Abstract The paper argues against the phenomenon of copy protection of CD"s, focusing on the technological inconveniences experienced by the CD buyer as a result of this protection. It studies the different technological methods used in copy protection and the disadvantages and inconveniences involved in employing these methods. It then moves on to the issue of media conglomerates" disregard for consumer interests and the infringement on the rights of the consumer. It takes a close look at American copyright protection laws and the controversy behind home recording rights. It concludes with a summary of the shortcomings of copy protection.
Outline
Introduction: "Four Charley Pride Fans" Anecdote
What is Copy Protection?
History
How It Works, and Doesn"t
Spy-Protection as Symptomatic in the Industry
Symptomatic of Disregard for Customers
Future Direction of the Problem
Legal Difficulties for Private Users/hackers
What the Law Says and Doesn"t
Right of Reproduction and Fair Use
Royalties from Recording Devices
What the Industry is Thinking
Appear to Lose Sales
Copying Actually Aids Sales
Misdirected Greed
Copy-proofing Is Useless
Ways to Get Around It
New Recording Devices Avoid It
These Discs are not actually CDs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Copy protection, the newest rage for sold-out record companies, causes CDs to only be playable by standard audio CD players, in order to keep them from being copied by the home music enthusiast. While this is supposed to help the companies make more money, it only does so by putting major impediments against the enjoyment of music by the people for which it is made."
Abstract This paper explores the question of whether or not the copy principle is defensible, whether or not it is correct. It looks at how Hume claimed that "we may divide all the perceptions of the mind into two classes or species" which he named "thoughts or ideas," and "impressions". The paper argues that the copy principle is a legitimate theory and one that holds major ramifications for the way we view the world. While it is unfortunate that its non-mathematical nature and our limited knowledge of the human brain prevent us from being able to provide a comprehensive proof of the principle, it is still possible to show that the theory does fit with what we already know and credibility can be gained by defending it against objections.
From the Paper "Another major objection to the copy principle is that many believe it cannot account for the human conception of causation. The idea behind this objection is that there is no way to experience causation. Therefore, our ability to have any notion of cause and effect should serve as a clear contradiction towards the copy principle. My response to this objection is that the idea of causation needs to be modified. Humans don't just create ideas of causation out of thin air, it is an idea that we acquire through custom. As Hume points out, even a young child can figure out that flames are hot and will cause pain if you are too close to them. Therefore, it is clear that the amount of reasoning power required to make a causal connection between two events is not very high. In fact, it is not a matter of reasoning power at all, it is a matter of custom. The more times two events occur with some sort of connection between them, perhaps temporal, physical, or other, the more the idea of causation strengthens in our minds. "
This paper discusses abnormal psychology as related to the character Dr. Helen Hudson played by Sigourney Weaver in the film "Copy Cat" (1995) produced by Arnon Milchnar.
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
Abstract This paper explains that, throughout the movie "Copy Cat", Dr. Helen Hudson deals with panic attacks and everyday life by taking a large amount of prescription pills and washing them down with bourbon whiskey to control her intense fear; she has been in her house for over thirteen months. The author believes that she would be diagnosed as having a panic disorder with agoraphobia associated with post traumatic stress disorder caused by the attack on her life in which she almost died herself after seeing a cop get shot. The paper concludes that the problem with the movie's portrayal of these conditions is that, at the end, she is cured instantly from agoraphobia, drug and alcohol abuse and panic attacks; plus she beats the bad guys and, all of the sudden, psychological life is grand.
From the Paper "The character in the movie I would like to focus on is Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver). The movie starts out with Dr. Hudson being a very intelligent and capable person who is giving a lecture on serial killers at a University in San Francisco. The lecture goes well but afterwards she is attacked in the bathroom by a man (Harry Connick Jr.). We later learn that this man was on trial for murder and Dr. Hudson testified in court against him with her advanced knowledge on the subject. The attack was pretty graphic and she was rescued at the last minute by a police officer who heard gun shots. The movie then flashes to the present where Dr. Hudson is at home and suddenly wakes up sweating and hyperventilating. The images of the attack in the previous part of the movie now represent the dream she was having. In my opinion, they wanted the audience to think she has reoccurring nightmare about the attack."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in this day and age of technology and wireless connection to vast amounts of electronic information, plagiarism within educational institutions has become a growing concern. The writer points out that nearly every university and college has a very strict policy concerning plagiarism and the penalties for academic dishonesty. While to some people the act of copying the written work or ideas of someone else may not seem to be the most severe of crimes, plagiarism is actually an illegal offence that can be punished by the criminal justice system. The writer discusses that more importantly, however, plagiarism threatens the integrity of the entire educational system. Without the integrity of the educational system, higher levels of education and employers would be at a loss for selecting properly suited candidates. Furthermore, plagiarism is a severe act of disrespect towards the individual whose work is being copied or, in essence, stolen. The writer concludes that plagiarism is a significant and noteworthy problem within the academic sphere and beyond.
From the Paper " One of the reasons that plagiarism has become a growing concern within the academic environment is the increase in access to the internet that most students have, an in fact, require throughout their educational career. Before the advent of the internet, plagiarism required copying information or ideas directly from a published piece of work or another student's work. The Internet now provides a multitude of other methods of plagiarism. Within the domain of cyberspace, 21st Century students can locate information that has never before been previously published in the traditional print form. Furthermore, students can access papers written by other students all over the world. Many e-commerce sites have actually developed to answer the demand of students for pre-written college level papers. A simple search on any popular search engine such as Google.com or Yahoo returns hundreds of web sites offering papers for the use of college and high school students. Some websites allow students to upload their own papers and sell them to other students for a designated price, of course sharing their profits with the website owners. Other sites allow the free distribution of papers, financially fuelled by advertisers wishing to reach the college demographic. Many other websites offer custom writing services, that ensure that a paper will be of high quality and never previously published in another location."
Abstract The advantages of organizational change within the structure of a business and working environment. The paper considers the role of organizational change and the influences on change and the processes involved within the implementation of protecting hard copy documentation.
From the Paper "Refreezing can only occur after the changes have been implemented and accepted. The changes should have been accepted willingly, and the employees have been converted to the wisdom of the new systems. They should at this stage be supportive and understand the wisdom behind the changes. The changes can now be entrenched and ideally become part of the new organisational culture."
Abstract This paper begins by defining software piracy before showing how publishers are dealing with the problem of peer-to-peer (P2P) copying. It examines how companies are approaching the problem of lost revenues and the legalities of software piracy. The paper includes an outline.
From the Paper "Other gaming publishers are trying a few different methods to work with the P2P issue. Trymedia, Softwrap and Macromedia offer software that stops games from being copied or restricts access to them, so that potential customers can try a game before deciding whether to buy it, or can play a demo version. Usually, when players download protected files on a P2P network, a link brings them to a site where they can pay to unlock the fun version or buy a legitimate copy. If they share that game with others, the copied version will revert to trial mode."
Abstract This paper explains that modern adoption policy is as much a part of the general ideas about social welfare as it is about the right of a family to raise a child that is not originally its own. The author points out that, in the beginning, the heart of the process by which adoption policy developed in the U.S. did not entail questions of "marginal" groups or individuals possessing adoption rights but, rather, the attitude of society to the very idea of creating "fictive kin". The paper relates that the old concept of matching children with potential parents is no longer a question of find a child, which is nearly identical biological and social "copies" of the parents, because America has become racially and ethnically diverse and follows values which emphasize serving each individual child in the best way.
From the Paper "Yet, as the child welfare movement began to gather strength, a new attitude developed. Increasingly, children living in certain "substandard" conditions were seen as deserving something "better." Those who did not possess the resources to care for their children, or who abused their children, or raised them in a manner inconsistent with contemporary middle-class values, might find their children being taken away from them. For the first time, the once inviolable bond between biological parent and child was being broken."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that a major battle is under way over the issue of DRM, a technological fix imposed by major corporations to protect their software. The writer notes that the development of the Internet and all computer technology has altered the normal relationship between the producers and creators of music, films and even computer software and the consumer to such a degree that the corporations that control these products have sought ways of restoring the balance in their favor. The writer points out that DRM is one such method of protecting copyrighted material from digital copying and transmission. The writer concludes that most content producers are behind the curve on the use of technology for their benefit, and DRM only puts them further behind while harming the consumer and creating unnecessary ill will.
From the Paper "Digital Rights Management refers to coders and the like that are embedded in CDs and films to prevent consumers from copying music or films and from disseminating these products over the Internet. It also refers to the way music sold online is coded so it cannot be transferred to a different computer and may not be able to be played more than a certain number of times before it degrades. DRM might be one sort of protection when it is announced so that the consumer knows what he or she is purchasing and knows the limitations being placed on the purchase. It is quite another thing when DRM is embedded secretly so that the consumer does not know about these limitations. The latter was part of the problem with certain CDs sold by Sony a few years ago, and the DRM interfered even with normal play on some computers."
Abstract This paper analyzes the differences found between online journals or magazines and hard copy examples. The paper explores the similarities and differences between two magazine publications - "Hyper" (an Australian video gaming print magazine) and the "Imagine Games Network" (IGN.COM, an American video gaming online magazine). The paper concludes that both styles of magazine have their strengths and weaknesses - both are popular and both are profitable.
From the Paper "As of the September issue 2003, Hyper has been in monthly print for exactly a decade in Australia. This makes it the longest running video gaming magazine in the country - obviously due to its success. Hyper's publisher Next Media publishing sells approximately two million magazines a month and is ranked in the top ten of Australia's media publishers (Fish: 2003, Hyper Issue 112 pg6). Looking through the various articles, pictures and even advertisements in the magazine one can gather that it is targeted at a predominantly male readership. Subtle sexual innuendos aimed at teenage boys are scattered throughout each issue. The wording of each article is written in a casual fashion and never talks down to the reader. The magazine never takes itself too seriously either, perhaps in a knowing attempt to allow their readership to escape their hectic lives for a while (much like videogames do). An example of this can be found in Issue 97, which shows a preview for a game by the name of 'Conker's Bad Fur Day'. A picture showcasing the visuals of the game depicts a squirrel character standing over a female dinosaur character with a giant bone in his hand. The caption states: 'oooh, looks like she's about to get boned dude!' (Shea: 2003, Hyper Issue 97 pg68). Although it is clear the screenshot itself is not intended sexually, the journalists of the magazine know their audience and are fully willing to use some sexual humour to spark up some interest."
Abstract This paper presents a step by step guide for a hospital for implementing changes which will make the system run more smoothly, minimize wasted resources and be more cost-efficient. The program is laid out in five steps - 1. Amalgamate acquirement receiving with copy cataloging; 2. Combining complicated copy cataloging, copy-assisted cataloging, and some record maintenance; 3.Consolidating original monograph cataloging units; move responsibility for pub recall; 4.Digital initiative support and 5.Consolidate database management.
From the Paper "The objectives of this change plan are few and to the point. The need for this change arose when we felt the need for this new department due to the loss of work. In order to make the hospital a more manageable place and for its records to be easily available to doctors and nurses the following points must be taken in view. The flow of work as we lose staff through attrition, reassignment, retirement, etc. The staff has to be moved in a staff development direction, i.e., to broaden skills for future flexibility within and outside of the hospital."
Abstract In this article, the writer presents a detailed examination of the topic of suspected price gouging by oil companies. Using concrete recent examples of well known companies, including Exxon Mobile, the writer explores allegations of price gouging and argues that it is unfair for oil companies to take advantage of consumers when consumers have supported them for years. According to the writer, social responsibility should supercede corporate responsibility. The writer concludes that the time has come for the oil companies to recognize their social responsibilities and protect the consumers who have kept them in business since their inception. Further, the writer claims that the oil companies need to lower their prices so that the consumer can again trust the prices are fair to everyone involved. The writer includes in this paper approximately 30 pages of source copies.
Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Current Gas Prices and Price History
Conclusion
References
Source Copies
From the Paper "According to studies conducted with regards to gasoline refiners are getting more of a profit out of each gallon now than they were at this time a year ago. Crude producers are getting an additional 47 cents a gallon. After Katrina and the price of oil company products began to increase rapidly, Congress held a special session in which many experts and oil company representatives testified regarding the accusation of price gouging. The companies maintained their belief that it was not their work that was price gouging but it was the retailers who sold the gasoline that were participating in price gouging. Retail representatives responded that it was nonsense, pointing out that their customers would not remain loyal if they suddenly began upping the price of gasoline compared to the retailer across the street."
Abstract This report examines a very specific problem that developed at Ryerson University. The problem that is examined is the dirty women's washrooms around campus. The paper explains the methodology used for the report and then looks at the organization structure of the cleaning department. The writer attempts to analyze the extent of the problem based on the data received from a survey handed out to female students. The writer also offers possible solutions to this problem. A copy of the survey is attached to this report as Appendix 1 and a
copy of the results of the survey is attached as Appendix 2.
Outline:
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Organizational Structural Issues
Discussion of Results
Call to Action
From the Paper "Social life in most societies is organized along institutional lines. An institution is defined as, "A society or corporation especially of a public character" (Anonymous 272). Institutions include families, marriages, schools and churches. The fact that institutions are so common in our society means that we largely take them for granted. People often fail to realize that institutions are composed of people and that the activities of these people determine how an institution will operate. The way that an institution operates is often referred to as organization culture."
Abstract This paper discusses how within Herman Melville's work, "Bartleby the Scrivener", there is a sense that the development of the romantic or transcendental hero is seen in the de-development of Bartleby as a character. It examines how, as Bartleby deconstructs his role, at first by refusing to do anything but copy manuscripts and then flatly refusing to copy and leave the premises, which he has recently been discovered to be living in.
From the Paper "The employer sees that between he and Bartleby there are similarities and yet that he and Bartleby are also infinitely disconnected from each other, a complete mystery to one another as he soul of one was rejecting of life, and industry and the soul of the employer was embracing such. The employer then goes on to describe how, amongst the civilities and niceties of the visual world, hiding in dark places, there is true human misery, and Bartleby's soul is an example of just such a place of darkness."
Abstract The paper focuses on two decisions of McDonald's in its competition with Burger King; the change to the burger-making process known as the "Made for You" approach and the introduction of a new menu item that was a copy of Burger King's product. The paper then discusses how the "Made for You" approach was successful while the new burger was a total failure. The paper points out that learning from Burger King's supply chain did not impinge upon McDonald's brand integrity, while shamelessly copying Burger King's product did. The paper therefore learns that a company should stay true to one's brand name and values but can imitate innovations that result in improving the business.
Outline:
Context
Decision-Making
Effectiveness of the Decision-Making Process
Reflect on your own Decision-Making Process
From the Paper "McDonald's is one of the most famous brand names in the world. Children can recognize Ronald McDonald as easily as Santa Claus, at least according to the 2004 anti-McDonald's documentary "Supersize Me." Regardless of whether a consumer approves of its product, its health claims, or influence on the buying (or nagging) power of children, the name of Ronald McDonald is instant recognizable in virtually every country where the restaurant is located, thanks to corporate advertising and promotional power. The name of McDonald's is synonymous with standardization, and if a customer walks into one of its more than 30,000 restaurants in over 119 countries, serving around 50 million people every day, it is assumed that the quality of that burger speaks for the quality of all McDonald's burgers, for better or worse ("McDonald's," Business Case Studies, The Times 100). Thus quality control of all of its restaurants is particularly important for the fast food chain."
