Copyrights and Sharing

The presentation by Jason Hardin clarified my vague understanding of copyright. I have always had the common sense of what copyright laws are and how to avoid disobeying them, but now I see that there is some possibility for creative production within them. While I agree with having guaranteed copyright for an idea in a fixed, tangible medium, I find the option of a Creative Commons or other malleable copyrights beneficial. For myself, I may become inspired by a certain section of a song or photograph or artwork and want to build on it. For example, I might want to create a remix with the song or a digital collage with the artwork. However, if everything was exclusively copyrighted, I would never be able to do that. In this sense, I am glad that the use and reputation of non-profit organizations like Creative Commons is increasing and am thus content with the current copyright landscape and I hope it continues to develop.

There are some ethical issues that arise in this movement towards sharing. It may increase my generation’s and the following generations’ sense of entitlement. If people were able to download most of their products for free, legally, it may cause them to avoid payment even more decidedly. On the other hand, it might lead to an entirely different conception of ownership and what is meant to be payed for and what is meant to be shared.