Why Do The People Who Always Ask Us To 'Respect' Artists Seem To Have So Little Respect For Artists?

from the just-wondering dept

Over the years, we've posted tons and tons of stories of content creators embracing the internet, exploring the new opportunities it creates and often profiting greatly from doing so. We regularly celebrate the great creativity from these artists, and cheer them on as they succeed and (sometimes) make lots of money. And yet... there is a certain contingency out there who keeps insisting that we "hate" artists, or alternatively, that we have no respect for artists. This is bizarre. I adore artists and creativity. Part of the reason we spend so much time here discussing new business models and opportunities is that we want more artists to succeed. I have trouble understanding why that's so bad. At best, it seems to be a case of shooting the messenger. In order to embrace these new models it helps to recognize that the old models just aren't that good anymore. And that gets some people upset. So they shake their fist at the sky... and blame us because we tell them that having an umbrella might be a good idea.

But one thing I find most troubling in all of this is that the very same people who constantly yell and scream about how we don't respect artists almost always make sure to mock and denigrate the quality of artists who do succeed these days. Take, for example, Jonathan Taplin, who (for reasons that escape me and many others) is the head of an "innovation lab" at USC, despite an apparent lack of understanding of the very basics of innovation. Instead, he pines for a historical fictional world that never existed. We wrote about some of his bizarre claims a few months ago. A few weeks ago, I was able to debate Jonathan at the Tech Policy Summit. Video of that should be going up soon, but it was more of the same. Taplin didn't have the facts on his side (he repeatedly made statements that were out-and-out false) and once he was called on it, he resorted to personal insults directed at me.

Taplin, in the past, has directly accused me of not respecting artists. But, then, we recently had a blog post about filmmaker Nina Paley and how she's dealing with the fact that copyright laws -- if obeyed -- would hold back her own creativity. And, rather than "respect" artists, or even engage in any form of serious debate, Taplin went on a Twitter rampage tossing insults at Nina and the quality of her work. First, he called her talentless:

Text: @techdirt. Only someone as talentless as Nina Paley would excuse theft. She can't even give her work away. Revenge of the nerds
Then he called her thoughts on the matter "half-witted":

Text: @ninapaley-This is truly sad and half-witted. radar.oreilly.com/2012/06/copyri ... via @radar
And finally, he made this confusing statement, which is similar to one he emailed me about how (in his head) my vision of the world is one in which we were all forced to watch videos of cats rather than Hollywood movies:

Text: If @ninapaley gets her way we will be forced to watch crap like Bob, The Angry Flower. The Revenge of the talentless Nerds
First of all, nearly everything he says is wrong. Nina Paley can and does give her work away. You can (and, if you haven't already, should) go watch her excellent movie, Sita Sings the Blues. And, contrary to what he'd have you believe (that no one could possibly make money giving away content for free), Nina does make money. Finally, I'm really at a loss as to how one would ever be "forced" to watch anything they didn't want to watch. In fact, these days, with such a massive explosion in choice, the idea that anyone would ever be a captive audience forced to watch something they didn't like just doesn't make any sense.

But the larger point is this unfortunate trend that we've seen, exemplified by Taplin's childish outburst here. The people who keep claiming that those of us seeking real solutions don't "respect" artists when we cheer and celebrate their successes and praise their artwork and creativity -- always seem to be the same people who mock and insult those very same artists' work for being successful. It's one thing to criticize their ideas. That's perfectly reasonable. But to take it a step further and insult their abilities as an artist is really quite shameful. And that's doubly true when you're talking about someone who is a public figure like Taplin, a representative for USC. Is this really the face that USC wants to show to the world as its "director" of an "innovation lab"? Someone who mocks an artist and attacks her talent?
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Filed Under: artists, jonathan taplin, nina paley, sita sings the blues, tech policy summit


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  1. identicon
    Colin, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:03pm

    Is anyone else confused at all of his "Revenge of the Nerds" plugs?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. icon
    Soma (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:09pm

    Damn, I want his job. A USC salary for trolling on Twitter? Simples!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. icon
    :Lobo Santo (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:09pm

    Re: Sequel?

    Maybe there's a "Revenge of the Nerds" sequel or reboot coming up, and he's getting a jump on the shilling for it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. icon
    Chris-Mouse (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:14pm

    Nina did have trouble giving her work away

    He's right in one respect. Nina did have trouble giving her work away. Of course, it wasn't because nobody wanted it. It was because of greedy gatekeepers, but that's a minor point.
    Of course, pointing that our really doesn't help his whole 'respect for artists' thing, now does it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:15pm

    Your problem:

    Mike, these people do respect artists - they just have a slightly different definition than you.

    When you say artist, you mean "someone who creates art."

    When they say artist, they mean "someone who makes money for major multinational corporations."

    link to this | view in thread ]

  6. icon
    :Lobo Santo (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:18pm

    Re: Your problem:

    Just like cattle ranchers 'respect' cows--while they feed, care for, and slaughter them.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  7. icon
    jupiterkansas (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:18pm

    They respect artists that make lots of money - for the middlemen.

    At this point I'd have to say if you're over 50, just shut up about the internet and let the kids have it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  8. identicon
    DogBreath, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:19pm

    Always remember and never forget...

    in "Jonathan Taplin" world, if you're not making money for companies and him, you are against companies and him.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  9. icon
    Designerfx (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:20pm

    this one I can answer for

    as a musician who generally doesn't respect most musicians (I hate anyone who isn't explicitly talented) - I generally don't tend to respect the rest of the community too.

    Or maybe it's just that there's a lot of crap out there. Then again, I'm far from a triple A musician.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  10. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:27pm

    Nina Paley is so untalented that her first feature had the "dishonor" of being one of the highest rated films ever, being forced to be praised by the likes of Roger Ebert, put in film festival after film festival. And now she can't give it away without a significant portion of her fanbase trying to give her money and gifts. I feel sorry for her and her "lack of talent".

    link to this | view in thread ]

  11. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:30pm

    #JTaplinAssHat

    link to this | view in thread ]

  12. identicon
    Eponymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:33pm

    "The people who keep claiming that those of us seeking real solutions don't "respect" artists when we cheer and celebrate their successes and praise their artwork and creativity -- always seem to be the same people who mock and insult those very same artists' work for being successful."

    There's the rub, Taplin and ilk refuse to see these artists as successful for they don't respect the new playing field and rules that now define success. They don't want to abandon their old metrics for a dead system that they're comfortable with. In other words they refuse to adapt to the new normal. Then again we already know this so like any other relic of a bygone era (like racists or misogynists) we have to dismiss their critiques as the shameful rants of the grotesquely out of touch. That, and keep supporting these adaptive artists so that these types don't bring them down.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  13. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:33pm

    the idea that anyone would ever be a captive audience forced to watch something they didn't like just doesn't make any sense.

    And therein lies the essential dichotomy between the now and the has-beens in this debate.

    The old content industries would (more than a decade after their fall from relevance to the future) like everyone to put the brakes on innovation while they sort out how to capture free radicals and park them in front of the same reality show.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  14. icon
    Kaden (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:34pm

    Re:

    Dare you to tell Sir Tim that.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  15. icon
    AG Wright (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:34pm

    In answer to your question

    The answer is simple and already noted above. If an artist isn't making money for big entertainment they aren't an artist. Period.
    I have to admire any artist that is making a living in the present or any past environment doing what they want to do to make a living. Selling out?
    Artists have always had to make stuff, music, paintings, plays... that are to the taste of someone that is willing to pay for it. Now it's just easier for those artists to find an audience.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  16. icon
    Andy (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:34pm

    This only goes to prove the old truism that those who can't defeat someone's position with logic and lucid argument, resort to crude insults.

    I can't imagine why any self-respecting institution would want to be associated with this bozo!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  17. This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:44pm

    And yet... there is a certain contingency out there who keeps insisting that we "hate" artists, or alternatively, that we have no respect for artists.

    And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  18. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:47pm

    "Why Do The People Who Always Ask Us To 'Respect' Artists Seem To Have So Little Respect For Artists?"

    Why does Hollywood have ridiculous accounting practices?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  19. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:50pm

    USC?

    University of Spoiled Children?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  20. identicon
    nah, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:51pm

    Re:

    he just mad. *trollface*

    link to this | view in thread ]

  21. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:52pm

    Re: USC?

    Sorry, that was a broad brush... I'm a Cal guy.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  22. icon
    adamj (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:53pm

    Asshat?

    Taplin is just stuck in academia. Their world of theory does not always effectively translate to the real world.
    And I quote,"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach".

    link to this | view in thread ]

  23. icon
    Almost Anonymous (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:53pm

    Re:

    Arrr matey, ye found me out. Ye be a wiley coward, for all that ye be anonymous.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  24. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:53pm

    Re:

    Funny that people resort to name calling when they haven't a leg of reason to stand?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  25. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:55pm

    Why bother debating/discussing Taplin? It's clear he has it all figured out and the ego in his tweets shows he has no interest in challenging views.

    The only thing you accomplish with tweets like that is to get like-minded people to give him a pat on the back.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  26. identicon
    oh im sorry, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:57pm

    Re:

    im sorry AC i did know you knew everyone on here or what they do in there spare time.

    are you a jedi sir?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  27. identicon
    Parts Per Million Man, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:58pm

    Re:

    And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that.

    [citation needed]

    link to this | view in thread ]

  28. icon
    lucidrenegade (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:58pm

    His Depends need changing.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  29. This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 12:59pm

    Let's face it. Nina is to motion pictures what Marcus is to music. Both are talentless drecks who embarrass themselves by by representing their pathetic offerings as "creativity".

    link to this | view in thread ]

  30. icon
    dwg (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:01pm

    Re:

    I'm an artist. And I dominate YOUR fan club (and comments). Now funny THAT.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  31. icon
    ltlw0lf (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:01pm

    Re: Asshat?

    And I quote,"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach".

    I really hate this quote, because it isn't at all true. I'd fix it by saying "those who can't, teach badly." Like the teachers that get tenure and then don't teach anything more for the rest of their career.

    In order to teach something effectively, you have to know how to do something well enough to be able to convey the process to others. Sure, you can wing it, but you are discovered as the charlatan you are before too long (and unfortunately, many education systems are set up to keep the charlatans around entirely too long.)

    This is just an asshat, who, thanks to the Peter Principle, has reached the zenith of his career.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  32. icon
    antimatter3009 (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:02pm

    Re: Asshat?

    And those who can't teach, judge.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  33. identicon
    or if i had a twitter, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:03pm

    Re:

    a MAJOR chewing out.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  34. icon
    dwg (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:03pm

    Re:

    And...you support a regime where someone should have to pay $16.99 to learn that?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  35. identicon
    Anonymous Coward With A Unique Writing Style, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:04pm

    Re:

    "And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that."

    Wow. Can you perhaps give me tonight's Texas Lottery numbers. Seeing as how you're omnipotent and all knowing and perhaps even a Force user and whatnot. I say that based on how you apparently know that everyone who dominates Mike's fan club is a pirate. Wait, what's that you say? You have no definitive proof of that claim. Oh, I see. So you're just full of shit... like usual. But the headline hit home, regarding you being one of those same people who regularly ridicule/mock any artist who does things outside of the "business norm". Oh, okay. That explains things then. Carry on, Troll.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  36. icon
    Richard (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:04pm

    Re: Asshat?

    And I quote,"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach".
    It's an old saying - and it never was true.
    In reality you keep the very best corn for seed.

    The thing is - I don't think Taplin does any actual teaching. He would have a problem with bright students calling him out on his errors. The lecture theatre would not be a safe environment for him.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  37. icon
    Leigh Beadon (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:04pm

    Re:

    Nina is to motion pictures what Marcus is to music

    Wow, that's the best compliment on my music I've ever gotten...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  38. icon
    silverscarcat (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:07pm

    Re: Re: Your problem:

    Yeah, except cows can kill you if they get mad enough pretty quickly.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  39. identicon
    Anonymous Coward With A Unique Writing Style, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:08pm

    Re:

    Actually, they are both showing "creativity", which you yourself aren't. The fact that their art (be it motion pictures or music) isn't up to whatever elite standard you have is meaningless. The phrase, "to each their own" comes quickly to mind. It's still art/creativity being expressed, regardless of what your Trollself says.

    But by all means, prove Mike's headline right. You just did.

    Oh, and for the upteenth time. Marcus/Leigh's music is purely done as a hobby. Not with the intention to make a successful career out of it.He's stated this repeatedly. It's his way of having some fun, letting his hair down, cutting loose, etc. That you seem so focused on it and making a point to bring it up as often as possible leads me to wonder if perhaps Marcus has a secret admirer. Shame, shame, shame AC. All you have to do is tell him you like him. No harm in that. As long as you accept who you are and are happy with whatever life style you may have, then who cares what others think. Now, I'm not saying he'll reciprocate your obsessive feelings for him. But hey, at least you'll get that off your chance and possibly have him reciprocate, or have him shoot you down at last at which point you can move on. Like they say, "to each their own".

    link to this | view in thread ]

  40. icon
    mikey4001 (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:09pm

    1. first they ignore you
    2. then they ridicule you
    3. then they fight you
    3.5 then they turn into immature rage-fueled douchebags spewing hateful and puerile gibberish
    4. then you win

    link to this | view in thread ]

  41. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:09pm

    when you have no proof to back up your rantings, it's so much easier to just come out with whatever bullshit you can think of to put the blame elsewhere. if that is back on to a particular person, so be it. it is, however, such a shame that a so-called professional has to lower himself to such a level. i wonder how much he was paid to spout this crap?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  42. icon
    Richard (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:10pm

    Re:

    Let's face it. Nina is to motion pictures what Marcus is to music. Both are talentless drecks who embarrass themselves by by representing their pathetic offerings as "creativity".

    and this supports your argument how?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  43. icon
    Laurel L. Russwurm (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:13pm

    Re: if you're over 50, just shut up about the internet

    Uh, no.

    James Moore, Canada's own "Minister of Canadian Heritage" just turned 36, thinks he's tech savvy (because he knows how to buy Apple products) yet he's about to ram through the Canadian DMCA which will make it illegal to circumvent DRM for *any* reason, including (but not limited to):
    • accessing
      1. our own work,
      2. public domain, or
      3. fair use work, (what we call "fair dealing") and

    • making it illegal to repair DRM devices/media

    • or to install free software

    • or circumvention for accessibility

    • playing your own media on the device of your choosing, etc...


      Age has nothing to do with open mindedness and the ability to understand new ideas.

      Besides, the Internet belongs to all netizens.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:16pm

      Re: Proof Nina is Talentless

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:17pm

      Re:

      There you go, proving the point.

      You have no argument, so you go for the ad hominem insult. How is that possibly respecting artists?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Mitch Featherston, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:17pm

      Free Culture Hatred

      I think this gentleman dislikes anything that has to do with the growing realm of Free Culture. My guess is that he prefers traditional media efforts... in other words, big media. If you are unknown, you are a non-factor... if you believe in alternatives to copyright, you are problem child. Nina Paley is obviously talented, and has proven it many times.

      I really think this guy is just not happy with those who dare make their works freely available.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Robert (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:17pm

      Re: Re:

      It doesn't and doesn't have to. When you can't argue, you insult.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Gwiz (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:18pm

      Re:

      At this point I'd have to say if you're over 50, just shut up about the internet and let the kids have it.

      Stop bringing ageism into these debates. It serves no purpose.

      Some of us "old folks" do get it.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:20pm

      All I can say is I would rather watch cat videos than the shit Hollywood vomits out, and I hate cat videos.

      He can eat all the hollywood feces he wants, I'll pass.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      lfroen (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:20pm

      Enough with this Nina already!

      What is this obsession with Nina and her "Sita whatever"? We're all happy that she makes money. Really, really happy.

      That's being said, can we please never mention this "Sita sings ..." thing ever again? Or is it one and only her somewhat successful piece?

      No matter what you do, someone will call you idiot. Does it worth yet-another-iteration-about-how-great-nina-is? Not really.

      And about "talentless" part - there's proverb in my language, saying "cheap fish - bad soup". I say "Sita ...", and yep, it is cheap. But hey - some people prefer plastic jewelry.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      ltlw0lf (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:23pm

      Re: Re: Asshat?

      The thing is - I don't think Taplin does any actual teaching. He would have a problem with bright students calling him out on his errors. The lecture theatre would not be a safe environment for him.

      For further history: Wikipedia Article on Mr. Taplin

      Very much a member of the copyright industry, it does note that he is a clinical professor in Communications and Journalism. He conducts three seminars a year. If I remember seminars, from school, it was pretty much sit in the seat and listen to all the folks speak, with very little interaction.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      hmmm, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:23pm

      Re: Re: Proof Nina is Talentless

      is that you jonathan?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Richard (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:24pm

      Re: Re:

      Seconded - I was using the internet before it was even called the internet.

      The old timers who know where the internet came from are the best guarantee that it will not be taken over by commercial interests who want to turn it into something different.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      DanZee (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:24pm

      Let Taplin keep putting his foot in his mouth!

      Let Taplin keep putting his foot in his mouth! He'll wind up like the global warming people who put out so much misinformation (New York City should be under water by now) that people stopped taking them seriously. Taplin's with the recording companies not the artists!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:24pm

      Re: Re:

      IT's repsecting them in the same way Charles Carreon repescts the oatmeal: by digging and digging until you strike "rich". And by "rich", I mean "being living prrof that the Geater Fuckwad Theory doesn't necessarily need anonymity."

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Laurel L. Russwurm (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:27pm

      The mighty have fallen

      Is USC really that bad these days? Anyone who thinks Nina Paley is talentless is simply not competant to judge.

      This Taplin guy would seem to be a walking-talking anti-USC advertisement.

      Or is he the PR shill there to ensure the dinosaur content industries will hire USC grads. If that's the case, USC would do well to teach its students that they are being trained to be employees these days (teach them important phrases like "yes, master")

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:29pm

      Re: Re: if you're over 50, just shut up about the internet

      Not to mention the generation who funded the creation of the internet, in the late 1960s no less, are all well over 50. Show a little respect and get off their virtual lawn...

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike42 (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:30pm

      Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      It's easy for an artist to get a gun.
      I'm not promoting violence, just stating a fact.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      LDoBe (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:31pm

      Re: Re: Your problem:

      Yesssss. Pump those cows full of respect and dignity........

      And other cows. Wouldn't want to waste the economically precious pink slime humans won't eat anymore now that we know what it is.

      /offtopic

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      dwg (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:41pm

      Re: The mighty have fallen

      I'm going to hazard a fat guess here:

      The "lab" where this guy works? At USC? I bet it gets money from somewhere really close to USC.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      LDoBe (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:42pm

      Re: Re:

      While I personally know quite a few people of the older generations (50 to 60 and even a couple septuagenarians) who are very tech savvy, from my personal experience (I know, unscientific) most people aged >=50 either refuse to use the internet to any greater extent than email, or simply can't learn how to do it no matter how much they want to. Not saying there should be a rule, just personal observation no more accurate than doing astrometry of exoplanets with the naked eye.

      On the other hand, I also know a lot of people of my generation (the millennials) who know nothing about anything technical. Their knowledge of the internet is at the same level as a trained monkey with a tin cup. They push a lever and get a food pellet, that type of thing. There is so much ignorance it's sickening.

      In conclusion, my observations, while statistically insignificant, are all I have to go on, and I see that the quote "any technology sufficiently advanced is indistinguishable from magic" completely rings true for anyone unwilling to look below the surface.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:53pm

      jonathan taplin it seems is a graduate of the Obama lead Saul Alinsky school of policy debate.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      ChrisB (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 1:56pm

      Bob the Angry Flower is crap?!?!

      Why the hate on Bob the Angry Flower?! I attended university at the same time as Steve Notley, and we both drew comics in the university rag, the Gateway. He is obviously more successful. His comics are awesome.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:05pm

      "In fact, these days, with such a massive explosion in choice, the idea that anyone would ever be a captive audience forced to watch something they didn't like just doesn't make any sense. "

      Actually, that's their problem. They can't force people to listen to pre-approved radio stations, watch pre-approved movies or TV, read pre-approved books or pre-approved videogames.

      People can watch, listen to or play whatever they want, and the majors have never been noted for their attention to actual quality. They know they're screwed.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:05pm

      To Jonathan Taplin, Nina Paley is a threat.

      Nina Paley is an independent artist, free of the gatekeepers. As such she and other indie artists represent the threat of change, and that scares the gatekeepers. Whereas Mr. Jonathan Taplin is heavily invested in gatekeeper members of the MPAA:
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Taplin
      He is also listed on IMDB.

      Nina is a great artist, I have one of her books. It is a shame to see Mr. Taplin spending his time name calling, There must be something more productive he could be doing.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Loki, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:09pm

      I think the problem is they are using a different dictionary than the rest of us.

      As far as I can see, their definition of "respect" is "a requirement to receive a significant percentage/portion of one's potential income".

      If you work with that definition, the entertainment industry is significantly more "respectful" of most artist than the rest of us will ever be.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      DOlz, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:11pm

      Re:

      Enough with the Zen riddles!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:15pm

      Re: Asshat?

      Taplin is just stuck in academia. Their world of theory does not always effectively translate to the real world.
      And I quote,"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach".


      For what it's worth, that's an unfair assessment of Taplin. He has actually "done" quite a bit in the entertainment industry -- producing some classic movies and albums. But he seems to filter his views entirely through the prism of "this is how I made money in the 1980s, why can't it be like that any more"

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      DOlz, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:20pm

      Re: Let Taplin keep putting his foot in his mouth!

      It's not the global warming people putting out all that misinformation. It's people claiming they have said these things or deliberately misinterpreting what they have said. I would really recommend that you check out potholer54 on youtube, especially his series called "Monckton Bunkum"

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
      identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:25pm

      Re: Re:

      I didn't even realize something had been censored here. Why? Because "Mr. Free Speech" (LOL) himself, Mike Masnick, set up this site so the "reported" comment notification is so light I couldn't see it on my laptop. Nice, huh? Just the usual slimy behavior from everyone's favorite piracy-loving weasel.

      Anyway, what was censored? This:

      "And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that."

      Yup, that was "reported".

      Why?

      Because pirates are slimy douchebags that refuse to allow the dissemination of inconvenient facts.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:30pm

      Re: Re:

      I'm an artist. And I am part of the TechDirt fan club.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:40pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Right, your colour settings are squiffy so it's Mike's fault?
      The point is that the users of the site (not Mike) reported your comment because it's a bullshit comment. It's not related to the article, it has zero basis in fact and it's actually pretty insulting for a whole bunch of people on here who either are artists or don't pirate or both.
      If you'd care to provide any "inconvenient facts" you'll find we're happy to discuss them. As long as you just keep spouting shit then you'll get the report button.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Benjo (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:41pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Welcome to the internet. Every site with a message board type system tends to collapse comments that are downvoted or reported. Notice the fact that it wasn't removed, and then the crux of your problem is the fact that you must have a shitty display. Besides the vertical space the comment takes up, I have no trouble reading or seeing the text.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:43pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      [citation needed]

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:44pm

      Re: Enough with this Nina already!

      Out of curiosity, have you seen it? You can watch it for free you know...

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Milton Freewater, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:44pm

      Re:

      "And yet... there is a certain contingency out there who keeps insisting that we 'hate' artists, or alternatively, that we have no respect for artists."

      "And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that."

      These comment threads are not fan clubs,. They're some of the most hostile and confrontational on the net. Example: You.

      David Lowery deep-sixed the use of the word "pirating" once and for all when he replaced it with "looting" - behaving unethically, not illegally. We will always be able to get around any restriction and technically not be pirates. That's not the point. The point is compensating creators so they continue to produce. Right, trolly? I'm feeding you now, and on purpose! And I'm saying you win! My god it's full of stars.

      I'll take up your challenge - Nina Paley allows me to compensate her when I encounter her work outside of a paywall. If David Lowery does the same, I will do the same. Sound good?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      harbingerofdoom (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:52pm

      Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      if only we could find artists that did the same thing...
      that would be a documentary i would watch over and over.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Milton Freewater, 21 Jun 2012 @ 2:58pm

      The last word on "piracy," from Billboard magazine

      Unless you're earning money per post, this leaves you with little to argue about. The discussion is done. This is from the freaking music industry bible.

      http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/guest-post-jay-frank-on-npr-s-emily- white-1007388552.story

      I never thought I'd see the say when the anti-pirate New York Times and Billboard slap down the "just say no to piracy" position with a verve that makes TechDirt look like the Snuggles bear, but that just happened.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Chosen Reject (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:15pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      I would just like to second that he must have a really crappy display or is just being obnoxious. I'm color blind, my display isn't anything grand, and I always see those collapsed comments, and I always open them.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      harbingerofdoom (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:27pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      you may have not noticed it because you could possibly be completely oblivious to things that are obvious, as noted by the content of the post in question.

      the setup of the site that allows its userbase to report items is nothing new, its something that happens on more nearly every site (they all have some reporting mechanism) and re-enforces that you are oblivious to things obvious.

      the fact that you cannot see them either means you cant set your system up correctly so that colors can be seen or you cant recognize that there is a gap in comments, so... either you are technologically inept and people who are not so inept are not going to listen to anything you have to say... or you just blindly skipped over the apparent gap in comments thus re-enforcing the whole oblivious thing...

      it was reported because it was a stupid overplayed incorrect generalization. something that oblivious people would not pick up or even understand when its pointed out to them.

      we are now discussing your items, thus your comment that we do not allow the dissemination of inconvenient facts has been proven wrong. that makes you either oblivious (yet again), a liar, or just plain stupid... ill let you pick which one.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Karl (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:34pm

      Re:

      talentless drecks who embarrass themselves by by representing their pathetic offerings as "creativity".

      You are the living embodiment of everything this article is talking about. With one troll post, you've proved Techdirt is right.

      Keep up the good work!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      harbingerofdoom (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:41pm

      Re: Enough with this Nina already!

      zombie salinger would like to have a discussion about some of the points you have tried to make here.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:41pm

      Re: Re:

      It's called damning with faint praise.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:44pm

      Re: Re:

      There's a reason no mainstream outlet would touch either with a ten foot pole. There'd be no tragic waste of $16.99 to begin with.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Almost Anonymous (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:48pm

      Re: The last word on "piracy," from Billboard magazine

      Mmm, pretty good article, agreed with many of his points. He spoiled it a bit in the comments with a silly reply to someone along the lines of downloading = stealing.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      RD, 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:52pm

      Re:

      "Let's face it. Nina is to motion pictures what Marcus is to music. Both are talentless drecks who embarrass themselves by by representing their pathetic offerings as "creativity"."

      It's comments like this from douchetards like you that make me glad for a "report" button. Then I can just skip down the page hitting "report" on your nick and not have to read the bile and unfocused hatred you spew.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 3:53pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      The only liar is you, you silly buffoon.

      The notification is LIGHTLY COLORED. On every computer. It's only a matter of how light, from computer to computer.

      Are you now going to try and say it's actually loud fire-engine red or something?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Leigh Beadon (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 4:08pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Heh. It's fun watching someone who defends domain seizures, and insists there is no free speech issue in copyright, bicker over whether or not a particular shade of red qualifies as censorship.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Jamie, 21 Jun 2012 @ 4:15pm

      Christ, what an asshole.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 4:29pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      LIGHT PINK IS THEFT OF PROTECTED SPEECH!!!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Karl (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 4:36pm

      Re: The last word on "piracy," from Billboard magazine

      I never thought I'd see the say when the anti-pirate New York Times and Billboard slap down the "just say no to piracy" position with a verve that makes TechDirt look like the Snuggles bear, but that just happened.

      That is, indeed, the best article I've seen to date on the whole affair.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Milton Freewater, 21 Jun 2012 @ 4:53pm

      Re: Re: The last word on "piracy," from Billboard magazine

      "Mmm, pretty good article, agreed with many of his points. He spoiled it a bit in the comments with a silly reply to someone along the lines of downloading = stealing."

      Eh, if he were perfect, he'd be Jesus Christ, downloading loaves and fishes.

      Downloading isn't stealing, but if someone says "I feel like I've been stolen from when people share my work and don't compensate me," I can respect that.

      Of course, most of the time rightsholders and their trolls are just yelling like homeless people. If you're screaming "entitled thief" at me to push me into taking out my wallet, without any regard as to why I'm on your radar, the big bum in the alley comes first.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 5:14pm

      Why Do The People Who Always Ask Us To 'Respect' Artists Seem To Have So Little Respect For Artists?

      Perhaps because Ms. Paley has decided and announced that her desires as an artist are superior to those of others who may not have such desires?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Kaden (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 5:19pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      I'm an artist. And I am part of the TechDirt fan club.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 5:24pm

      Re:

      I disagree. Mr. Talpin is not anti-innovation/anti-technology. When he speaks on such matters his negative comments are directed to new businesses that turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the concerns of those whose works are being appropriated to their detriment.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 5:26pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      It cannot reasonably be denied that many comments here likewise bear no relationship to the subject matter of the article, and yet they go "unreported".

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      RadialSkid (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 6:33pm

      Re:

      She has ideas and she seeks to spread them. She doesn't attack anyone's artistic output or their integrity as artists, she merely believes, based on her own success, that she's found a path towards a more open, free culture, in which artists can thrive no less.

      Why, precisely, does that create butthurt among your crowd? And why do you use it as a rationalization for your badmouthing of her?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 6:49pm

      my vision of the world is one in which we were all forced to watch videos of cats rather than Hollywood movies

      I fail to see the down side.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Andrew F (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:15pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Light pink is theft of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's trademarked color. THEFT!!!!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:17pm

      Re: Re:

      No one is being "bad-moutherd". Merely pointing out that her view of artistic "freedom" runs contrary to that of many other artists, and to announce she will no longer worry about this is in my view disrespectuful of the others.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      harbingerofdoom (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:18pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      no, im saying no one else seems to have the problems seeing them. they are a color i would best describe as "hellishly disturbing light salmon".

      the point is not that im claiming they are a color they are not. the point is that you seem to be the only one having problems seeing them.

      but uh... nice try there buck-O.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:24pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Merely pointing out that her view of artistic "freedom" runs contrary to that of many other artists, and to announce she will no longer worry about this is in my view disrespectuful of the others.

      Are they really artists though?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:28pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Really? Do you make a full time living exclusively on your art. Or are you a hobbyist? Is your work pirated and monetized by others?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      RadialSkid (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 7:32pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Why, precisely, should she worry about it? She has her views, they have theirs.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 8:11pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Once upon a time. Now I prefer creating beautiful and functional web applications. Are you a full time Troll, or are you just a hobbyist?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      JMT (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 8:23pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      "The notification is LIGHTLY COLORED. On every computer. It's only a matter of how light, from computer to computer."

      Yep, and lots of the other colours on my screen can be described the same way, and yet I can see them all. Just admit you're the only one with a problem here, fix your monitor and move on.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 8:26pm

      Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      Just made me think of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPhWfSeMYHA all over, again.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 8:39pm

      Re: Re:

      To their 'imagined detriment.' A fine distinction, but important since no one has been able to offer definitive proof of harm.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 8:58pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      And yet the reality is that the response to Nina's movie has been so tremendous that, as one commenter stated, 'she can't give it away without people throwing money and gifts at her.' Just because you dislike something does not change the reality of the opinions of others. I've yet to see you give a single sample of your own work, thus I'm inclined to believe you have no talent of your own.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Caruthers Sebastian, 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:19pm

      Without copyright laws....

      we might again only have more Bachs and Shakespeares.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:27pm

      Re:

      Perhaps because Ms. Paley has decided and announced that her desires as an artist are superior to those of others who may not have such desires?

      Isn't that what everyone who supports the copyright system today says too?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      That One Guy (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:32pm

      Re: Asshat?

      No no, the quote is 'Those who can, do; those who can't, troll.'

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:33pm

      Re: Re:

      I disagree. Mr. Talpin is not anti-innovation/anti-technology.

      You are, apparently, unfamiliar with Mr. Taplin.

      When he speaks on such matters his negative comments are directed to new businesses that turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the concerns of those whose works are being appropriated to their detriment.

      This is incorrect. Having spoken to the man, I can tell you that when he speaks on such matters, his negative comments are directed at companies he *believes* have turned a blind eye based on ignorance and/or lies. In our debate, he regularly made up totally bogus facts. For example, he claimed that Kim Dotcom made $400 million last year alone -- all from Google and all due to piracy.

      Of course, the reality is that all of Megaupload, in 7 years of existence made somewhere around $150 million -- and part of the *evidence against them* (which Taplin clearly did not read) was that Google dropped them five or six years ago due to concerns about too much infringement.

      Previously he attacked Reddit for profiting from "piracy." That makes no sense.

      He has attacked Spotify and Kickstarter too. Neither of which "turn a blind eye and a deaf ear" to such concerns. Nothing could be further from the truth.

      Taplin builds strawmen that do not exist. I realize your usual position is to virtually slobber over anyone who loves copyright, but in this instance, someone like yourself who insists you're only here to relay "facts" would be better off holding back. You don't want to associate yourself with this guy.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:46pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So either admit that you're colour-blind, or you're too stupid to notice the little black square in front of the flagged message that indicates a message has been hidden, and move on.

      If it were loud fire-engine red or something you'd still find something about it to complain. ("The fire-engine red's too loud! Why didn't you use lightly coloured, almost-unnoticeable pink? Why do you hate my eyes, Pirate Chubby Chicken Little Mike?")

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      techflaws (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:47pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      It's so sad that you actually have to steep so low to paint a folded comment as "censored". Not even your average troll thinks that's accurate so why bother?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      techflaws (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:55pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      And the reason is, their dreck sucks much more badly. Exhibit A: Transformers 3.

      Thanks for playing.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Bob Fan, 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:55pm

      See why is this guy wasting his time being futile when he could be innovating great new entertainment like "Bob the Angry Flower". This sounds like an intriguing concept.

      I want to learn all about Bob and why he is an angry flower but instead all I get is whinging drama-mongering on twitter.

      For shame futile guy. You're wasting what talents you have.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      techflaws (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 9:56pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Stop the jealousy already.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:03pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Their detriment is hardly imagined, though it is easy for some who do not deal with the full gamut of copyright law to draw other conclusions based upon some of the more egregious cases regularly raised here.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:07pm

      Re: Re:

      No, they do not, and I am a bit suprised you would suggest this to be the case. Perhaps you are conflating to some degree artist vis a vis consumer with artist vis a vis artist.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Jeff MacDougall, 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:11pm

      Re:

      I'm gonna have to go ahead and call bullshit on this comment. It's simply untrue.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:25pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      I most certainly do not "slobber" over anyone who "loves" copyright. Moreover, I am not one of your so-called "copyright maximalists", having been one of the voices in professional organizations expressing strong support for the formalities and limitations associated with the 1909 Act, as well as continuation of fair use being developed by case law, and not memorialized via statute as is now the case.

      I listened to the video you posted some time back (linked in your above article) and left it with the impression that the two persons in the "debate" were talking past, and not to, each other.

      Taplin never said that technology, per se, was the bane of the music industry. What he did say is that when technology is being used in a manner that gives nary a thought to the rights under law of artists, the companies using such tech for conducting their profit making businesses should bear some measure of responsibility for what is going on within their business by their customers. In my view theirs is a legitimate concern.

      BTW, I do not relay "facts", though I have on occasion raised questions about "facts" being relied upon by those who would relegate our laws to the dustbin of history. What I do generally comment upon are situations where I believe the law is being misstated, by accident or otherwise.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Jym Dyer, 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:44pm

      Criticism Deserved

      =v= This guy is free to have whatever opinions he wants, but calling Nina Paley "talentless" can only cast doubt on their validity. #EpicPlonk

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      trollificus (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:51pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      In my view, your view is stupid.

      Is that disrespectful??

      Hope so.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:54pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      I most certainly do not "slobber" over anyone who "loves" copyright

      You make me laugh. I've been reading your comments here and other sites for years. There is no lover of copyright you haven't slobbered over.

      I love how you ignore the facts I presented and just make up your own reality. Seriously: even though I think you're usually full of it, I'm providing you a serious suggestion: defending Taplin is a mistake. There are plenty of others to slobber over. Taplin will make you look foolish. The man may know how to make a good movie, but he's way out of his depth on this issue.

      Separately, I find it amusing that you regularly tsk tsk any time I speak negatively about someone, but you seem to have no problem with Taplin's obnoxious comments.

      Oh, and have you finally realized that screenwriters like Bret Easton Ellis have fans?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Mike Masnick (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:57pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      No, they do not, and I am a bit suprised you would suggest this to be the case. Perhaps you are conflating to some degree artist vis a vis consumer with artist vis a vis artist.

      Ha! You did it again. I call you on your bull, and you try to move the goalposts. You didn't say artists vis a vis other artists. You said that Nina's desires as an artist were superior to "others." And that's the whole POINT of copyright law: that the desires of the artist to forbid the sharing of their work, outweigh the desires of the "others" (fans) who wish to share the work.

      I can't wait to see you tapdance on this one, just like that thread where you spoke out of ignorance, claiming Bret Easton Ellis couldn't possibly have fans, nor could he have hired a real producer for his new film.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      trollificus (profile), 21 Jun 2012 @ 10:58pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Hey, I obtain artist's work (music) and send them money directly (waaay more than would have trickled down to them if I had bought overpriced CDs.).

      I respect the artists and pay them for their work. So am I a pirate? Or just someone who hates, and has bypassed, the outdated dirtbags you shill for?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:15pm

      Re:

      Anonymous Coward, Jun 21st, 2012 @ 12:44pm

      And yet... there is a certain contingency out there who keeps insisting that we "hate" artists, or alternatively, that we have no respect for artists.

      And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:16pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Anonymous Coward, Jun 21st, 2012 @ 2:25pm

      I didn't even realize something had been censored here. Why? Because "Mr. Free Speech" (LOL) himself, Mike Masnick, set up this site so the "reported" comment notification is so light I couldn't see it on my laptop. Nice, huh? Just the usual slimy behavior from everyone's favorite piracy-loving weasel.

      Anyway, what was censored? This:

      "And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that."

      Yup, that was "reported".

      Why?

      Because pirates are slimy douchebags that refuse to allow the dissemination of inconvenient facts.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:42pm

      Re: Re: Apples & Airplanes ART v RIGHTS

      there is a BIG difference between disrespecting someone's ART and disrespecting some ones RIGHTS. Nina Paley was offended by not getting to disrespect someone else's rights. There's a very big difference, this is like comparing apples to airplanes and you should know the difference.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:43pm

      Re:

      Saying you don't like someone's art is not the same as saying the artists should have no rights. This is also confused in the debate about expression. Many confuse the right of freedom of expression with thinking they can illegally profit from that expression. Again, comparing apples and airplanes.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:43pm

      Re:

      I personally like what I like when it comes to art, but rarely make statements about the quality of someone's creations because art really can't be measured. What we can measure are consumption, sales, revenue, peer given awards, critical acclaim from respected outlets, etc. So in speaking of "Art" I find one's claims to be simply opinions, and treat them as such.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:44pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Rights on the hand, are not as subjective. We have laws. They are understand and should be enforced. The issue on TechDirt is the belief that the laws no longer apply and that artists RIGHTS should no longer be protected against those who would exploit them illegally. This is of course highly ironic given the sites absolute disdain for record labels, yet giving a free pass to sites that have never paid artists a single penny while profiting from their work illegally.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:44pm

      Re: Nina did have trouble giving her work away

      It's the double standard that I find troubling. If there were any consistency in the argument it would make more sense to me. Either be OK with everyone ripping off artists (like labels and pirate sites) or be opposed to everyone ripping off artists (like labels and pirate sites).

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:45pm

      Re:

      Now that distribution has been democratized, the new gate keepers simply control access to distribution revenue whereas the previous gate keepers only controlled access to distribution (which by extension included revenue).

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:45pm

      Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      Ultimately I have confidence that the pirates, advertisers, google, and others illegally exploiting artists will be brought to justice and it won't break the internet any more than throwing criminals in jail in the real world breaks society.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:46pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      If those posting in TechDirt really believed that the future is inevitable you wouldn't be wasting time here. I don't have a crystal ball, so I'm fighting for the protection of artists rights from exploitation be it from record labels or internet companies acting illegally and I would hope everyone else here who respects artists and creators does the same.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:47pm

      Re:

      There's a lot of art I don't like (also not a fan of Nina) but I respect her right to do with her work as she chooses, be it to ask for payment, to give it away, or any other choice she makes as long as in turn, she does not infringe on anyone else's rights in the process.

      Opinions on "Art" and respecting and artists legal rights, are two very different things.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:49pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      *** I've been reading your comments here and other sites for years. There is no lover of copyright you haven't slobbered over. ***

      who are you talking too?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 21 Jun 2012 @ 11:50pm

      Re:

      more censorship please!

      And yet... there is a certain contingency out there who keeps insisting that we "hate" artists, or alternatively, that we have no respect for artists.

      And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists. Funny that.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:16am

      Re: Re: Re:

      I got a chuckle out of that one. I can read it just fine. And I'm blind in one eye.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      The eejit (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:20am

      Re: Re: Re:

      Yes, because it can be obtained for nothing. So, hmm, $16.99 or $0 of investment, which one to pick in straitened times?

      Oh, yeah, this is a nor brainer.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      monkyyy, 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:25am

      Re: Re: Re: Apples & Airplanes ART v RIGHTS

      *clap* *a long pause* *clap*

      excellent spin there i was hoping no one would pull that off

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:40am

      Re: Without copyright laws....

      Insightful! Insightful! Insightful! Insightful!
      clickclickclickclick

      Where would music be now if Bach had been able to copyright equal temperament for life +70 years?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Laurel L. Russwurm (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:43am

      Re: To Jonathan Taplin, Nina Paley is a threat.

      There's nothing wrong with being listed on IMDB if you work in film. You'll even find Nina Paley there!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:46am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So art can only be created by a "professional" artist?
      Tell me you really aren't trying to play that card.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:58am

      Re: Re: To Jonathan Taplin, Nina Paley is a threat.

      I believe he meant you can also find information about him on IMDB and such.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:03am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      "admit"

      This idiot isn't capable of doing that, unfortunately. Actually admitting a mistake is beyond him, he just keeps digging...

      I mean, as mentioned above, he routinely defends domain seizures, shutting down legitimate free speech as collateral damage and false DMCA notices as perfectly acceptable. Yet, he complains about censorship here. A premise so flimsy that when people destroy his argument, he's reduced to arguing over a shade of text rather than admit there's no censorship. He'll make a fool of himself long before he admits defeat.

      I actually enjoy this. With some of his arguments, people unfamiliar with his line of bullshit might believe him or think he has some reasonable points, which we then have to repeatedly debunk or prove as lies. With this kind of argument, no intelligent person can do anything other than point and laugh.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      DataShade (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:21am

      Re:

      Bob the Angry Flower is a comic. I can't even call it a "webcomic" because it's run in print - papers and magazines - for longer than it's been online.

      http://www.angryflower.com/

      There isn't really an explanation of why he's angry. It's absurdist comedy, and fantastic.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      DataShade (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:25am

      Re: Bob the Angry Flower is crap?!?!

      Close to eight years ago, I contacted Mr. Notley to inquire about obtaining permission to use altered images (animated .gifs, cropped and recolored .jpgs, etc) from his comic strips as avatar icons for message boards and internet fora. His response was (and I'm paraphrasing): "do whatever you want as long as you don't claim Bob is yours; also, any good word you can spread about Bob is appreciated."

      I've been linking to and promoting his site to friends and coworkers for almost a decade now =P

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      bratwurzt (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:43am

      Re: Re: Re:

      Because pirates are slimy douchebags that refuse to allow the dissemination of inconvenient facts.

      It seems you should look up the definition of a fact. Facts are checkable and I did not see any source links in your opinions.

      You basically got angry because we, the community, reported your comment as offensive - I for one sure got offended when some anonymous nobody told me I'm not an artist. I cried all the way to bathroom while wailing about how the internet is full of not-so-nice people that deny my existance.

      (crocodile tears on my face)

      .
      .
      .

      (stuffing myself with some junk food and telling myself that pink hidden comments are hidden for a reason)

      .
      .
      .

      (going to console myself with piratin' the murky waters of the intertubes!)

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:47am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      "facts"

      You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      bratwurzt (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:52am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      I live exclusively off my art - I code for a living. But at the same time I try to contribute to society - open source. I do it for fun and pleasure of seeing thumbs-up from a user that found my feature useful.

      Wait - you don't consider programming an art? Somebody is opposing my view on the internet - oh noez, call the internet police.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:52am

      i wonder if Taplin will try to take some sort of action against Techdirt for posting this article? there's this lawyer around i've been reading about, perhaps he can help. i think his name's Carreon. i gather he wont quit once he's started

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:15am

      Re: Re:

      Whats with all the reposts? Do you think if you say the same thing enough times it will become true? Or are your thoughts more along the lines they won't all be replied to.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:29am

      Re: Enough with this Nina already!

      So are you trying to say the highest price is always the best. I'll have to give you the web address for the most expensive things ever. Coming online soon...

      Twelve thousand dollar pens!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:33am

      Re: Re:

      "And yet... it's the pirates who dominate your fan club (and comments), not the artists."

      Citation needed.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:52am

      Re: Re: Re:

      He's just a big fan of Lenin and his famous quote "A lie told often enough becomes the truth."

      Sadly, he forgot the caveat that the lie has to be believable and preferably have some basis in fact before people will actually fall for it. Lenin's tactics don't work if people are too busy mocking you or laughing at you.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 3:24am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      C'mon, hurricane head! Find some of your sleeping giant artist friends to vote your comments insightful! Or at the very least, vet your grammar and punctuation, Mr. I-hate-labels-and-I-don't-want-anything-to-do-with-labels-but-I-will-defend-labels-to-the-very-bitte r-end! How very SOPA of you!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward With A Unique Writing Style, 22 Jun 2012 @ 4:33am

      Re: Re: Re:

      He thinks that he has to repost things. Why? Because they've all been "censored". Don't bother trying to explain how a comment that is still easily viewable, even if apparently "easily viewable" to all means that for some reason he's the only idiot who can't see them because of the color. (Which is what he or another AC was harping on about earlier, not that they were "censored", although they did go on about that too, but that the color is too light in a manner that supposedly shows Mike is trying to hide them entirely.) And this, in addition to the fact, that two people thus far have said they can easily spot them and see them. One of those people being legally color blind, the other partially blind in one eye. Heck, if I take off my glasses I'm legally blind and even then I can still see that there's something there. Sure, I might have to put my nose practically to my screen to make out the words, but I can still see that there's something there.

      But anyway, yeah. He repost because he thinks he's taking a stand against "censorship". Of course, you have to ignore that he was an outright and VERY vocal supporter of SOPA, an act which would have allowed for outright censorship (the kind where if I don't like your website I can have it taken down entirely and it would not be viewable at all, which is what censorship actually is). SOPA was perfectly fine and he's still sore that it was stopped by those nefarious pirates. I mean "us" (because to him we're all pirates). But heaven forbid a comment get reported, particularly a comment that consist soley of ad homs and the usual Troll/Shill AC type remarks. We'll never hear the fucking end of it then. That it says "hey, click here to view what was flagged by the community" is ignorable in his eyes.

      Just report the comments of his that are worth reporting and don't waste a breath replying to him and carry on abotu your business. He's derailed entire threads (and coincidentally, they're always threads where artists are trying something new or being given an opportunity to speak for themselves... or better said artists who are willing to try new business models that is) with his "censorship" rants (along with "illegal exploitation" ones too).

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 5:50am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      His ridiculous overposting was not censored they are currently on here three times. I know you said not to explain how they are easily viewable but, you have to scroll up and down.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 5:54am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      See 100 above where I believe it is more clear that "others" referred to artist v. artist.

      When Ms. Paley stated she would hereafter not defer to copyright, the only logical conclusion is that she was referring to her desires versus those of other artists.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:08am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      See also 79 to the original article containing Ms. Payley's interview. Again, it noted "artist vs artist".

      Artists vs fans as a general rule comprises a different set of dynamics.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:20am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Yeah, didn't even see his comments (honestly, my brain has already learned to filter the comments of certain ACs without even having to read them to know that it is one of "those" ACs. The reason he repost things (like the one so far) is because the original post was reported. He does this a lot. He'll repost something multiple times, with his reasoning (as has previously been stated) being that they're just being censored left and right and that's his way of showing us censor-happy hypocrites. So somehow, in his mind, posting something multiple times, despite the fact that they're probably going to end up being "censored", is logical and worth doing and not at all annoying or spam-like. Try explaining to him that he's just spamming and/or reposting (what are for the most part) ad hom comments and he'll go on and on about how we're all pirate hypocrites who are censorship happy.

      But yeah, basically, just report and move on. Don't bother asking questions of him. Don't bother trying to reason with him. Don't bother trying to explain things to him. Etc. He's not here to be reasonable or discuss things, he's not here to listen to the opinions of others, he's not here to present facts. He's here to troll/shill and disrupt any attempts at discussion. Pure and simple.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:37am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      No. But an artist whose sole source of income is reliant on his art is in a different space than a hobbyist.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:41am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So the answer is that you are an embittered, failed artist who couldn't make a living at it. Got it. That's pretty typical of the self-styled "artistes" on Techdirt.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      xebikr (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:41am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Actually, he said: It's not related to the article, it has zero basis in fact and it's actually pretty insulting for a whole bunch of people on here...

      There are fewer comments that are uncensored(by the community) that meet all of those characteristics.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:43am

      Re: Re: Re:

      Go check that rotten tomatoes link just further down:
      an average rating of 8.3/10 and a 67% "want to see" rate?
      That ain't faint praise.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:45am

      Re: Re:

      Why don't you solicit a comment from a single artist who makes their entire living from their artistic output to? So far, I haven't seen a response from anyone who meets that definition.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      xebikr (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 6:49am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      The irony of your response in the context of the article burned out 3 or 4 pixels in my monitor. Thanks a lot, dude.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 7:02am

      Re: Re: Re:

      Of course, the reality is that all of Megaupload, in 7 years of existence made somewhere around $150 million -- and part of the *evidence against them* (which Taplin clearly did not read) was that Google dropped them five or six years ago due to concerns about too much infringement.

      That's an interesting admission. How much illegal infringement is too much for Google?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:01am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So you'd think they'd be happy with the additional publicity really.
      Or are you still arguing that one download = one lost sale?

      Aside from that, what's your point? Or is it simply that there are fewer people listing themselves as professional artists nowadays?
      And so what?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:17am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Since elementary school I have considered myself an artist as have others. My status as an artist hasn't been flipped on and off like a light switch as I sold work, been contracted or employed.

      FYI – To date I have animated sequences for presentations, video and television, made graphics for web, apps, and programs including games, made some 3d screen-savers, Illustrated a book, did some CD covers, did a few paintings and some sketches, made store displays, and lots of corporate logos, signs, brochures etc. I've also written my share of code, shot stills and video, made the landscape concept drawings for a public park. And yes, some of my work has been "pirated" and some released as public domain, copyleft and open source.

      I don't know if my work history makes me a *real artist* in the eyes of a Anonymous Coward on TechDirt, nor do I even care. I currently and usually have made my living from what is commonly called "intellectual property" and was successful but found something I find that has the graphics aspect but is more than just that. So, no I still make my living at it and never failed, just rounded out my own interests, just keep disrespecting the artists why don't you, it's proving the point here .

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      jupiterkansas (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:21am

      Re: Re: Re:

      My apologies to the old-timers - it was misdirected anger.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:31am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Yeah they're in the entertainment space.

      Artists create art, if it sells, great. But they don't create for money, they do it for passion.

      Entertainers create for money, and then whine when people don't want to pay outragious prices for it.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Jeremy2020 (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:58am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      Have you seen society?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Gwiz (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 8:58am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      He thinks that he has to repost things. Why? Because they've all been "censored".

      Wait. This coming from an AC who posts link after link to that silly Trichordist site where what you call "censorship" is running wildly rampant:

      From The Trichordist site:

      Lately though we’ve adopted some totally random rules to cut down on the sheer volume. If your IP address has “23″ in it we immediately delete w/o reading. If your wordpress handle has “girl” or “free” or “media” or “Tech” we delete immediately. If you start with foul language or are extra angry we delete. Unless of course we want you to look stupid then we publish your comments. Today we searched for all comments that contained the words “market” “zero” or ”marginal” and bulk deleted. This was specifically cause we don’t really want to explain that fixed costs really do matter and no matter what you heard from some idiot on the internet. If you play bass we delete. Also “”McPherson”: bulk delete. The use of the words “consumer” , “ointment” , “dude”, “gatekeepers” and “dubstep” also resulted in a fair number of deletions. We are only joking about some of this. If you feel that this somehow infringes your freedom you have the whole free internet out there to express we’ve infringed your freedom.


      At least Techdirt lets all voices be heard. If the community here thinks your comment sucks then that is your problem dude.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 9:46am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      The point, Rembrandt, is that the specter of infringement plays no significant role in the way you make your living. The original comment referred to the fact that all of the so-called "artists" on Techdirt (so far, neither of them) have to rely on a medium where there is wholesale, commercial grade infringement to make their livings. There's a reason for that. Those people actually feel an impact. Infringing on stuff like writing code, making sketches, logos, paintings, non-commercial video isn't where people like Kim Dotcom was making money. You self-styled "artists" cast yourselves to be among the voices of the creative community that has dedicated themselves to their artistic careers which are suffering the corrosive effects of piracy. It's bullshit. And it's only done to weaken the voice of people whose livelihoods are actually impacted by infringing.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 9:51am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Artists create art, if it sells, great. But they don't create for money, they do it for passion.

      Try eating passion or sending your kids to college with passion or paying your mortgage with passion. And it's fine if it sells or not. But what shouldn't be tolerated is that others enjoy and/or monetize that artistic output of another for their own benefit without paying for it. If it's too expensive, don't buy it. If it's not available watch/listen to something else.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 9:52am

      Sure we should let the producer of the runaway epic "Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend" tell us how to consume media.
      http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0850038/

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 9:58am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      You are as insulting as you are ignorant. You make the point of the TechDirt article very well.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      jupiterkansas (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 10:55am

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      The issue on TechDirt is that the laws need to be changed, but they can't because the lawmakers are beholden to a handful of people (not artists) who benefit the most from the laws they themselves get to help write.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      jupiterkansas (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 10:57am

      Re: Re: Re: if you're over 50, just shut up about the internet

      My apologies to the old-timers - it was misdirected anger.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Kaden (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 11:59am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      Yeah, I'm a self supporting visual artist. I honestly don't give a fuck if my work is monetized by others, but I'll admit I was kinda pissed that O'Reilly Media wouldn't consider a CC license when they published my book.

      How about you... do you actually create stuff, or are you just one of those armchair quarterbacks the arts community tends to attract on the periphery?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Kaden (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 12:00pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      Yo... over here.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      dwg (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:24pm

      Re: Re: Re:

      You avoided answering the question. Please retry.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      dwg (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 1:28pm

      Re:

      I know what you're trying to say, but why do you have to word it so poorly?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      Anonymous Monkey (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:26pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      we should have a "Mark as Troll" button so we can see the 'Top Troll of the Week' on TechDirt!

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:56pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      copyright protects artists from exploitation by giving them free agency. artists have no free agency or protection from exploitation from the pirate bay, so I'm not sure what you talking about. lessig wants corporations to be able to rip off artists with impunity. so I don't know why you would want to support bigger and worse corporations illegally exploiting artists than record labels.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:57pm

      Re: Always remember and never forget...

      actually no.

      The issue on TechDirt is the belief that the laws no longer apply and that artists RIGHTS should no longer be protected against those who would exploit them illegally. This is of course highly ironic given the sites absolute disdain for record labels, yet giving a free pass to sites that have never paid artists a single penny while profiting from their work illegally.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:58pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      yes, have you seen jails?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 2:59pm

      Re: Re:

      how do you know?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2012 @ 3:04pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re:

      interesting admission indeed and how long (and how much money later) it took google to figure this out.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      drew (profile), 22 Jun 2012 @ 3:13pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      but if it's available for free, then it isn't too expensive is it. This isn't going to go away.
      If someone else can figure out how to monetise your work whilst offering it for free, why can't you? This just emphasises that it's a business-model failure.
      And where exactly is it written that passion should be financially rewarding anyway?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      PaulT (profile), 23 Jun 2012 @ 12:19am

      Re: Re: Always remember and never forget...

      "The issue on TechDirt is "

      ...the asshole trolls who seem to apply a universal belief to their opponents that doesn't exist. The opinion you state is a fantasy that's not held by many of those you attack. This is why you're labelled a troll and your arguments strawmen.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      SujaOfJauhnral (profile), 24 Jun 2012 @ 9:53pm

      Re: Re:

      Saying you don't like someone's art is not the same as saying the artists should have no rights.


      I am a remix/crossover artist, I like mixing things new and old.

      It only takes one complaint from a copyright holder to one of my assets, because they don't like it for whatever reason, to have it removed.

      Clearly someone had say that my kind of artist should have no rights on certain things.



      Nina Paley did not advocate to take these rights from me.

      She wants me to have more rights. This is what you are afraid of.

      Many confuse the right of freedom of expression with thinking they can illegally profit from that expression.

      With enough support you can make anything illegal. Even the stupidest, most ridiculous things.

      Making copying illegal is one example.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 24 Jun 2012 @ 10:12pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      You are a fucking moron. What are the investment costs to the pirate compared to the company the produced the movie or song. Seriously, do you have an extra chromosome or something?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 24 Jun 2012 @ 10:15pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      I'm also right. Stop pretending like you are an artist who makes their living in an industry with a serious infringement problem. You're not. You're a hobbyist, if that.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 24 Jun 2012 @ 10:22pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Your problem:

      The issue is that the anti-piracy people want to blame legal companies, working entirely within the law, of exploiting artists. Google is a favorite. (Right, bob?) The problem is that they cannot point to anything that is demonstrably illegal in their operations.

      Other than that, no idea what your comment has to do with my own, or even the others within the thread. You sure you posted in the right spot?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 24 Jun 2012 @ 10:26pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      The poster above him in threaded view.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 25 Jun 2012 @ 6:53am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      You are wrong with almost everything you say. As I pointed out before you are as insulting as you are ignorant. Starting right from the beginning you have made so many incorrect assumptions about every artist here including me and my work.

      Did you ever read the title of the article: “Why Do The People Who Always Ask Us To 'Respect' Artists Seem To Have So Little Respect For Artists?” Thats you bud! You have done an exemplary job making that point here on TechDirt.

      But, hey, it's good to know friends like you are out there with the best interests of artists everywhere in mind. Now I get to make assumptions about you and your work, get back to your spreadsheets, I'm sure you have to show that royalties are not yet due for somebody. Accountants financially shortchange artists more than infringement.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 25 Jun 2012 @ 7:07am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So I keep pointing out that you are not representative of artists who struggle to earn a full time living in fields that have serious problems with infringement.... and you respond that I don't respect artists. WTF? I respect artists. I do not respect poseurs who claim to be part of a group that they're not; attempting to speak for that group. You're like the buck private who was back in camp peeling potatoes while claiming he was leading combat patrols. Your income. Mr. Artist, is not in any meaningful way affected by piracy. That is irrefutably true. Stop pretending otherwise and speaking for people whose livelihoods are affected.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 25 Jun 2012 @ 7:21am

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      So I keep pointing out that are wrong about me, my work and just about everything else while you just go on repeating the same ignorant insults. I have things to create and you have numbers to crunch. bye.

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      jupiterkansas (profile), 25 Jun 2012 @ 1:36pm

      Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:

      When did Lessig say that? I've never got that from anything of his I've read.

      I don't support the exploitation of artists, but I'm also not ready to grant them every privacy invasive, rights grabbing, culture stealing, unreasonably punishing law they come up with to protect big business in the name of copyright. As Lessig did explain very convincingly in "Free Culture", copyright law is out of balance and needs correcting. I agree with that. I don't want to see it abolished. I'm an artist myself.

      And if there is so much profit to be made in piracy, then maybe the record labels should start a pirate site?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 1 Jul 2012 @ 6:35am

      so she used someone elses story, and copyrighted music, to tell "her" story, what exactly did she "create" oh yeah , nothing, make something original without copying everything from others

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • icon
      terry (profile), 1 Jul 2012 @ 9:43am

      Re:

      You come across as somewhat ignorant, to be more informed:

      1. Go find out more about the source components used.
      2. Check what specific government granted exclusivity licenses are attached to components, the date ranges covered and exemptions.
      3. Review an artwork before commenting on it.

      4. Optional - Try and do better!


      Notice that by writing your comment you have done exactly what she has done, taken existing components and mixed them to form something new. In your case, you composited existing words. Just pointing out that none of us can ever really make something original without some level of copying from others. And if nothing different is done then results will not be different, which is not the case presently discussed because of compositing. Elsewhere there are plenty of discussions about how much change should be required for various categorization of works.

      Here is a somewhat relevant quote I like:

      "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

      - Isaac Newton


      After noting trends by various Anonymous Coward commenters on TechDirt and occasional others, I have come up with a little quote of my own:

      "The most sure-of-themselves art critics, do the critique sight-unseen."

      - Terry B

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      kitsune361, 4 Jul 2012 @ 10:24am

      Re: Re: Re:

      Why is this ( http://xkcd.com/1058/ ) xkcd strip the first thing that popped into my head with that comment?

      link to this | view in thread ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 23 Aug 2016 @ 11:40pm

      Slonecker just hates it when due process is enforced.

      Where is hurricane head anyway? Slonecker's still kicking around... well, was kicking around, up to about last year at best when his boyfriend average_joe up and never logged in again. I'm still waiting for his sleeping giant artist friends. Maybe he strangled himself to death choking on Lowery's imaginary phallus.

      ...Fuck, did that happen to Slonecker too? I fucking swear, give these tumblr activists a platform to post their ramblings, and suddenly they think they're gods. I don't give two shits what you sexually identify as! You fucking breathe oxygen, not Cowper's fluid!

      link to this | view in thread ]


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