Re: [OS:N:] IP - Was: Questionaire about ...

--- "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:

<snip>
 
> The idea that creativity would stop if people did
> not have monopolies on 
> their creations is worse then silly, it is ABSURD.
> 
> That's my $.02.

I think there has to be some balance.  In some ways,
copyrights do encourage the freeflow of ideas. 
"Authors" are encouraged to make their thoughts
available to everyone because they can be compensated
for their work if the so choose (and can get
customers).  

Plainly, some authors will not care about the
compensation.  Others will.  Nothing prevents those
who see no need for compensation from publishing their
ideas for free.  Yet those who want (or need)
compensation, are encouraged to also share their
ideas.  

Taken too far in either direction however, copyright
(or complete lack of it) would be harmful.  If
copyright is too restrictive, building on top of old
ideas is impossible (think SCO's everything is a
derivative argument).  If it is too lax, people who
may have had something to contribute, may hold back
(whether out of greed or selfishness - it still is
holding back).  We are diminished whenever something
good is not made available.

Anyway, just because some companies abuse IP does not
mean it is a terrible idea.  Kinda like carrots are
healthy to eat - unless you abuse them.  100lbs at
once and you'd likely not survive. 

   

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