Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Wayne I dont see how copyright prevents anyone from enjoying anything, other than the free use of something which isnt legally theirs. On the other hand, I can see where shorter copyrights would prevent people who create and their immediate heirs from enjoying full benefit of their hard work. Life plus 75 effectively gives the copyright to at least one subsequent generation to "enjoy" for their full lifetime. And why shouldnt they?
I'm curious, exactly what sorts of things, and what specific things, do you wish were in the public domain during your lifetime that arent going to be? |
This issue has been beaten to DEATH on other forums, but I guess we have to hash it out here again...
The intent of copyright is to give the author exclusive rights to exploit authored materials for a LIMITED time frame and then pass these works into the public domain for universal enrichment of the public. Don't care if anyone likes that concept or not, that's the law...
First of all, you have to understand that US Copyright law is not monolithic; your rights vary according to the time in which you authored your work(s).
I can't possibly write all required to answer your question, but here is a place to start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_B..._Extension_Act
Frankly, the bulk of the early Disney material would be in the public domain has the Sony Bono Copyright Extension Act failed to be passed.
When corporations start having special privileges on copyright public citizens cannot have, as is given in the SBCA, then we start down the slippery slope toward perpetual ownership of public discourse and "art space" by corporations.
I don't want to live in that World, do you?