[Upd-discuss] 3 minutes documentary on Public Domain

[sandor]

Richard M. Stallman wrote:

>    >I also think that a limited copyright system for some kinds of works
>    >could be a beneficial system, as it was in the past.
>    >  
>    >
>	Excellent..
>	Why do you favor this historic model over any other?
>
>It worked well enough in the past, before digital technology gave us
>new capabilities that copyright now serves to deny us.  It is worth
>trying to adapt it.
>  
>
    Would it be reasonable to say that digital technology's new 
capabilities are a functional leap similar to the printing press? As 
copyright was rendered relevant by new technology - is it possible that 
it has been rendered irrelevant by new technology?
    The removal of scarcity in huge areas of society surely requires 
equally radical new considerations?

>	Do you think it would be able to be relevant to current situations 
>    and to not naturally evolve into it's current form yet again?
>
>If we can overcome the political power of the publishers enough to
>greatly reduce the scope of copyright, afterward we will be stronger
>and they weaker, so we should be able to hold them in check.
>  
>
    This logic is not historically supported.. The situation began as 
you suggest we move twords; and ended-up as it is now.. What other 
portions of the system will you effect to remove the natural tendency 
for the current expression?
    Why not conceive of a system that avoids this flaw altogether?
    You suggest there will be a continuous struggle.. I suggest an 
efficient system does not waste resources on internal friction.. 
Certainly someone can conceive of something where there is not a 
perpetual force working against the public domain in this manner?

Cheers!
-sándor