Bono has put his foot in it again: Internet policing idea draws fire

Dragan

Terry wrote: »

Here's the thing.
You (and most people in Ireland) do not like Bono.

What you are missing is that he is loved around the world.
His words inspire others to take action (not me. I'm too lazy and really couldn't give a flying **** about the third world in all honesty), and those people go and help others in the third world.

That's a win for poor people.

And he manages to do all this while shaking hands and being friends with effective war criminals.

Clearly, he can multitask better than any woman.

Terry

Dragan wrote: »

And he manages to do all this while shaking hands and being friends with effective war criminals.

Clearly, he can multitask better than any woman.

The war criminals are the ones with the big bucks.
The U.S. and U.K. are two of the world's biggest economies.

OutlawPete

I think Bono's alright.

I have seen him about over the years and he always seems to have time for people.

I have heard a few first hand stories of mates meeting him in places like Queens and The Dockers and he seems to always be up for the craic.

When I was growing up in the 80's, U2 were about the only thing about Dublin that made me feel proud and I'm sure they insfluenced many a band.

And of course, on Christmas Eve he made my night - although I would have prefered him to have waited for Spirit to have been finished

Dragan

Terry wrote: »

The war criminals are the ones with the big bucks.
The U.S. and U.K. are two of the world's biggest economies.

LoL, i love your view of the world Terry.

KerranJast

Metallica got shedloads of abuse in the 90s for rightly complaining about Napster making money from their work and releasing their unfinished tracks. "Saint Bono" praises Chinese censorship and he'll probably be applauded for it, the ****ehawk.

Terry

Dragan wrote: »

LoL, i love your view of the world Terry.

Well I can't think of any other war criminals he has shaken hands with.

He did shake hands with JP II, whose organisation oversaw some of the sickest abuses of human rights ever committed. I don't recall any recent wars the Vatican have been involved in though.

geeky

"Reverse Robin Hoods"? Indeed, because poor old Bono is on the breadline and the people downloading his music are living in a Dalkey home...

In fact, I have to take issue with this para:

"the people this reverse Robin Hooding benefits are rich service providers, whose swollen profits perfectly mirror the lost receipts of the music business."

Does anyone want to email Bono with the annual reports from a few ISPs? He really ought to think before opening his pie-hole sometimes.

Fighting Irish

BluesBerry wrote: »

When Bono starts paying his taxes in this country then maybe ill listen to what he has to say

You can bitch at bono when you start paying taxes you don't legally have to pay

ps i hate bono

Mackman

MrStuffins wrote: »

I realise all of what i'm saying is futile as it's fashionable to hate Bono, so people like you will just be sheep and repeat the "Bono is an idiot" rubbish, so i'm out of here.

im quite glad people have started to hate Bono, ive hated him for years. Its not the taxes that i hate him for though, its the way he goes about looking for help for the third world countries. He just seems to want others to do something about it. If he feels THAT passionatly about it, he should donate his own damn money. lead by example.

This whole internet thing is rediculous though, if it was some poor struggling band living in their car, touring, trying to scrape together money for a meal, then id have some sympathy

Degsy

Terry wrote: »

Well I can't think of any other war criminals he has shaken hands with.

Nelson Mandella springs to mind.

hooradiation

Oh degsy, your surrealism is simply delightful.

The Minstrel

Has Bono been canonised? Is he really a saint?

Dyr

knobgoblin is the greatest description of bono I've ever heard, kudo's to that poster

MoominPapa

Degsy wrote: »

Nelson Mandella springs to mind.

Mandella was a terrorist not a war criminal

parker kent

Whatever people think about Bono, internet downloads are having a major impact on the music industry. Struggling artists are the real losers as record companies may have less money to spend on artists who make losses at the beginning. Nowadays the big money is in tours but it is hard to get to that stage. The whole downloading thing is not a black and white issue but it has an impact. But despite being the biggest losers, struggling artists will not be listened to, because they are struggling/have no name value etc.

So somebody with name value has to speak out. I dunno, maybe somebody like Bono???

Edit: Not saying he is a saint or that he is not being self serving

Dyr

bear in mind that a decade after music downloading became popular, it's only now that the industry is getting it's act together with regards to the legal sale of downloadable music that's not DRM'd. They stuck their head in the sand and hoped that their monopoly would survive this and in doing so they ceded the online market to illegal downloads.

The record companies have ruled the music business since the advent of recording but the thing is that they are no longer needed. They made their money out of piece's of plastic that contained music, we can now have music without the piece of plastic and their business model is now obsolete.

Buford T Justice

MrStuffins wrote: »

All this "Bono is an asshole" business is ridiculous. The man, believe it or not, is trying to do GOOD! ...........

Hmmm.. Good good. I see what you are saying.. Unfortunately it doesn't change the fact that Bono is an obnoxious twat of gastronomic proportions, with a stupid wind visor stuck to his fisog all the bloody time.

Why doesn't he take all the money he's spent on those pointless shades and give it to charity. It'll be work a fair few quid to them, and there is the slimmest possiblity that he would look a little less like a twonk!

cnocbui

This whole argument that ISPs should be made scapegoats is stupid.

ISPs provide infrastructure. If people misuse that infrastructure they are the ones who should be held accountable.

Governments, and sometimes private companies, provide roads. No one ever suggests that they should be held accountable if criminals make use of the roads in the course of their criminal activities.

There would be as much sense in asking Eircom to foot the bill for all lost earnings suffered by artists since they provide the physical lines ADSL broadband relies on.

Without computers, there would be no illegal downloading of MP3s and or movies, why not make them accountable as well?

Bono and his ilk both greedy and thick.

Nodin

MoominPapa wrote: »

Mandella was a terrorist not a war criminal

Neither - Nelson was right. In fact it was probably the most clear cut justified use of physical force since the war against the Nazis.

Nodin

The Minstrel wrote: »

Has Bono been canonised? Is he really a saint?

I thought I saw a ring above his head, but that was just him about to enter his own arse....

hooradiation

cnocbui wrote: »

This whole argument that ISPs should be made scapegoats is stupid.

ISPs provide infrastructure. If people misuse that infrastructure they are the ones who should be held accountable.

Governments, and sometimes private companies, provide roads. No one ever suggests that they should be held accountable if criminals make use of the roads in the course of their criminal activities.

god, this is on of the worst analogies I've ever seen.

For a start ISP's as the name suggests provide a SERVICE, you cannot go onto the Internet without going via them, unlike the roads. So the "it's only the infrastructure" argument is nonsense.

And yes the end user should be held accountable, but the only people with the power to do that are the ISPs and they are not doing anything because peoples illegal activities represent a significant chunk of their client base.

So, yeah, they are profiting and then turning a blind eye to the theft people do with the service they provide.

Terry

Degsy wrote: »

Nelson Mandella springs to mind.

He was a terrorist (then legal definition). He was a freedom fighter (then view of Black South Africans).

pickarooney

If millions of people were really downloading the work of struggling artists, I'd be surprised.

parker kent

pickarooney wrote: »

If millions of people were really downloading the work of struggling artists, I'd be surprised.

Record companies will not make as much money from their bigger names so they will have less money to spend on less well known people.

Plus I'd imagine the end of a culture of paying for music would not really help struggling artists either. They will not have sell out world tours to rely on.

Often bands like U2, Rolling Stones etc (or whatever singer/band from pre-digital music you enjoy) needed to make 2-3 records before they started to really get into their groove.

But now with the decrease in profits, companies only make albums that will have a good chance of returning a profit. It is similar enough to the publishers hiring sure fire bestsellers instead of working with a young writer, honing their talent over a number of books before they write something really good.

blubloblu

hooradiation wrote: »

god, this is on of the worst analogies I've ever seen.

For a start ISP's as the name suggests provide a SERVICE, you cannot go onto the Internet without going via them, unlike the roads. So the "it's only the infrastructure" argument is nonsense.

And yes the end user should be held accountable, but the only people with the power to do that are the ISPs and they are not doing anything because peoples illegal activities represent a significant chunk of their client base.

So, yeah, they are profiting and then turning a blind eye to the theft people do with the service they provide.

First of all, it's pretty hard to steal over the Internet.
Why should ISPs interfere with their users activities? Should they be responsible for absolutely everthing a user does online? If someone posts a libellous comment on a blog, is the ISP responsible? Don't be ridiculous. They should have the same protections as the phone and postal services. Just because it's a newer technology, doesn't allow mega million dollar global corporations to trample over your rights.

TPD

We can just go back to posting floppy discs about if the internet gets locked down. Well, maybe not floppy discs...

robby^5

We'll form our own breakaway internet! With piracy...and hookers!

Amalgam

The Perfect Drug wrote: »

We can just go back to posting floppy discs about if the internet gets locked down. Well, maybe not floppy discs...

data prohibition will be very much like alcohol prohibition. Someone will make a (data) packet out of it..

parker kent

parker kent wrote: »

Record companies will not make as much money from their bigger names so they will have less money to spend on less well known people.

Plus I'd imagine the end of a culture of paying for music would not really help struggling artists either. They will not have sell out world tours to rely on.

Often bands like U2, Rolling Stones etc (or whatever singer/band from pre-digital music you enjoy) needed to make 2-3 records before they started to really get into their groove.

But now with the decrease in profits, companies only make albums that will have a good chance of returning a profit. It is similar enough to the publishers hiring sure fire bestsellers instead of working with a young writer, honing their talent over a number of books before they write something really good.

The smaller bands with sense are embracing the rise of the internet and using it to their advantage. What most people constantly seem to miss about piracy is that the people who do the most downloading also buy the most records.

blubloblu

Most small new bands say that obscurity is a bigger problem than not making money. It's all about getting your name out there, and peer to peer is an effective way to do so.

Corkfeen

My first thought was who the **** would let Bono write for the new york times. Second thought was that they'd be able to monitor people's porn viewing.

si_guru

Corkfeen wrote: »

My first thought was who the **** would let Bono write for the new york times.

Lol... & who cares what he says when he does?

R0ot

Bono, the second worst thing to emerge from Ireland. The worst thing being Daniel O' Donnell

Agent Smith

Can we not Just do something to his Voicebox?

phantom_lord

someone tried to hand me a flyer about a dvd rental service in my local supermarket the other night. it'd be quicker for me to download a movie than walk around the corner to the shop to pick one up!

Saint_Mel

The Minstrel wrote: »

Has Bono been canonised?

No, but I'd like to shoot him out of a canon

RoadKillTs

Whats the difference between Bono and God?
God doesnt go around thinking hes Bono

/gets coat

alexlyons

Terry wrote: »

Bono = 1/4 of U2

Bono is actually 1/5 of U2, Paul McGuinness has on numerous occasions been referred to as the 5th member, and on the vertigo tour received the same $1m the other 4 did, every night. just thought id let ya know

Hank_Jones wrote: »

Just wanted to say that Larry Mullen is an absolute legend because he is the exact opposite of this.

+1 on that, the real hero of U2, along with the edge, see all the work he's done for new orleans? got just the right amount of publicity, if not a tiny bit to little. http://www.musicrising.org/

4zn76tysfajdxp

Corkfeen wrote: »

My first thought was who the **** would let Bono write for the new york times.

The editor, I'm guessing.

si_guru

phantom_lord wrote: »

someone tried to hand me a flyer about a dvd rental service in my local supermarket the other night. it'd be quicker for me to download a movie than walk around the corner to the shop to pick one up!

I watch my neighbour's SKY thru' binoculars.

Terry

alexlyons wrote: »

Bono is actually 1/5 of U2, Paul McGuinness has on numerous occasions been referred to as the 5th member, and on the vertigo tour received the same $1m the other 4 did, every night. just thought id let ya know



+1 on that, the real hero of U2, along with the edge, see all the work he's done for new orleans? got just the right amount of publicity, if not a tiny bit to little. http://www.musicrising.org/

U2 fan blushes at mistake.

You are 100% correct.
All of U2 is split 5 ways. Kudos for pointing out my mistake.

Fabo

bono uses africa for publicity, that is all. anyone who think he isnt a publicity whore obviously lives in a box during the new album (which will be the best ever) leak rumors. he has a simplified view of africa. the only people he helps are the corrupt leaders who run the countries there. they are the problem with africa...trillions of dollars have been pumped into africa...where has it all gone ? does anyone ask ? simple, the so called governments use it for themselves.

its compete horses*** what the media fuel people about africa. the real problem is never addressed and certainly not by bono.

MrStuffins wrote: »

Of course there is.

Answer me truthfully, if you were given the chance tomorrow to pay less tax, would you take it?

ask michael o leary. he quite happily pays his taxes here. no attempt at tax avoidance for any of his companies. if you were earning 5 million a year, would you not like to pay an extra couple of hundred thousand just to contribute to the country you live in ? thats an ethical question, and only people of real backbone would say yes. not all of us are capitalist money grubbers.

OutlawPete

Fabo wrote: »

bono uses africa for publicity, that is all.

Bollox talk.

Bono could work all year on work for Africa etc and maybe get on the news for a one minute report half a dozen times and maybe a few column inches each week.

If he wanted publicity he could get it the Liam Gallagher way and just break a few cameras.

Fabo wrote: »

its compete horses*** what the media fuel people about africa. the real problem is never addressed and certainly not by bono.

Which is?

Fabo wrote: »

ask michael o leary. he quite happily pays his taxes here.

As does Bono.

Fabo wrote: »

no attempt at tax avoidance for any of his companies. if you were earning 5 million a year, would you not like to pay an extra couple of hundred thousand just to contribute to the country you live in ? thats an ethical question, and only people of real backbone would say yes. not all of us are capitalist money grubbers.

You think if Michael O'Leary could find a way to help them pay less tax that he wouldn't take it??

The same wanker that charges people €5 do use a Laser Card when they get to process them for free?

Terry

Fabo wrote: »

bono uses africa for publicity, that is all. anyone who think he isnt a publicity whore obviously lives in a box during the new album (which will be the best ever) leak rumors. he has a simplified view of africa. the only people he helps are the corrupt leaders who run the countries there. they are the problem with africa...trillions of dollars have been pumped into africa...where has it all gone ? does anyone ask ? simple, the so called governments use it for themselves.

its compete horses*** what the media fuel people about africa. the real problem is never addressed and certainly not by bono.



ask michael o leary. he quite happily pays his taxes here. no attempt at tax avoidance for any of his companies. if you were earning 5 million a year, would you not like to pay an extra couple of hundred thousand just to contribute to the country you live in ? thats an ethical question, and only people of real backbone would say yes. not all of us are capitalist money grubbers.

Got proof?

Please show it to us.

dolliemix

Here are a few articles which might support the view that corruption needs to be addressed first. Abolishing Third World Debt is just feeding into the hands of corrupt Governments. It is not tackling poverty at the level Bono is aiming at. There are planty of articles like these all the internet.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=1955664&page=1

http://www.tighana.org/newsletters/GII_ALERT_13.pdf

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article4138445.ece

Granted his heart may be in the right place but personally I think he's either very naive or he just loves the sound of his own voice telling people what they should be doing. And I lean towards the latter.

But just to be fair I've found an article arguing in Bono's favour so if you really want to read up on it there's plenty of information available!



http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/bono-king-of-the-world-1066392.html

Mike 1972

Here are a few articles which might support the view that corruption needs to be addressed first

Irish (?) person lectures foreigners about government corruption is almost as good a headline as tax avoider dodger lectures governments about how they should spend their money

Terry

Mike 1972 wrote: »

Irish (?) person lectures foreigners about government corruption is almost as good a headline as tax avoider dodger lectures governments about how they should spend their money

Why a question mark after Bono's name?

OutlawPete

dolliemix wrote: »

Here are a few articles which might support the view that corruption needs to be addressed first.l

There was a guy from Dublin who sold his 'Daytrading Software' business for $750,000,000 just before the Doc Com bubble burst.

At first he was giving money to African charites but when he went out to see their progress in Ethiopia they were collecting him in Range Rovers and putting him up in posh hotels and the like. Some parts of Ethiopia are stunning.

So, eventually he pulled the plug on them and now runs his own Charity.

I think he may have been on Oprah, sound bloke.

Mike 1972

Terry wrote: »

Why a question mark after Bono's name?

I was referring to the previous poster.

Just because Bono is the lead singer in a Dutch band doesnt mean he isint Irish.

Fabo

"Which is?"

corruption. its in the african leaders interests to keep ordinary people down so as to keep aid money flooding into africa. trillions of dollars has being poured into africa in the last 50 years. has it helped the people who really need it at all ?? bono does not address the real issues...he like many others have a simplified view of the problems in the world. it works, it sells records. if he spoke about solving the corruption in africa he would get feck all publicity and most people would think he was a meanie. it takes someone with real balls to do that - bono doesnt have what it takes.

michael o leary boasts regularily about paying his taxes in ireland. when have you heard a sniff out of bono saying he pays taxes here? why didnt he make that argument against the begrudgers. (he never did) the fact is the vast majority of U2 income is tied up in companies, thats where the tax breaks are. show me where he pays tax personally here ?