Interesting Net News Before the Holidays

A couple of interesting stories broke today, the last news day before the holidays that has everyone up in arms. And if all looks as it appears to be they should be. Coincidence? Who knows.

Microsoft is filing for a patent on RSS. Of course Dave Winer is a bit miffed and certainly should be. The patent thing, like the copyright thing, like most things of this ilk have gotten way, way, way, out of control and way, way, way, away from the original intent of those who drafted the laws in the first place. There ought to be a law. No, wait a minute. That would probably be just as abused by greedy humans somewhere along the line too.

And the other story concerns a Texas federal judge who says that "deep linking" or "hyperlinking" (you know the whole foundation that the Internet is built on) is unlawful and violates copyright. Watch out for this one.