Kaplan University LS 512 Unit 7 Town Hall John P. Gray

Are there any questions as we begin? Feel free to at any time.

ling_creativity.html Above is a link to Larry Lessig’s presentation from this unit of our course. Let’s consider some things that might be done to grant rights to copyright owners without stifling creativity. Are there any comments as we begin? What ideas do you have that show prosperity for content owners and an environment that does not limit creativity?

angling_creativity.html How is user generated content important to our discussion today? Is it not true that in many ways, in our use of words, we use words we have learned from others. Our creativity in writing is by our syntax and other usage of words. We cannot copy the work of others without plagiarism. But we do use words we have heard others use. We creatively rearrange, add to them, expand on them and make them our own.

Does the law need to change regarding copyright? (as the law changed regarding trespassing when airplanes came along) Would we want a read only culture? Could we have one now if we wanted one? When you began to learn, you probably imitated what you heard without even thinking about it. But as we grow and develop, we become more creative. Once creativity begins, we do not go back to be satisfied with rudimentary imitation. If we are taking French level 5, we have no desire to go back to French level 1. We want to move intellectually forward, not backward.

ativity.html How does the then new broadcasting industry relate to our content issues today? The legal cartel over music was broken by BMI. Second best was good enough to break the total control elements over music at that time. Lessig is in favor of amateur culture, not what he calls amateurish culture. (consider Ken Dryden, The Game, development of players) What does he mean by this? Remix is how the younger generation understands access to culture. Sound is put with different cartoons, or videos. Lessig gives us three examples.

reativity.html Notice the audience reaction to the three remixes in Lessig’s video. Laughter, enjoyment…acceptance… Once the potential is there to make these remixes, people can do so just because they want to, or Lessig argues that they should be able to do so legally. Why should this remixing be illegal? Will this type of activity really decrease demand for the original works? Do you agree with Lessig’s assertions? Lessig is not talking about copying. He is talking about re-creating by using what is already available online.

Lessig believes that this remix capability is literacy for this generation? Do you agree? Are those who can’t remix being left behind? Every use in the digital world involves a copy. As to common sense, should permission be required for every use? Discuss the not for profit teachers’ / educators’ exception to the copyright code. Are there dangers associated with a generation that does not see value in copyright law? How about having content available for non-commercial use, at low cost or free? And for commercial use at higher rates? Consider the law as to taking pictures of people in public vs. that of using them for commercial purposes. (I made these slides, feel free to remix them. So, we close tonight with a little humor.) (Perhaps very little!) Questions/Comments/Thanks, JG