Ok, so I wanted something profound to talk about today...and I found it. Here is a video that discusses the antiquated copyright laws that are currently on the books and how our kids live daily on the wrong side of the law. Great food for thought.
The website it's on, www.ted.com describes the video as:
Larry Lessig gets TEDsters to their feet, whooping and whistling, following this elegant presentation of three stories and an argument. The Net's most adored lawyer brings together John Philip Sousa, celestial copyrights, and the "ASCAP cartel" to build a case for creative freedom. He pins down the key shortcomings of our dusty, pre-digital intellectual property laws, and reveals how bad laws beget bad code. Then, in an homage to cutting-edge artistry, he throws in some of the most hilarious remixes you've ever seen.the website it's on descibes it as:
Watch the video first then read my thoughts:
This was an awesome video. I think it is a extremely pertinent to the changes in our culture due to technology... I love the history he presented and the "common sense" that is lacking in our culture in general.
Making my art "freely" available for non-commercial use gives me no qualms what so ever. I started offering desktop images of my new paintings for free... if they sign up for my email update list. But if they would show up in a "Walmart" commercial... unlikely as it is, I'd be litigating.
The concept of "re-creating" lends credence and homage to what is fuel for the new remix. The saying, imitation is the highest form of flattery... goes a long way in this argument.
His final point, of people knowingly living outside the law and not caring... that is something to be considered. Especially when it comes to our kids.
I think that the laws are always antiquated. In a Ottawa County in KS, there is a law on the books still that once they release you from the county jail they must provide you with a horse and a gun. I believe the county has been violating that law for quite a while. (Heck, in KS we can't even get past the science evolution theory vs. creation theory debate.) So, I think that antiquated law will be there for a while yet... until someone holds the county liable for a horse and a gun when they're released from jail.
There has to be a happy medium with this debate. I believe "common sense" change in the order for the day. But many times a subject as touchy as this is like arguing with someone about their religion. (Evolution or Creation anyone?) :)
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