BBC Survey about on-demand content

Jorophose · 02-02-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

The BBC is considering making its content available for Microsoft users exclusively.

Here is a question from a BBC Public Value Survey concerning proposed new Internet services:

How important is it that the proposed seven-day catch-up service over the internet is available to consumers who are not using Microsoft software?

My answer as a professional employed by IBM -

It is of paramount importance that non MS users have access to the services being proposed.

Globally there is a huge home and commercial user base that use Linux and Unix as their desktop operating systems.

In many 3rd world countries Linux/Unix is free and widely available and therefore is the operating system of choice for many.

Your might be thinking that as a person living in another country and not using the BBC website that perhaps it is not important for you to complete this survey.

However if/when the BBC implement this it will hopefully set a trend that other broadcast companies around the world will emulate.

Please, as Linux/Unix users, stand united and partake in the survey and spread the word to all Linux/Unix forums that you frequent

This is not about whether Linux/Unix OS' are better or worse than MS, its about fairness and non discrimination.

Survey -> BBC Public Value Survey

I hope you guys fill out the survey.

(Found at kubuntuforums.net)

sundialsvcs · 02-02-2007, 09:42 PM

Realistically speaking, I don't see too much difference in the current debates, from the "good ol' days" when the same folks were objecting to ... playing songs on the radio, cassette tapes, and so on.

It's a wonderful new medium. Everyone wants to "own it," but those who think that they can "own it" merely demonstrate that they don't understand it; that they haven't yet viewed it as "being mainstream."

When the dust finally settles... it's going to seem so ordinary. People will be wondering what the fuss was about.

Tortanick · 02-03-2007, 03:20 AM

Thanks for the link, I've filled out a response.

Komakino · 02-03-2007, 05:07 AM

Hi,

The BBC is planning on-demand content using a Microsoft media format and probably some form of DRM to allow users to download content up to 30 days after it was originally shown.

If you are a linux (or Mac) user who cares that we don't get left out by the inclusion of some DRM that is unavailable to use, please let your views be known by filling in their online consultation form.

Don't be too militant - a measured response is more likely to be well received, simply show that as a linux user we don't want to be left out, don't go into a diatribe about the evils of DRM!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consul..._services.html

(UK Users only)

huwnet · 02-03-2007, 06:41 AM

Thanks for posting. I added my $0.02 :P

zootmo · 02-03-2007, 08:25 AM

Thank you for the information Komakino. I have also added my (non_militant) views on the BBC site. Surveys like this afford an good opportunity to let people know that not all the world is a Microsoft using monoculture who wouldn't know what the acronym DRM meant if it bit them!

XavierP · 02-03-2007, 11:58 AM

I'm in! My views have been submitted.

I have also moved this to General as it's not really a technical issue.

XavierP · 02-03-2007, 12:07 PM

And since there were 2 of these, I have merged them both

Tortanick · 02-03-2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komakino

Don't be too militant - a measured response is more likely to be well received, simply show that as a linux user we don't want to be left out, don't go into a diatribe about the evils of DRM!

There's nothing wrong with a logical, rather than militant, arguement against DRM, such as the fact its very annoying to users, requires DRM supporting players, and never stops pirates.

Jorophose · 02-03-2007, 05:55 PM

Well, aslong as no one goes on a full-out anti-DRM rant, we should be alright in regards to contacting them.

ctkroeker · 02-03-2007, 06:48 PM

I added my views, although I doubt they'll get very far, but if enough people protest, it might make a diff.