Another essay for my Engl1B class at SJSU. The topic for this one is current events related to my SE. Since it’s an english class and most SE current events are boring, this essay loosely addresses DRM (somewhat more interesting) instead. Same audience disclaimer.
The following opinions may not be indicative of my (or anyone’s) personal views on the topic.
Stealing isn’t what it used to be. As words often do, “stealing” is taking on a new meaning. “Stealing” used to mean the act of taking another person’s property without legal permission; by stealing what is yours, I deprive you of your possession of it. The concept of material deprivation was invented long before the digital age. In a world where ideas are free, “stealing” is no longer what it was. Record Labels are businesses whose business model is based on the control and restriction of music, of ideas, a business model that is threatened by the new paradigm of free information. The Record Labels try to maintain control with copyright and try to restrict ideas with Digital Rights Management; they throw obstacles between musicians and audiences like boulders into a river. And when the music eventually gets to the ears of their customers, despite their best efforts, they call this “stealing.”
Continue reading ‘Stealing Progress: Copyright In the Digital Age’
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