulations on the books that will fine you until you get rid of the car, will take the car from you, and may charge you criminally (misdemeanors from what I've seen) depending on how the regulation is written.
So you actually have the right of ownership on that car for a limited time. Until the local enforcement agency catches up with you or a neighbor complains. Limited time. Sound familiar?
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