Well folks, just as I get all in-your-face about standing up for Free Speech and artist’s rights I learn of the this bit of news.
This has compelled me to write the following response at a blog post:
This is another facet of extremism that cannot be tolerated in a Free Nation. I’m an artist and avid supporter of copyright. That said, I find great value in the ability to gain access to material that I can use for my own edification (not employ in any commercial venture). Google and YouTube are exceptional resources, and it’s their quality that makes it such a threat in the minds of many copyright holders.
However, we appear to jump beyond our limits of balanced judgment when we seek to play the role of Big Brother. Imparting an all-out campaign against users of information, which majority does not seek to profit illegally from someone else’s work, is shortsighted and not representative of an acute understanding of evolving technologies.
Granted, there is a responsibility on usage for which all users must be held accountable. Yet we should focus on facilitating a vehicle for usage that is not infringing, but still allows accessibility beyond the ranks of pure commercialism.
This process appears to be a long and arduous one. My comments here will appear to contradict those posted on my blog (samdel.wordpress.com) on the so-called “orphan works” bills. However, my concerns on that copyright-related topic mirror those presented here. In America we seem to be extremist and inept at finding true solutions, which by definition would encompass a balanced and fair assessment of both very simple and complex subjects.
July 7, 2008 at 2:08 pm |
I’m not sure where you want to go with this copyright thing.
However, copyright laws are fairly cut and dry and easy to understand.
People that can’t or want, develop their own photographs, drawing and written materials should consider another line of work!
I can see no reason that anyone should think they are entitled to use my original materials for any purpose the wish whether or not they make a profit from that use or not.
July 7, 2008 at 3:53 pm |
Dear “pobept”,
I can appreciate your comment. Perhaps more of a knee-jerk reaction, my post was intended to show a repudiation for anything that is extreme, not so much to try to represent a change in my view about issues of copyright.
If we’re to live in a Fascist state–which apparently we already do–then it’s all a mute point. However, if this is truly a free nation then it becomes an issue of contention for this jaded soul if corporate entities are given a free ride while ordinary Joe’s become the focus of attention; with an obvious resolution to impose penal action on individuals as the ’sole’ source of accountability.
If I have to look over my shoulder every time I use Google or YouTube for fear of some retaliation then, most certainly, I might as well hang it all up and go back to my homeland, where dictatorship is the order of the day. At least I would know what to expect. I really don’t know what to expect in my beloved adopted country anymore–causing me to lose sleep.
No, there’s absolutely no reason for anyone or anything to infringe on your “copyright”. Yet, something original of yours may have worked its way into the Net and ended up in someone’s computer, merely because they liked it and decided to download it. One must question whether such an act would merit a reprisal or the loss of personal privacy.