I sent Staples an e-mail,

I sent Staples an e-mail, expressing my displeasure with their DMCA action against Fatwallet. Here's what I got back:

Thank you for writing regarding our recent request to remove Staples proprietary information from fatwallet.com. As our customer, you know that Staples leads the industry in providing the office supplies you need at great prices. Because of our leadership position and the competitive environment in which we operate, it is important that our planning and pricing strategies not be made public in advance of (special sales/promotions.)

The advance release of proprietary information to competitors could disrupt our business and adversely affect our ability to serve our customers. It is Staples policy to take action when we become aware of the disclosure of such information. In this instance, we are pleased that fatwallet listened to our concerns and removed the confidential information from their site, as we requested.

I apologize for any misunderstandings this has caused and we do appreciate your feedback. Your opinions are being shared with the appropriate management staff for consideration. Thank you again for writing. Jim

Notice that it doesn't mention Copyright anywhere in that response, though that is what the DMCA is supposed to protect, not just any piece of information that you don't want other people to know.

I can tell you where

I can tell you where I'm NOT going to be shopping for Christmas this year: Wal-Mart Target Best Buy Staples

Why? Because they threatened DMCA action against Fatwallet.com, simply because people in the forums had posted the sale prices that those stores will be offering on "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving). The DMCA is out of control, now it's illegal to even post prices? Since when are prices copyrighted?

Here's the story over at Slashdot.

Read more about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act at ChillingEffects.

Write your congress people.

I guess everyone I know will be getting stuff from Amazon.com and Eddie Bauer this year.

I've spent much of the

I've spent much of the weekend playing with my new TV, the Panasonic PT-53wx42. I've wanted a big screen TV for a long time, and now I finally have one. You haven't seen a DVD until you've seen it on a 53" HDTV widescreen. This is definitely going to reduce the amount of films I see in a theatre, as my basement doesn't have strangers yelling back at the screen or snoring loudly in the seat behind me. I swear that if I'm ever called to jury duty, and the case involves someone accused of inflicting violence upon an inconsiderate movie-goer, I'm going to acquit. Update:Coincidentally, I just found that Wil Wheaton posted a similar (and longer) rant on his weblog too. Great minds think alike, I guess.