>A common analogy is comparing an IP address to a mailing address or phone number for computers. For most purposes, this analogy is good enough
While it is a common analogy, is not "good enough" because it is incorrect, inaccurate, and has lead to a host of problems far removed from this current GeoIP issue.
RIAA/MPAA is one of the worst offenders at attempting to equate an IP address to a Physical Address/person for the purpose of civil and legal liability. I believe they are the ones that cemented this very very flawed and incorrect analogy in to the minds of the less technical minded persons
I think we have to take the analogies for what they are: a simple comparison to break down a complex topic into familiar terms. Once you move from informational purposes to application, a simple analogy isn't good enough. You have to start learning the limitations of whatever you're using.
Case in point: the RIAA/MPAA. They took the analogy and ran with it just as you said. That's not the fault of the analogy or the people who first used it.
While it is a common analogy, is not "good enough" because it is incorrect, inaccurate, and has lead to a host of problems far removed from this current GeoIP issue.
RIAA/MPAA is one of the worst offenders at attempting to equate an IP address to a Physical Address/person for the purpose of civil and legal liability. I believe they are the ones that cemented this very very flawed and incorrect analogy in to the minds of the less technical minded persons