I think they are also to allow you to play games that are not available here in the U.S. i.e. games that are "region coded" for Japan or something. I, personally, think that it's wrong for the company to release games at different times in different places, but I can understand some of the reasons for doing that. That being said, if a game, etc is not available here, and you paid for it overseas, why shouldn't you be able to play it here? Some of the folks I've known who have "modded" a game box have done so for that exact reason.
-----Original Message----- From: Mayo, Bill [mailto:bem...@pittcountync.gov] Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 4:13 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: XBox mod hacker could face 10 years in prison !!! >From what I understood in the article, the mods were in order to allow pirated software to run. As someone who actually pays for the music, movies, and games I play/watch, I have very little sympathy. I understand that there are some valid concerns about the specific charges, but it does seem fairly unlikely that a person would be arrested for modifying their own hardware for purposes that are not themselves illegal. There is a whole generation coming up now that think that pirating music and movies is no big deal, and I see little to no difference between that and throwing a brick through the window at Best Buy. Stealing is stealing. Bill Mayo -----Original Message----- From: Kurt Buff [mailto:kurt.b...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 3:31 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Re: XBox mod hacker could face 10 years in prison !!! I have no issues with users modding the machines and software they've purchased. It's what people do, and should be able to do. I have no issues with the service provider monitoring for modding, detecting it and discontinuing service if mods are detected, but I think it's a design problem, and not a service problem. The fact that the game providers aren't smart enough (yet) to level the playing field and maintain security of their networks is *their* problem, not the consumer's problem. I have *big* issues with criminalizing the modding. I even have issues with torts surrounding this issue. It's way out of line. On the other hand, I don't play computer games any more, either. Most of that decision was based on lack of time/interest, but a small part of it was frustration with the modders who "cheated" (if that's the term you want to use) and gained an advantage. But that's my choice, and not a legal matter. Kurt On Thu, Aug 13, 2009 at 03:10, <asbz...@gmail.com> wrote: > Over the years, a lot of comparisons have been made between cars and computers. > > I don't necessarily agree with the criminal angle of modding electronic equipment, but one does have to admit that computers and computer-like devices facilitate and engage in a degree of interoperability that is not common in other modding scenarios. > > Is it fair to have someone mod a game system and then participate in an online multiplayer game with what no longer constitutes a level playing field? > > The challenges in this realm are different. > > -ASB > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kurt Buff <kurt.b...@gmail.com> > > Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:38:26 > To: NT System Admin Issues<ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com> > Subject: Re: XBox mod hacker could face 10 years in prison !!! > > > Yup. Clear conflict with the intent of SCOTUS and the Carterfone > decision and other decisions regarding 3rd party maintenance on cars, > etc.. > > Something's going to give here in the next few years. > > On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 13:04, Steven M. Caesare<scaes...@caesare.com> wrote: >> It's the leveraging DCMA circumvention as a root "crime" in this prosecution that's disturbing. >> >> -sc >> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Kurt Buff [mailto:kurt.b...@gmail.com] >>> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 2:53 PM >>> To: NT System Admin Issues >>> Subject: Re: XBox mod hacker could face 10 years in prison !!! >>> >>> I'm not exactly an Ayn-Rander, but... >>> >>> On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 08:14, Angus >>> Scott-Fleming<angu...@geoapps.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> <snip a bunch, and the quote below was written by someone else...> >>> >>> > Now Apple is trying to control the platform, applications and >>> > network simply to line their own pockets. While you Ayn Rand-ers >>> > are busy slapping high-fives, let me remind the rest of you that >>> > competition and open platforms are better for consumers on all >>> > levelяяЏяявяњfrom pricing to performance. It is only in the short >>> > term that we benefit from closed systems. >>> >>> I applaud Apple's attempt to keep their platform pure, same as with >>> MSFT. There are good reasons for doing it. >>> >>> The issue at hand, however, is misguided IP law. There should be no >>> penalty for selling modded equipment. If you bought it, it's yours, >>> and you should be able to do with it as you will, including >>> modifying it and selling it. If Apple/Microsoft refuses to support >>> it thereafter, well, that's their call. >>> >>> Companies that try to enforce that will lose, eventually, though. >>> >>> Kurt >>> >>> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ >>> <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>яя ~ >> >> >> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ >> <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/яяВ ~ > > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ > <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ > > > ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ > <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.54/2300 - Release Date: 08/13/09 06:11:00 ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
