Oct 04 2010
Framing Questions (Week 6)
It’s refreshing to hear the sensibility of Lawrence Lessig coming to the rescue in a world gone mad with copyright lawsuits and intellectual property fiascos. While reading Lessig’s book, Remix, I thought about the following questions:
1.) The music industry is a classic example of what can happen to corporate giants when they stubbornly cling to the outdated copyright rules of the past. As Lessig mentions, sites, like iTunes, have found ways to balance access and control, and be equally attractive to creators and consumers. However, with “illegal” downloading still a prevalent part of our culture, I still think there is much work to be done. What kinds of changes need to be made in the new music industry that will help structure a new system in which everyone wins? A better price model perhaps?
2.) Lessig says that the copyright system needs to be simplified. If a child is expected to comply with copyright law, they should be able to understand it. I’ve taken classes in media law but I often still find myself baffled by the ins and outs of copyright law. What exactly can be done to streamline and simplify the convoluted mess of copyright laws? What already has been done to adjust an outdated system for this new era of connectivity?