Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
Aw, go read some Ayn Rand.
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In a post 1980's corporate America, we've come to think of money as bad, and monetary compensation as bad. If we'd only all contribute what we can and take only what we need everything would be just great.
Except that model doesn't work. It doesn't work because people (unfortunately) are imperfect. It's a heck of a lot easier to not contribute all you can and take more than you need. Especially when it comes to things that are not necessary. Some people need no XBoxes, Some people need 1 XBox, some people need 5 (really?)
The way we make this function work well is we choose to exchange value for items that we need and want. If you want an Xbox, you have to provide some value to someone who will provide you the means of getting it. Sometimes that's making Pizzas, sometimes it's programming computer, fixing cars, plowing fields, etc. Sometimes it's writing books and sometimes it's curating libraries. Because it's difficult and awkward to carrying around a bag full of xboxes, I use a representation of the value I've provided for others. It's called currency.
If no one is willing to exchange for the written book or the work in the library, fewer if any people will be willing to do it. That number continues to reduce because we have needs that have to be met first (food, shelter, clothing)
Copyright helps protect individuals who make value for others through creative work.
I could really go on for ages about this stuff, but my point is that copyright is not a bad thing. Its abuses are, and we should work to abolish them.