Originally posted by BDSM_Tourguide
copyright





Use of copyright to restrict redistribution is actually
immoral, unethical, and illegitimate. It is a result of
brainwashing by monopolists and corporate interests and it
violates everyone's rights. Copyrights and patents hamper
technological progress by making a naturally abundant resource
scarce. Many, from communists to right wing libertarians, are
trying to abolish intellectual property myths.
I strongly disagree with this paragraph. If I write something or invent something I don't want some rip-off artist using my idea to line his pockets -- at least not without my permission. It is true that there have been some inordinately long copyright extensions in recent years as a result of corporate interests. Disney, in particular, freaked out at the prospect of losing control of the image of a certain M. Mouse. I support reducing the length of copyright protection in some cases. But if you make it difficult or impossible for artists and inventors to profit from their work, you will stifle creativity as surely as censorship does.

I went to a pre-opening screening of a new film recently, and the ushers searched my guest's handbag for a recording device -- that's how seriously Hollywood takes the rip-off artists who surreptitiously record new films and are selling pirate DVD's on the street before the film has been out a week.

GB