Objectives:
1) Explore the changing nature of copyright in the context of “Remix Culture” and the “Fifth World”
2) Examine their own and others values and paradigms of ownership and authorship of cultural media.
Original Post:
Lawrence Lessig’s speech was entertaining, however I could not agree with everything he argued. I agree creation does include re-creation, or so-called ‘remix’ by younger generations. As Lawrence said, “they produce for the love of what they are doing, not for money”. The amateur culture, not amateurish culture should be celebrated. I do not believe what ASCAP did was injustice; I also do not believe what BMI was justice, necessarily. The gradually raised money over time they charged their subscribers for listening to music was for artists’ sake. The money depicted and showed proper respect of ownership and authorship the artists deserved. Remix culture certainly must be acknowledged and their artists should be rewarded for their talent, but it should not scale the copyright of the authentic ownership of the creation. Lawrence said he is not justifying piracy, but he also said “law is choking creativity”. Is it just me who thinks he is contradicting himself? He is specifically criticizing the law which inhibits piracy and justifies ownership and authorship of authentic creations. However, he did a great job addressing a current state of our culture, and I do feel the need of reviving our creative culture. Lastly, I wish he drew a clear line whether the “corrupted” law should not exist, or the law should be revised. if it should be revised, then how should it be so that it can encourage the remix culture.
Reflection:
While I was listening to Lawrence Lessig’s TED talk, I was disagreeing with him the whole time. But after my Collage assignment and now I look back, I could see where his argument was coming from. I created a new piece of work by using a art method collage. I used pieces of other artists’ work, and I created my own. In order to publish it or display in public place with my name with it, I would have to ask and buy the copyright from the artists. It would definitely limit the range I can access to the art pieces I would have liked to work with. Lawrence Lessig brought up some good points that he represented that when airplanes were invented the law adapted to the new technology saying that common sense dictated that it must be so (Lessig).
Future Intention:
It was a great opportunity to see myself as an artist when I did collage work. I am looking forward to more chances that I can create art work. Although I do not download music illegally, I would love to enjoy those amateur culture of music on Youtube. It will make me agree with more Lessig’s effort, trying to savage and encourage the amateur culture of remix, free from laws that would limit their ranges of art works.
