Discontinuous upgrades will smooth into a constant process of incremental improvement and adaptation, some of it man-made and some of it arising through genetic algorithms. Pirated copies of software may become too static to have much value to anyone.
Predictor: Barlow, John Perry
Prediction, in context:In 1994, John Perry Barlow wrote an article for Wired that he described as, “a framework for rethinking patents and copyrights in the Digital Age.” In this passage, Barlow discusses options to protect software from piracy: ”As software becomes more modular and distribution moves online, it will begin to metamorphose in direct interaction with its user base. Discontinuous upgrades will smooth into a constant process of incremental improvement and adaptation, some of it man-made and some of it arising through genetic algorithms. Pirated copies of software may become too static to have much value to anyone.”
Biography:John Perry Barlow helped found the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 1990 with WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) members Mitch Kapor and John Gilmore in direct response to a threat to free speech. Barlow’s was one of the loudest voices in the battle to keep the Internet unfettered while still encouraging that it become a tool available to everyone. (Advocate/Voice of the People.)
Date of prediction: March 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Copyright/Intellectual Property/Plagiarism
Name of publication: Wired
Title, headline, chapter name: The Economy of Ideas
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www-swiss.ai.mit.edu/6805/articles/int-prop/barlow-economy-of-ideas.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Bizzell, Natalie