This photo is public domain.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Copyright Discussion
I just listened to the latest mydl podcast, #7. Episode #7 was a discussion between Scott Bourne and Andy Ihnatko on the subject of copyright. First off, I'd like to comment on this program's fairness with such a complex issue. Both "sides" of copyright were presented: Bourne's position was a hardline one, Ihnatko's was much more of a mainstream stance. Bourne believes that the copyright on his vast collection of photos he has taken over many years should last forever, Ihatko counters Bourne's view by stressing the fundamental aspect of copyright law: everything that's covered by copyright law eventually enters the public domain. Ihnatko also stresses that until material enters the public domain, it should be treated with respect (with fair use intact). I must say that I agree more with Ihnatko's position, but on a very basic level I completely understand Bourne's argument over having perpetual rights to his creative works. Unfortuantely, if we give artists perpetual rights over their creative works culture begins to loose foundational materials from which other creative works can be developed. No matter what you think, we have to have a public domain.
My biggest complaint with copyright law is not the concept of copyright coverage but of the duration of copyright (life + 70 years for individuals and 95 years for corporate works). The photos I took this afternoon at lunch will not enter the public domain until 70 years after I die... so, if I live thirty more years (I sincerely hope, at least), my wonderful, unique, inspirational images of clouds I took this afternoon will enter the public domain in the year 2109. Of course, if I want, I can sign away my rights way before 2109 by dedicating the works to the public domain using a tool like Creative Commons CC0, or I could choose from the various licenses offered by Creative Commons freeing them with certain strings attached. As the creator, I have the option to do with the works anything I want, and that's the power of copyright. If the government elected to reduce the duration of copyright to 50 years (it will never happen), I would not shed any tears for my self or any other creative.
If you follow me, and my less than spectacular creative career, you will see that I am a proponent of using Creative Commons licenses. In particular, I am a fan of the CC BY NC SA and the CC BY licenses. I have also released all my rights to many works (mostly cg graphics and photos). A lot of material I have created I have opted to reserve all rights to, and that's been great for some of my stock photos I sell on different sites and other ventures.
I realize I have rattled on a bit with this post, but please listen to mydl #7, and come up with your own idea on copyright law. I'd love to hear back from you... comment away!
My biggest complaint with copyright law is not the concept of copyright coverage but of the duration of copyright (life + 70 years for individuals and 95 years for corporate works). The photos I took this afternoon at lunch will not enter the public domain until 70 years after I die... so, if I live thirty more years (I sincerely hope, at least), my wonderful, unique, inspirational images of clouds I took this afternoon will enter the public domain in the year 2109. Of course, if I want, I can sign away my rights way before 2109 by dedicating the works to the public domain using a tool like Creative Commons CC0, or I could choose from the various licenses offered by Creative Commons freeing them with certain strings attached. As the creator, I have the option to do with the works anything I want, and that's the power of copyright. If the government elected to reduce the duration of copyright to 50 years (it will never happen), I would not shed any tears for my self or any other creative.
If you follow me, and my less than spectacular creative career, you will see that I am a proponent of using Creative Commons licenses. In particular, I am a fan of the CC BY NC SA and the CC BY licenses. I have also released all my rights to many works (mostly cg graphics and photos). A lot of material I have created I have opted to reserve all rights to, and that's been great for some of my stock photos I sell on different sites and other ventures.
I realize I have rattled on a bit with this post, but please listen to mydl #7, and come up with your own idea on copyright law. I'd love to hear back from you... comment away!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
An extra billion years (or so) to go
Earth gets a reprieve: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/06/earth-gets-a-billion-year-life-extension/
(Wired)
(Wired)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NATO Sea Sparrow missile
FROM THE US NAVY: (April 29, 2009) A NATO Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the bow of the German Navy Bremen-class frigate Lubeck (F 214) during the sinking exercise portion of UNITAS Gold. This year marks the 50th iteration of UNITAS, a multinational exercise that provides opportunities for participating nations to increase their collective ability counter illicit maritime activities that threaten regional stability. Participating countries are Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru, U.S. and Uruguay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Grieco/Released).
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
UK Film and TV Industry "Sadness"
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