Quote:
Originally Posted by SleepyBob
It was. It was created for their benefit, so that we can benefit.
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I benefit from copyright and can honestly say I've not been hurt by its length as a reader or a writer. With electronic forms there's really no worry about something going out of print or being lost. For those who still have copyright and don't want to go digital, there are still print versions/reprints that can be found of any work I've ever been interested in. I am amazed at the number of people who actually do care and perceive a great public interest in the matter. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with caring, but I am not certain that the general public -- even the general reading public -- cares very much. I don't really see anything or anyone being harmed either. I'm sure there are individuals who want access to some book/work or other in some form that they can't get it, but I'm not really sure it harms any public good.
I've commented on the topic before and I'm sure the arguments are the same, but I have never seen any real harm to the reading public at large. There's plenty to read. There are plenty of classics. Libraries worldwide have copies. Poor kids/adults can have access to just about anything they want via lending libraries or online sources. Books are one of the cheapest things going and they are easier to access than any other form of entertainment barring a backyard and a swing (assuming said kid has such a thing--and books are still cheaper).