Larry Lesig is a lawyer who believes that common sense must reenter into copyright laws. But he also knows that public actions will not solve our current problems. He is proposing that private actions from the creators be the seed that opens the world to a new form of business that allows more freedom so that innovation can continue.
Today’s technology has bred a new culture where people use content in an entirely different way. Using antiquated laws that are over 100 years old will not address the new world in which the content resides. If you take a look at current ways in which our legal system handles the content copyright war (i.e. HR3261 bill that is being pushed in Congress), then you’ll only see the commercial concerns being used to attack the way people use content. This isn’t what democracy is about.
Frankly, as an original content creator myself (and also a technical communicator), I find myself agreeing with Larry’s take on how we should modernize copyright laws. Creators put their content out there to share because they believe that someone will enjoy and appreciate the work. Superficial concerns such as the comments section of this Ted talk are the symptoms that indicate that our current system needs to change. Yes, respect should be accorded original works. But at what cost? Derivations or commentaries of original works are meant to share the original work and the secondary creator’s reactions to that work. If we don’t want the original content distributed, then simply don’t share it. Keep it private. But also look at your original intent for creating the work. It took me years before I was comfortable enough to share my own words, but I’m glad that I finally did because of the people I’ve met because I sent out my thoughts.
Innovation requires an open mind in order for it to thrive. To me, this battle for copyright protection only shutters any potential for creation. Creativity is a personal thing to each and every one of us. When we place it out into the world, then we are placing ourselves out into that same world, saying, “Hi, I’d like to share myself with you. Would you like to talk to me?” And again, to me, copyright should say, “Hi, I’ve created something that I want to share. All I’m asking for is that you acknowledge me and my original intent. If something bigger than sharing will happen, then we should talk together and come up with an agreement on how to proceed.” Business is sucking the inspiration from creation and it needs to be given back to the creator. Creations shouldn’t only be about profit.
Content protection doesn’t have to require a law. It just requires some common sense, mutual respect, and integrity. Laws happen when those things disappear. So, it’s really up to each one of us to make an action acceptable or unacceptable, because legal or illegal is made up by a group of people in a far away place who knows – or cares – little about how your personal story evolved.
