The Internet is supposed to be considered a gateway of democracy, free thought and free access but with current copyright laws it is easy to break the law without realizing it. So what is the solution for people that want to be able to share their artwork, ideas, music...etc. Currently the Fair Use clause allows for some copyrighted material to be used by the press, educators, and individuals to some degree without consent of the owner of the copyright but it does not grant free access to all material.
Now a non profit organization called Creative Commons is working to re work the current ideas of copyright law to adapt to the way in which information, ideas, entertainment...etc. are being exchanged. The idea behind Creative Commons is to expand current copy right laws and be a complement to copyright but allow people and businesses free access within a different set of copyright rules. For example: you are a musician that makes music, you then put it on a website and allow people to download your music, all your music currently is instrumental only without vocals, and someone downloads your music then re records it with vocals. With current copyright laws the individual that re recorded your music without permission to add vocals is breaking the law. However with creative commons you the artists can create a license that allows an individual to re record your music with out direct permission because the license allows you to dictate what can be done with your music where as current copyright laws are absolute. This concept of expanding copyright licenses to include access without permission because permission is already granted is an innovative way of allowing collaboration among cultures, people, ideas and educators on the internet.
Some companies have already attempted to find a solution to copyright laws. The internet image data base getty images allows the option using "royalty free" images from there database of images as well as stock images that would require payment to use the copyright license. Creative commons is trying to take the same ideas of "public domain" and apply them to an ever expanding internet database which can include a variety of different materials.
As someone who has a great interest in film, music and art this new idea can have a relatively large impact on how the web can be used to collaborate and allow access within the law of copyright. This gives control back to the individual in how our creations, artwork, and ideas are used by others. The future of art, music, and independent creation now has a door open on the internet and I personally look forward to see how this can change the way we learn, create, innovate, and bring about change.
Your example of getty images is a great point in your post. One thing I like about Creative Commons is that you can choose "All Rights Reserved" or "Some Rights Reserved," even "No Rights Reserved."
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you can specify what people can and can't do with your media online is a revolutionary tool that will impact so many aspects of media in cyberspace.
I like that you noted that CC gives control back to the artist about how to share the work. Other students seemed concerned that CC would hurt indy artists by allowing others to use their work for free. You correctly point out that this fear is not only unjustified, but that it in fact gives more freedom to the artist and more ways to monetize their work.
ReplyDeleteI like how you used links in your actual text-- I could click them and go to the sites. I didn't know how to do this, but I do after the post from Professor Grocoff. Very well written; it does give control back to the individual.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you touched on how sometimes you don't even think about things like copyright issues when using things from the internet. I've made a lot of school projects with media I pulled from the internet, I have no idea how much of it had copyrights.
ReplyDeleteAgree, I don't remember either if I violated copyright or not during school projects. When I was in high school (long ago) we just used to take pictures and use them. But great job on your blog! I also liked the fact that I could use the links to go directly to the website!
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