Prediction Market Closed

The prediction market is closed now. No more trades are possible.

When the results come in I will cash out the positions and figure out who are the winners.

Thanks for playing. I learned a lot about what works, and even more about what doesn't.

COMP6023 New Web Server

The web server I used for class notes for this module was migrated to a new (virtual) machine. The files didn't make it across (irony not lost on me) and so I have to manually restore files from a local backup. I didn't copy over the slides I used for this class, because I figured nobody would be looking for them. If there's something you want please e-mail me and I can send on the PDFs.

By the time anyone is (gods forbid) repeating, I should have them all restored. If I forget please don't be shy about reminding me.

COMP6023 Class 23 ITS1

Nobody showed up, apart from the note taker. That's fine. People are busy.

I think it's safe to assume there will be no class on Friday morning.

Prediction Market Leader Board

There were some major changes of fortune lately.

May Day 2013

Many young people believe that the intellectual property system is evil and should be overthrown.  For them undermining the IP system is not just about getting free stuff, it is an act of rebellion, in anticipation of an all out revolution.  Sticking it to the evil record companies and to Hollywood is a political act.  I am fascinated by this, because I think they have got it wrong.  For the first time in human history the means of production in now in the hands of the proletariat.  The web has democratized the production and exploitation of (intellectual) capital.  Anyone can write and publish a book.  Anyone can record and publish a song.  Even Hollywood’s monopoly is waning. The bourgeoisie no longer controls the means of production.  Bizarrely, however the response of the proletariat to this opportunity to finally eat at the same table as the bourgeoisie, is to destroy the table.

You’ve got it all wrong comrades.  Free stuff is not the same thing as Freedom.