Mark Zuckerberg's Free Basics argument doesn't address conflicts of interest

Re:Mark Zuckerberg's Free Basics argument doesn't address co... by vikiomega9 on Thursday December 31, 2015 @03:15AM (#10816783)

> We do indeed allow private organizations to create libraries.

Are those for-profit and not readily regulated?

> Moreover, the conflict of interest exists even when the state

But in this case the state is a democracy. Ideally conflict of interest is non-existent.

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Re:Mark Zuckerberg's Free Basics argument doesn't address co... by paulmd on Thursday December 31, 2015 @08:28AM (#10817468)

Sure. Typically they are specialized in a single type of content. For example, JSTOR is a self-described "digital library" which provides journal access. Your local movie rental store (or its competitor Netflix) provide entertainment or educational content (movies and shows).

Of course they can be regulated just like any business or service. So could this service, in fact. Forcing net neutrality for all service providers would cut out a lot of crap and I'm convinced it's a long-term boon.

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Re:Mark Zuckerberg's Free Basics argument doesn't address co... by michael_h on Thursday December 31, 2015 @09:58AM (#10817774)

In Cincinnati there is a general purpose, private library: http://www.mercantilelibrary.com/

It's not regulated - not sure about the profit part. It is hugely dwarfed by the public library, but it is still quite popular. They have a smaller collection, but the percentage of the items that circulate is supposedly astronomical.

It only has a 10,000 year lease though, so I suppose it's only temporary.

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