* * * * * We may be forced to watch advertising > WASHINGTON, DC—In a closely watched proceeding, DC District Court Judge > Natalia Wimbley ruled Friday in favor of claims by a coalition of media > companies to rights to the 'attention' of consumers. “This ruling is > crucial to the continued vitality of American art and culture,” explains > RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) President-elect Richard > Mound. “Recognition of attention rights goes a long way to guaranteeing > that artists and musicians will have access to sustainable revenue > streams.” > Via Techdirt, [1] Court Protects `Attention Rights' of Media Companies [2] Not really; this is a future prediction of what may come to pass (the newsitem is dated October 8, 2006). Scarily enough, it seems reasonable, given recent trends. [1] http://www.techdirt.com/ [2] http://www.futurefeedforward.com/index.mv?pagename=futnews20020317&pagenum=1 Email Sean Conner at sean@conman.org .