Anti-piracy plan takes shape. The music and software industries reach a "landmark consensus" in a divisive debate over copy protection. But a Hollywood group is conspicuous by its absence. [CNET News.com]

The best coverage of this story can be found in the New York Times in a report written by the very clueful Amy Harmon.  The BBS is also covering it (as entertainment news -- huh?).  There's also some insightful commentary by Ars Technica's Ken "Caesar" Fisher. 

So the question is, do you believe this debate should be settled in the halls of Congress, where (theoretically) the American citizenry has a say, or do you believe it should be settled by the largest corporate stakeholders in closed-door meetings.  It all comes down to your opinion of the democratic process in America today.

Personally, I think that American democracy is a sham, particularly when giant corporations' interests are at stake.  So it's hard to see consensus between the tech industry and the recording industry as a bad thing.  At least there'll be no law prohibiting small businesses from innovating and competing on features.  There's still a chance a rogue tech company will break out and actually serve market demand.

Until we know more, it's impossible to say for sure whether this is a good thing.  But it's progress, and that helps.

5:36:13 PM