Miscellaneous > Intellectual Property & Law
Does this make me a criminal?
Laukev7:
quote: I agree "stealing an idea" as it is called in the vernacular, does not deprive the original contributor of the idea. However, it does deprive him or her of other things. You don't really steal the idea as much as you steal credit for the idea.
--- End quote ---
I am a science student, and I agree with that. My point was that the term 'stealing' is not limited to physical objects.
quote: When you use an original idea, without offering due credit to the originator of that idea, you deprive someone of credit, honor, reputation, and sometimes money.
--- End quote ---
Yes, I agree with that.
quote: Art is a subset of information.
--- End quote ---
Art is not pure information. Art has to be interpreted in order to deduce meaningful information out of it. Art in itself is creation, not factual data.
[ November 02, 2003: Message edited by: Laukev7 ]
Xeen:
quote:Originally posted by M. O'Brien:
I'm not going to judge you, but since this is a very interesting discussion of ethics, may I offer a question in hopes of stimulating this discussion?
Will you buy the DVD when it is released (if you intend to keep the copy you downloaded) or rent it at least once (if you intend to watch your downloaded copy only once or twice within a 24 hour period and then delete it)?
--- End quote ---
Well...I intend to watch the movie once again and then delete it. And if I'm ever bored and want a good movie I'll probably rent it one day. I also sent it to another friend of mine. However, I feel that is irrelevant for two reasons:
1. If I hadn't sent it to him, the chances of him renting that video when it came out are very little. And he's not gonna keep it either, just watch it once.
2. It's absolutely no different than this situation:
I rent the DVD when it comes out on DVD. My local video store gives you DVDs for a 5 day period. During those 5 days I have the complete right to give it to anyone else as long as I return it on time. So its the same as if I just lend someone my rented DVD during that time (legally).
[ November 02, 2003: Message edited by: xeen ]
mobrien_12:
quote:Originally posted by Laukev7:
My point was that the term 'stealing' is not limited to physical objects.
--- End quote ---
Yes. There are some intangibles that can be "stolen" even if the strict legal definition is limited to tangibles.
quote:
Art is not pure information. Art has to be interpreted in order to deduce meaningful information out of it. Art in itself is creation, not factual data.
--- End quote ---
Very interesting.
You know, I think that this is one of the most stimulating philosophical threads we've had on this board.
slave:
If someone took credit for my work, I would call it lying, not stealing. Still wrong, but a different thing, really. Anyway it is rather beside the point, since nobody who copies a DVD would claim to have produced it!
Yeah, things like "he stole the show" or "you stole my idea" aren't correct use of the word. They're just common expressions. I couldn't get you convicted of theft if you made an outstanding acting performance during a play. ;)
What we really need to think about is whether copyright in its current form is really the best thing for society. I for one believe it is far more harmful than good. If there is to be copyright at all, it should at least be done in the spirit of the wishes of our founding fathers. The framers felt copyright should only be allowed under the condition that it be used as a means to an end to promote social progress, *not* to simply reward authors. I do not believe the current copyright regimes and mega-corporations promote social progress.
How far are the copyright and patent laws going to to go until corporations own every single thought that goes on in your head, every tune, every image, every idea? It needs to stop.
Case in point, just look at this article on slashdot. What rubbish.
[ November 02, 2003: Message edited by: Linux User #5225982375 ]
M51DPS:
It's stealing if you deprive the owners of the money they're demanding for it. You would taking away profits.
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