Comments on: ASCAP copyright hawks, worried about Lessig and friends, are planning a counterattack

By: David Rothman

David Rothman — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:21:43 +0000

Hi, RJH. I don’t say that Larry Lessig did, but certain others in the free-culture movement do or at least come very close. I can recall talking at length to one who looked askance at royalties, which I like as a model. I want different options to be open to creators, just so we’re not in Gouge Land.

I’m a big believer in CC for writers who want it. In fact, the TeleBlog uses a CC license! CC has a bunch of license options per LL’s wishes. Yes, I’ve read Free Culture and pointed others to it.

I totally agree with your second graph. I’m appalled by Bono as well as by Hollywood’s hatred of fair use.

Thanks,
David

By: rjh

rjh — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:14:38 +0000

David – Lessig and others do not attack everything about copyright. I don’t know if you’ve read “Free Culture” or “The Public Domain” etc, but they make for extremely depressing reading. Yet these high profile “pontificators” make it clear that they support copyright for the purposes it was originally intended.

The argument is that the current system of copyright has been subverted by the very few who already benefit from the system, and at huge cost (which is never quantified) to society. It is not about removing rights to creators to benefit from their work.

By: David Rothman

David Rothman — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:05:37 +0000

Thanks for your opinions, Robbie, but I myself have plenty against lobbyists as a group. Good-guy lobbyists exist, but the majority are sleazes. Look beyond copyright laws to other issues such as the massive, few-strings-attached giveaways to Wall Street. Guess who encouraged politicians to act as Robin Hoods in reverse?

As for for the right to hold unpopular views–yes, I support that. But not the massive and sustained use of money to buy votes that go against the commonweal.

If you feel, like I do, that a legally granted monopoly on ideas and knowledge is immoral, then nothing but the complete abolition of copyright is acceptable.

Well, I call ‘em as I see ‘em, and in this case, I’d certainly agree with the lobbyists on the desirability of copyright as a creative incentive. I just think they want to overdo it.

Thanks,
David

By: Robbie Clarken

Robbie Clarken — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:52:48 +0000

I’ve got nothing against lobbyists; I hate that politicians have so much power that it makes lobbying worthwhile.

As for moderating our fight against copyright – I don’t think someone should give up or conceal their views just because they are unpopular. If you feel, like I do, that a legally granted monopoly on ideas and knowledge is immoral, then nothing but the complete abolition of copyright is acceptable.