Quote:
Originally Posted by crich70
There is a difference I think between the two. A written work such as a novel is finished when it is published. Sequels can be written but the 1st book is considered complete once it is a published work. An invention on the other hand such as say the electric light isn't necessarily a finished product. It is possible that improvements may be made to make the bulb more efficient. The initial idea of an electric light likewise can be discovered or worked out only by one person, but if someone can make a more efficient one or one that works by a different method then it would be a new thing in some respects.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crich70
I just meant that a piece of fiction is finished when it's written, edited and published unlike with an invention which can be improved upon usually. I do agree that ideas can't be patented though & that the same idea can be used in different stories. For example the idea of star crossed lovers from two different groups whose romance is doomed to tragedy. One plot idea two different stories (i.e. "Romeo and Juliet" & "West Side Story." One had two families in Verona Italy feuding and the other two Juvenile gangs feuding in New York City, but both used the same plot. But West Side Story and Romeo & Juliet aren't the same story. They have similarities but everyone knows that they are different tales. If you had Romeo working for Juliet's family in the big city it wouldn't be Shakespeare's play any more (IMO). It might be close, but if too much is changed it isn't what he wrote any longer.
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I would be more likely to call "Romeo and Juliet" and "West Side Story" the same story than light bulbs that work by different methods the same invention.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tubemonkey
Yep; if you don't renew the copyright, your book becomes public domain. If you don't pay your property taxes, your house becomes public domain (ie; eviction, followed by auction).
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That's not public domain.
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Originally Posted by tubemonkey
The only compelling reason I need is that it's my property; not society's. It doesn't have to serve a greater good in order to gain protection.
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Copyright only exists because it was considered to be for the greater good.