|
I was thinking about this and really, why is it that patents for inventions only last for 7 (or 14 if renewed) years? While copyright is now basically forever (or will be thanks to Disney & Co.).
While it's true new inventions (especially drugs) have more of a direct impact on humanity, it's not like any less work went into coming up with them than writing a book. Indeed, it's probably easier writing a book (I know it took abut 4 months to write my first one).
And books (or any media) do affect society, just more on a cultural level. And that's why I think lengthy copyrights can hurt. You'll end up losing a part of your culture in a copyright black hole.
Sure, maybe some big things will be remembered, but they will be tightly controlled and/or completely whored out (see Star Wars for an example). But one of the best ways to learn about an era is to read books written in that era. And with that being cut off at 1922 basically that wipes out 50+ years of history.
Very few books written before 1980 are still in print or in regular libraries. You might be able to track down a copy of a book you've heard about, but no way to browse or research, really (unless you have access to a huge library, but most people don't).
I guess in some cases you could say that the creator's wishes should be respected and the IP not trampled on by exploiters. But in all honesty, that's done by heirs in almost every case. Lord of the Rings is about the only property that hasn't been completely whored out (only slightly, and that was because Tolkien really needed money to pay taxes).
|