Ripon College Days

Ok, now that this story is out in the open, I have to say that I find this frustrating on many, many levels. I do support Dave Sarnowski and his efforts, and I also recognize why he has to lay down these rules. This is not a comment directed in any way to him or his policy. I believe these "license" companies are just set up to rake in the dough-- 15 people sitting in the lounge does not affect the motion picture association one teeny, tiny bit. With many of the movies shown, half or more of the students have already paid to see it! But if I have 20 friends at my house, I might show a movie to all of them. But if members of a student organization happen to gather, they have to apply for a license. On a private campus. I can understand why SMAC does this, because a large number of students will appear to see the movie. But if the guys from fraternity X show a movie, then they have to pay at least $50.

I don't advocate people stealing music or other forms of entertainment online (see the editorial/opinion pages), but this issue makes it easier to understand WHY people do this-- it's not enough that the movie ticket costs 8 bucks, it's not enough that the rental costs 4, and it's not enough that movie channels cost 10 bucks a month or more. Let's make sure that poor college students fork over $50 so they can share in the watching of a movie for fun. Let's make sure Russell Crowe doesn't have to take a pay cut to make his next movie. Sheesh.

Deano Pape
Avid film fan, who is really pissed off about this issue.

Deano Pape, Professor/Administrator
Ripon College
paped@ripon.edu