Bookmarks: Some stuff to read on the internet

The mighty John Naughton points his Observer column at BPI Chief Executive Geoofrey Taylor's claim that 'For years, ISPs have built a business on other people's music':

Just for the record, ISPs have indeed 'built a business'. They've done it by providing an internet connection for upwards of a billion individuals and businesses across the planet.

This business has created what now amounts to a global nervous system. It enables tens of thousands of companies and millions of customers across the world to engage in online commerce worth many billions of dollars annually.

It allows upwards of a sixth of the world's population to communicate via email, instant messaging and internet telephony. It enables cancer sufferers, carers of parents with Alzheimer's, victims of torture and repression to find information, support and fellowship in their darkest hours. It makes it possible for every car owner in Britain to pay his or her road tax online.

It gives every citizen free access to Hansard and government publications. It enables children to access the greatest encyclopedia ever created. Oh, and it also enables some people illicitly to share copyrighted material, including songs.

Having reduced the BPI to a smouldering mess, he then dances around a little on the ashes.