I believe that people have a right to earn a living off what they create and that other people do NOT have the right to steal their work and make money of it. In my Wonder Wheel world, that's is called THEFT.
It's about reigning in the rampant online theft that is occurring daily. Pirates steal creative content (films, e-books, music, etc.) and then use it to MAKE money. Commerce (good and bad) has moved online. The internet (and all it's assorted content) is not sacred, particularly the portion of it that is depends on a business model that depends on theft.
To frame this as a debate about "free speech" is disingenuous. These black market entrepreneurs are essentially thieves any way you slice it. To defend them only diminishes rightful defense of free speech when it IS an issue as with political discourse in oppressive societies.
It's time for people to examine what's happening online and work to find solutions. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren represents companies that profit from piracy (like Google) but she also represents a number of companies and individuals who earn their livings working in the content creation industries. I'm sure that's also the case for Senator Wyden.
Certainly everyone should be mindful of what's at stake here. There is room for debate and compromise. However, in the end, it's clear something needs to be done to diminish the impact that IP theft has had on our creative community. This isn't just about big businesses. It also impacts the little guys who, in fact, stand to lose the most. Their profit margins are smaller and they are less able to absorb the shock of online piracy than some of the bigger companies. Their distribution outlets are also limited and for many digital sales comprise their main source of revenue. When their work can be so easily stolen (and monetized by others) it makes it nearly impossible to compete. This legislation will not eliminate piracy, but it will help level the playing field.
Those who respect the law will having nothing to fear. We as a culture that values creativity will have much to gain.
This group only obfuscates what's really happening with piracy. Attack the money makers (the advertisers, the payment processors and the cyber-lockers). You cut off the blood supply and you will diminish the problem. Suing the end-user is counter-productive.
Oh, and by the way, get rid of the antiquated "safe harbor" crap. Cyber-lockers thrive by encouraging John Q. Public to upload files and "share" them to earn CASH rewards-make pirates out of the public. That's where to focus efforts.
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This won't damage free speech
To frame this as a debate about "free speech" is disingenuous. These black market entrepreneurs are essentially thieves any way you slice it. To defend them only diminishes rightful defense of free speech when it IS an issue as with political discourse in oppressive societies.
It's time for people to examine what's happening online and work to find solutions. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren represents companies that profit from piracy (like Google) but she also represents a number of companies and individuals who earn their livings working in the content creation industries. I'm sure that's also the case for Senator Wyden.
Certainly everyone should be mindful of what's at stake here. There is room for debate and compromise. However, in the end, it's clear something needs to be done to diminish the impact that IP theft has had on our creative community. This isn't just about big businesses. It also impacts the little guys who, in fact, stand to lose the most. Their profit margins are smaller and they are less able to absorb the shock of online piracy than some of the bigger companies. Their distribution outlets are also limited and for many digital sales comprise their main source of revenue. When their work can be so easily stolen (and monetized by others) it makes it nearly impossible to compete. This legislation will not eliminate piracy, but it will help level the playing field.
Those who respect the law will having nothing to fear. We as a culture that values creativity will have much to gain.
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Oh, and by the way, get rid of the antiquated "safe harbor" crap. Cyber-lockers thrive by encouraging John Q. Public to upload files and "share" them to earn CASH rewards-make pirates out of the public. That's where to focus efforts.
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by Richy Rich.
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