[Patents] patent pools enforcing per-copy-licensing mode of software development

[Nick F. marmalade@libertysurf.co.uk]

Dear Bernard,

> I am talking of public interest, not public opinion.
> The issue requires economic, technological, sociological analysis, in
> order to decide where the public interest lies.
> 
> Public opinion is essentially irrelevant.  Even corporate opinions.
> 

I for one do not like the idea of people doing things 'in the public
 interest' without actually asking the public what they want. I am 
sure that the spanish inquisition thought they were acting in the "public
 interest" in butchering heretics all those centuries ago, and I for one feel
 you would do well to remember the famous phrase "there are lies, damned 
lies and statistics" before you use any "analysis" to determine where the
public interest lies. I for one, prefer to be asked first rather than be told
what is best for me. 

Just a quick point of interest. In England, people who write 
software are called programmers, computer scientists and software engineers,
(among others..). The title largely depends upon whom you are trying
to impress as the actual act of programming is essentially the same, 
regardless
of what you want to call it. And when you have decided what to call it, you
will still be none the wiser as to whether patents are good or bad for mankind
as a whole, and not just one small section of it.

Regards,

Nick Fleming.