October 8, 2008

Lies, Damn Lies, etc.

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LIES, DAMN LIES, ETC….Does intellectual property infringement really cost the United States 750,000 jobs and $250 billion? Where do these frequently cited estimates come from, anyway?

Julian Sanchez and Ars Technica investigated, and the answer turns out to be: (1) an offhand and completely unsupported estimate from Commerce Secretary Malcom Baldridge in 1986, and (2) an offhand and completely unsupported estimate from Forbes in 1993. For the full story on how these two figures have managed to achieve iconic status anyway, click the link.

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Our news will always be free to read, watch, and listen to online. But what is its value?

Unbiased reporting on the issues that billionaire-owned newsrooms won’t touch. Fearless research into the dark corners of government and corporations. Ferociously fact-checked news that focuses on the facts, and the facts alone.

It IS free for you and every reader, viewer, and listener to utilize. But it’s not free for our team to make. So, what’s it worth to you? Let us know by making a donation: Make a one-time donation today to support this work. Or make a monthly sustaining donation to help us plan for the future.

Whatever you choose, know that you’re supporting more independent, investigative journalism in a time when we need it most.

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