On: Jonathan Coulton on MegaUpload and piracy

[Ryan_Shmotkin]

I have a story too, I really wanted an apple and when I came into the super market they had this HUGE line and they only accept credit cards on purchases above 5$.

I won't tell you the course of action I took, but I really wanted an apple.

Obviously, totally their fault and its OK since they are a failing industry.

[ThomPete → Ryan_Shmotkin]

The thing is. There is a finite number of apples.

[rincewind → ThomPete]

There are more important differences:

1. Apples are fungible; one apple is as good as the next one: unlike Harry Potter movies you can consume apples in any order.

2. Nobody holds the copyright on a particular apple. There are many companies growing apples.

3. You can grow apple trees in your own garden from seeds. If this takes too long, you can buy a tree.

4. You can not download an apple. 5. Eating destroys apples. 6. Apples can rot. etc...