tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post115018664747147007..comments2024-03-18T09:14:44.500+00:00Comments on Grumpy Old Bookman: The joys of copyrightMichael Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11338398159818400930noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150468669155973532006-06-16T15:37:00.000+01:002006-06-16T15:37:00.000+01:00Well said Gerry and a strong point to be sure.Well said Gerry and a strong point to be sure.GChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06131443128005452579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150463233076863452006-06-16T14:07:00.000+01:002006-06-16T14:07:00.000+01:00Jon's question is simply answered. Patents deal w...Jon's question is simply answered. Patents deal with (typically) chemical or industrial processes where there are few good solutions to a particular problem. The discoverer of such a solution is rewarded, but for a relatively short period - because a long-lasting patent would be a significant cost to others.<BR/><BR/>By contrast, copyright deals (generally) with artistic works of which the existence of one does not affect the ability of other authors to produce an original work based on the same theme. Want to make a cartoon about a mouse? No problem, just don't clone Mickey. Even if Hamlet had been written yesterday, your play about a young man dithering about revenge on his usurping uncle would not be compromised. <BR/><BR/>Thus, copyright could arguably run forever without severely ill consequences. In the case of literature, copyrighted works are read much more than the 'classics' - indicating that the value to the public of literary works is largely generated during the copyright period, and that the residual benefits of having works in the public domain are vastly over-stated by anti-copyright activists.<BR/><BR/>Of course copyright is resented by those in businesses that might be considered parasitic on the work of artists - academics, those who attempt to make 'art' by sensational adaptations of the work of genuine artists, etc. It is not at all clear to me that the cause of literary and other art would be served by modifying copyright law in their interests.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150374466085012962006-06-15T13:27:00.000+01:002006-06-15T13:27:00.000+01:00Nobody has yet satisfactorily explained to me why ...Nobody has yet satisfactorily explained to me why a writer's copyright should be any longer than an inventor's patent - currently around seven to fourteen years. As far as I can see all the arguments (and non-arguments) for one apply in exactly the same way to the other. Ninety-nine year patents, anyone? And if not, why not?<BR/><BR/>Jon.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09457784693433856193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150329348287107882006-06-15T00:55:00.000+01:002006-06-15T00:55:00.000+01:00just found this:http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/a...just found this:<BR/><BR/>http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,1796841,00.htmlGChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06131443128005452579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150319531836416222006-06-14T22:12:00.000+01:002006-06-14T22:12:00.000+01:00On the surface, it is easy to agree with you. Howe...On the surface, it is easy to agree with you. <BR/><BR/>However, as a writer myself, most of my life has been spent immersed in the struggle to keep my chin above the financial black water-line, and thereby my family as well. <BR/><BR/>While I agree that struggle builds character, and most great artists are all too often formed by the dramatic, unusual, and tragic events of their lives, there are basic nature and nurture issues at work that cannot be ignored. The hardships of life often break people who do not possess the raw processing power to turn these events into art. Kafka illustrated, perhaps more then anyone, the fact that even bourgeois pencil-pushers can labor away in the empty spaces of an oppressive life to craft a potentially immortal work.<BR/><BR/>If my descendants ever benefit from my efforts, I believe I would be doing the traits that I would inevitably leave behind a great service by bestowing a life of leisure and contemplation, separated nicely from the cruel global corporate-fascist pandemic that is currently sweeping the world. And if these descendants get drunk, crash and burn, or behave badly in public, it is my prediction they would do more for the creative aims of life then worrying about the bills.<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/><BR/>GCGChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06131443128005452579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656468.post-1150319407610101142006-06-14T22:10:00.000+01:002006-06-14T22:10:00.000+01:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.GChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06131443128005452579noreply@blogger.com