My copyrighted ramblings
What a discussion today in class. I felt that everyone participated and asked some very insightful questions. I have to say that the topic of copyrights, patents, and trademarks seems like a very unstable forum. Maybe unstable is the wrong word, since the laws, while complex, do seem to have an impact on society. However, the recurring theme while discussing these concepts is lawsuits. The line is so vague on what one can do without overstepping that people either are unaware of what constitutes copyrights and such or they simply take advantage of the fact that everything is legit until contested. The vastness of the Internet can only compound this dilemma. Hard copy is a tangible item that you can control (to some level) the dispersement of. In a way, this form of copyrighted material is local. Even if you send it to a publisher and they publish it in a magazine, only the people who read the magazine are aware of its existence. Maybe I am just trying to say that there seems to be a better foundation for hard copy copyrights. Because how is it possible to "own" utterances on a global scale (internet) without someone using your material illegally? Most likely, you would never even know. I think this is why I like the idea of open source and creative commons licensing. If you face the problem of stealing material before it becomes a full blown epidemic by offering it for free (with certain stipulations) than you have successfully contributed to society.
posted by Trisha | 1:36 PM
4 Comments:
However, the recurring theme while discussing these concepts is lawsuits.
Yeah, I agree; that's the direction we're heading in, unfortunately. Though we should also note that some folks want to see more criminal prosecution of copyright violation...
The vastness of the Internet can only compound this dilemma. Hard copy is a tangible item that you can control (to some level) the dispersement of.
The way you write this is very important: there are important differences between web- and hard-copy publishing, but similarities, too: a hard copy can multiply pretty quickly as well.
I tend to agree, too, that you might as well encourage use with attribution---especially if taxpayers foot the bill (as is the case for me).
If you face the problem of stealing material before it becomes a full blown epidemic by offering it for free (with certain stipulations) than you have successfully contributed to society.
I tend to agree with this statement, but how can you ensure that those "stipulations" will be followed? What will be the consequences if they're not and who will decide/enforce them?
cbd - I knew you were going to catch me on that hard copy comment. After I wrote it, I thought about how fast even hard copies get dispersed. I think that I compare the speed of the internet with the slowness of physical dissemination. Does that make sense?
Julie ann - You are so right. My point is that if it was made extremely easy to follow the stipulations, even easier than stealing them, then maybe it would be less of a problem. As for enforcement...well, I guess we could clog up the judicial system a bit more?
My point is that if it was made extremely easy to follow the stipulations, even easier than stealing them, then maybe it would be less of a problem
Yeah, maybe you're right. I think there is some kind of appeal to some people to steal things even when it's easier not to, though.
As for enforcement...well, I guess we could clog up the judicial system a bit more?
LOL That seems to be the only solution that people can come up with to many problems. *sigh*
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