Question of the Day: Is Taking Away Gadgets an Effective Form of Punishment?

Sean Fallon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:01:00 EST

Here is a question for all the parents and troublemaking kids out there. Is taking away favorite gadgets an effective form of punishment? I ask because an amusing story about a stoner having his Xbox 360 confiscated by police today reminded me, in a strange sort of way, about the tragic story of a 15-year old who recently died after running away from home. That case also centered around the confiscation of an Xbox 360. Obviously, the latter incident proves that this tactic can backfire in a big way—but again, in your experience, has it proven effective?

Results from "Do You Leave Your Game Console Running?"

Yes 6%
Yes, I leave it on standby 12%
Yes, but I'm running Folding@Home 3%
No 76%
Other 2%

Sony To Pay You $150 For CD Rootkit Scandal

Jason Chen — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:30:53 EST

Remember that Sony Rootkit DRM Scandal a little while back? The one that boned your computer with a rootkit when you put in a CD with Sony's DRM on it? Well, Sony's just agreed to pay out $150 to customers to "repair damage done" when they tried to remove the rootkit.

Also, they need to provide an uninstall tool and patches to repair any damage done by their rootkit and display it on their website. Sounds good to us.

We'll update you with the details when you can sign up to get your $150. – Jason Chen

Sony BMG settles anti-piracy CDs charges [Yahoo]

Gizmodo: punishment

Question of the Day: Is Taking Away Gadgets an Effective Form of Punishment?

Sony To Pay You $150 For CD Rootkit Scandal