Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy by Lawrence Lessig
Larry Lessig is reportedly the authority on contemporary copyright issues. He is not only a Harvard professor but he is the founder of Stanford’s Center for Internet and Society and chair of Creative Commons. Creative Commons mission is to provide “a set of copyright licenses and tools that create a balance inside the traditional “all rights reserved” setting that copyright law creates.”
For persons attracted to technology, debates over piracy vs. remixing, and evolving copyright laws and regulations, this book would probably be a good read. However, If you’re a low tech person like me (who would prefer to read a good paperback novel) you may want to view Lessig‘s lectures on these topics. His video on “laws that choke creativity” is both entertaining and informative and, it shows several examples of remixing.
I scheduled my weekend to ensure enough study hours to read part one of Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy by Lawrence Lessig. Unfortunately, this reading assignment took up much of my time because, not only was there alot to read but also much of the content concerned copyright regulations, criminalization of artistic expressions with regard to remixing, and other legalese which I have little interest in.
I did enjoy the simple writing style and manner in which Lessing incorporated stories with historical significance to support his theories and arguments about laws and regulations stifling the creativity of artists. His historical timeline includes views and predictions of composer John Phillip Sousa, the evolution of technologies and expectations of producers and consumers. He also includes more recent events and quotes including icon Steve Jobs and others to highlight cultural changes and shifts. Specifically Lessing notes what was once a read write (R/W) culture had been replaced by a read only (R/O) culture, and through the abundance of creative tools easily accessed and distributed by the Internet, the R/W culture is experiencing a revival.
Lessing references visual and audio mediums such as music and film/video to explain how too many restrictions and regulations prevent or discourage those who wish to produce new works from previously released materials. Antiquated ideals and greed frown upon reinterpreting and remixing products.
He then goes on to examine the legal and creative complexities of using words from text, songs, and movies. Distinguishing the various scenarios and application of freedoms and rights to use text and words is a daunting and seemingly endless task. From quoting ancient proverbs to a strangers blog post, I must admit, I hold little concern for this issue. I’m sure these are fascinating arguments for some but for me, I would appreciate if someone will just tell me the rules and I’ll abide them.