In February 2000, when a RealNetworks executive showed up before a House subcommittee, the company stressed that Congress must not tinker with the high-revving Internet economy.
Published:
20 May 2001 y., Sunday
In February 2000, when a RealNetworks executive showed up before a House subcommittee, the company stressed that Congress must not tinker with the high-revving Internet economy.
"We are not asking for government regulation or intervention," advised RealNetworks vice president Alex Alben, "and believe none is required at this time."
Perhaps it's a sign the digital music market has matured -- or a reflection of the company's sobering share price, down to $12.78 from a high of nearly $100 -- but 15 months later, RealNetworks now has changed its tune.
Rep. Howard Berman of California, the panel's ranking Democrat, held out the possibility of some congressional action, but even he didn't seem optimistic. Berman represents the San Fernando valley region near Los Angeles, home to Disney's headquarters and scores of other content firms.
"While the music industry may have been slow in getting online, the pace of online deals has quickened," Berman said. "I'm not sure there is great need at this moment for sweeping legislation."
Berman offered some free relationship counseling: "I do believe you can work that process out. Everything will go easier if you guys can work together.... Your best defense against this new generation of peer-to-peer services is to offer permanent downloads at a reasonable price."
Šaltinis:
wired.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
When you fill up your car with petrol you often find that your hand will reek of petrol unless you have worn gloves.
more »
The EU is going through its worst recession since WWII. Inflation has slowed, but employment and public finances are hard hit. The situation should stabilise in 2010.
more »
In the current economic environment, banks should carefully analyze the current and future total cost of ownership of their technology assets, and evaluate the outsourcing alternative.
more »
Commission proposes first EU law on hedge funds and issues guidelines on bank pay practices.
more »
On 30 April, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas took part in the round table discussion “The European Union’s External Trade Policy and Lithuania’s Positions: Threats and Possibilities for the Lithuanian Industry”.
more »
Since 28 April this year, the clients of AB Bank SNORAS will be able to process their financial matters in a clearer and more user-friendly environment of “Internet Bank+” system.
more »
2009 ageing report: Europe tackling the challenge of an ageing population but the recession threatens a setback.
more »
More choice, investment and security of supply lie at the heart of the 3rd energy package.
more »
Swine flu, a new strain of influenza, has so far left more than a hundred dead. But in one sector, the illness could have huge benefits.
more »
Central European bargain hunters are crossing borders for the best buys. Slovakian shoppers in Hungary are making the most of their new eurozone membership.
more »