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0 pointsalanh15y ago0 comments

In my mind, the answer is “better” if we also no longer need to worry about money (that is, a post-capitalist system). I’m not sure about the meantime.

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steveklabnik15y ago

The book that I cited up there in my huge post actually lays out a pretty compelling argument that it even works within capitalism.

IP is a pretty new concept. Things have worked really well for a long time without it.

teamonkey15y ago

Yes, capitalism is a pretty new concept also. The two go hand-in-hand.

But never before in history have we been able to copy media ad infinitum for practically zero time, cost and effort. It's always required time, an educated, talented person to copy, or resources that had a real cost.

In the case of the 3D printer the only real expense is the plastic used to print the object, which is awesome only for those who manufacture the materials.

steveklabnik15y ago

Actually, it's pretty funny: the materials are the only place where they make their money. 3D printers are sold on a total razor and blade model, the machine manufacturers make 70% of their money from materials, and something like 5% on actual machines.

Then things like this happen: http://open3dp.me.washington.edu/2009/10/sugar-sugar-powder/

> The cost of this mix is $0.15 – $0.30 per pound!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

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steveklabnik15y ago

The book that I cited up there in my huge post actually lays out a pretty compelling argument that it even works within capitalism.

IP is a pretty new concept. Things have worked really well for a long time without it.

teamonkey15y ago

Yes, capitalism is a pretty new concept also. The two go hand-in-hand.

In the case of the 3D printer the only real expense is the plastic used to print the object, which is awesome only for those who manufacture the materials.

steveklabnik15y ago

Then things like this happen: http://open3dp.me.washington.edu/2009/10/sugar-sugar-powder/

> The cost of this mix is $0.15 – $0.30 per pound!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse