Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellmark
The idea of something like this, where a library that has all texts, is a good thing, however I don't think it should really be a company, or at least a for profit one.
If I was the one doing it, I'd have it where this impartial organization scans and stores all the info. Copyright owners go to that organization, and go "I own these works and others can pay to use them for x amount" or "I own these works and I'll say who can use it on a case to case basis". Works that are unknown who the owner is, can be used for a standard fee or given percentage of sales (which ever is more), with all the money being saved for the copyright owner. If the copyright owner is found, they get the money and then can say what can be done with their works. Anyone currently using the work must cease and then renegotiate with the newly found copyright owner. If no owner is found before the copyrights expire, any money in holding for them is then turned over and used to help fund the organization with excess going to other charities (it's a non profit thing, remember?). Also, works have X (say 20) amount of years to be registered before they may be used as part of the unknown copyright owner policy, with the countdown starting from the founding of the organization, or creation of the work (if post dates organization founding), and any registered works can be negotiated for use of immediately after they are registered. Unless the unless the copyright owner stipulates it (well, their work to say what ever they want about it), no one company can have exclusive usage of a work. Also copyright owners must keep current contact information in the registry, and if not maintained at least every 5 years, payments and usage are frozen. That is to make sure that anyone doesn't slip into the ether.
Not perfect, but gonna be a pain in the ass no matter what you do.
|
It reminds me of that time in college where I made a friend a birthday cake, bought several cans of different colored frosting and decorated it up all amateurly pretty. Got lots of oohs and ahhs at the party.
Except this one guy kept going on and on how he could have done it better, that he knew how to make icing chrysanthemums and everything. To which I responded, "But you didn't, did you?"
The point being, that 'done' is better than 'not done'. Google's done it - I don't see anyone else stepping up to the plate. It's a prodigious effort - I think it deserves some kind of reward.