It has been brought to my attention that the lack of content on this blog has become cause for concern.
Whatever.
Anyway, Copyright!
It's a complicated issue, but the original intent of copyright was to protect a creative person from having their work stolen, re-purposed, or diluted by the actions of others. Now we have corporations as the 'legal' originators of artwork. Be it movies, music, illustration, writing or whatever. I think this is wrong.
I'm all for business' being allowed to make a profit and if a creative person wishes to collaborate with such an organization so be it. But the idea that a work and derivations of it can be held by the organization, esentially in perpetuity, just doesn't sit well with me.
I think there should be a moaratorium on copyright in the neighborhood of the date of publication +50 years. That way the actual originator as well as any partners or distributors he chooses to collaborate with can make their profit but after that others can distribute the work without being labeled 'Pirate'!
I don't know if this would solve any problems, but it would make me feel better.
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3 comments:
How long does a copyright last?
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors. To determine the length of copyright protection for a particular work, consult chapter 3 of the Copyright Act (title 17 of the United States Code). More information on the term of copyright can be found in Circular 15a, Duration of Copyright, and Circular 1, Copyright Basics.
Regardless - I believe you are correct that copyright last entirely too long to be fair and reasonable protection - a patent doesn't last nearly so long - why would a copyright last longer than a person's lifetime?
I'd be more supportive of your position were I not aware of the fact, that, much of your indignation over copyright law stems from your desire not to have to pay for books you want to read. Just get a library card. Then you can read what ever you want, without having to harbor flammable material in your home for years on end.
wouldn't you think the next step would be to have an all electronic library where one could check out electronic books that would expire and self erase at the approriate time - that way there would be no over due library fees either.
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