!@!Re: [Upd-discuss] Copyright has no purpose

[Michael Hart]

On Sun, 21 Nov 2004, sandor wrote:

> Has it gotten worse?
>
>   I believe that in recent decades the conceptual and legal strength of 
> copyright has been steadily growing  - but that in recent years technology 
> has decreased the *functional* strength of copyright...

The entire PURPOSE of copyright has been to DEFEAT these technologies!

1.  The Gutenberg Press
2.  Steam and electric presses.
3.  The Xerox machine.
4.  The Internet.

There has never been ANY other purpose for the making of copyright laws.


>   This is an anomalous period that I think will last only until a more 
> permanent social adaptation makes use of our new abilities.

That's probably what they said when the Statute of Anne was passed [1710].



>   I suspect the decision to embrace or commoditize this notion will be made 
> quickly, with momentum favoring a more capitalist placement - but with more 
> open thought quickly gaining... At which point I suspect it will quickly act 
> to support existing frameworks or to create new ones, depending on it's 
> assignment in our consciousness...

Globalization mostly favors the growing power of capitalism. . . .

How many governments are supporting the public domain?

How many governments have EVER supported the public domain?


If ANY government were TRULY interested in the welfare of their people,
then it would CERTAINLY HAVE TO BE SUPPORTING THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.


>   I think the possibility for dialogue now is much greater, and that is a 
> good thing. We have the opportunity to rethink the false scarcity of a 
> globally usefully resource - I think this is a stupendous position to be in...

I have yet to have one single solitary productive dialogue with members
of any government or corporation.


Michael S. Hart
Project Gutenberg

PS
I have had one or two with the heads of corporations,
when they could make their own decisions.