Invoking the Fear of God

My former co-worker Amanda blogged today about a change in Hollywood policy, ending the practice of sending "screener" copies of films to voters for the Oscars and other awards. It looks like an interesting story, and it's interesting to wonder how the policy will affect Acadamy decisions. So check out her post, if you're interested in such things. Personally, I was drawn to a startling moral claim by Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America -- the group that banned the use of screeners. From an MSNBC story:

Since the ban is voluntary, the MPAA hasn’t laid down any penalties if any of the studios, or their subsidiaries, break ranks and start sending out screeners later in the season. “We’re counting on people’s integrity to keep their word,” Valenti said. “If they don’t, they have committed a mortal sin.”

Fascinating.