From: pearl@remus.rutgers.edu (Starbuck)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime
Subject: LDTO: Better Off Dead (was Re: L.D.T.O. still exist?)
Date: 26 Jan 93 17:36:51 GMT
Organization: the Worlds Welfare Work Association, Rutgers Anime division

In article <1jt756INNknr@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> bn981@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Ryan Mathews) writes:

> Chris, the guy who was left in charge when Scott left and, to my utter
> emabrrassment, whose last name escapes me, happens to be a friend
> of mine, though a slightly out-of-touch one.  The last time I talked 
> to him, sometime last summer, he said the LDTO was in limbo, low on
> funds, and probably dead.  Early in '92, the LDTO was converted to a
> completely legit LD rental organiztion, where you could rent LDs
> through the mail.  Apparently, it didn't catch on.
> 
> It's been awhile since I've written him.  Maybe I should check in with
> him and see what's up.
> 
> 			---------- Ryan Mathews

IMHO, the LDTO is definitely better off dead.  The original
incarnation was nothing more than a pirate organization and the new
organization was a weak attempt at "Legitimizing" it.  

In its original incarnation, you "purchased" a share of an LD for $15
or so depending on the retail price of the Disc.  As a part owner, you
were entitled to a copy of "your" disc so you could either send them a
tape to have "your" movie copied on it or you could purchase a tape
from them to have your movie copied on.


Sounds fair, right?  WRONG!

First of all, you never saw your disc, nor could you ever borrow it,
look at it, hold it tenderly in your arms.  

Secondly, say I am the LDTO.  I sell 5 shares of an Akira LD for $15,
which is $75.  (That about covers the cost of the LD).  I then sell
another 6 shares.  Does the money get spread back among the original
investors, thereby reducing everyone's contribution?  No!  It gets
used to purchase new LDs.  Want a copy of those new LDs (purchased
with the money you sent in)?  Then you have to invest in that LD as
well!

The new incarnation is a feeble attempt to look legitimate.  

Basically, the LDTO split into 2 groups.  The first group is an
organization that rents the anime LDs.  (Renting YOUR LDs....)  The
second group is an organization of self-less, hardworking Fans who on
your behalf will rent and copy an anime LD merely for the cost of
renting the disc, the cost of the tape, and postage.  (Such altruistic
fans!)

The catch?  The first group only rents to the second.  And both groups
are the same!

The LDTO (both incarnations) claimed that what thy were doing is
legal.  I would like either LDTO try this with the LDs released by
AnimEigo, USMC, Streamline, etc...

So the new LDTO is dying, eh?  What happens to the LDs that fans sent
their money to get a share of?  

I am not trying to take the high moral ground that copying of all
anime LDs should be stopped.  It happens.  We know it does.  Most of
us have probably done it.  But I think most of us agree that charging
$15 or so for a copy of an LD (under the guise of purchasing a share)
is wrong.  It is piracy.  What is the difference between purchasing a
share of the Akira LD for $15 (and a tape with a return mailer) or
buying a copy of Akira from Bruno the pirate at a convention for $15?


Something to ponder,

Steve
---
Stephen Pearl (Starbuck)    Work: (908)932-3465   Home: (908)566-6842
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Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime