Creative Commons is a website that allows people (amateurs) to place their talent online under a license (one-for-all), for people to download the artists' works for free. Some artists' can also have their works published under "Creative Commons" with some copyright protection.
A man name Allan Vilhan did just that; he joined "Megatune.com (an internet music distributor) that places an "all rights reserved" copyright language, with additional protection licenses reserved under "Creative Commons"(http://money.cnn.com/magazine/business2_archive/2004/05/01/368240/index.htm).
Allan Vilhan was able to make a small profit from a programmer that downloaded 2 versions of his two tracks, and was paid $450.00 to license them for music on a videogame (CNN-Money). In addition, a design firm used Vilham's songs for a Flash presentation and paid him $370.00 (CNN-Money). According to CNN, 'Megatune founder John Buckman has grossed in just two years-from 2003-2005, $180,000 for 126 musicians. Plus, the free downloads gives these artists' exposure that they would not otherwise have and which may lead to commercial demand; where the real money is (CNN-Money).
This is just on example of how an artist can utilize "Creative Common" with a license or limited copyright protection. But, there are artists' out there like "Pink Floyd", "ACDC", 'Jimi Hendrix", and movies blockbusters the "Titantic", that are under the Copyright Act of 1976 and are protected from internet free-downloading (CNN-Money). I believe that these artists' should not have their creative works stolen from them whether or not it's a societal new phenomenum or not. If artists choose to place their works under "Creative Commons" or any other free access site; then that's their business! But, I feel personally that piratcy isn't a moral right, and therefore anyone who steals creativity from someone else should pay legally!
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Great use of examples! I didn't know anything about Allan Vilhan and now I think it's smart that he added additional protection via Creative Commons. I think Creative Commons helps amateur artists looking to share and obtain work from others. It can help and hurt more established artists in terms of profits. I think the whole "All Rights Reserved," "Some Rights Reserved," etc enables people to better license their work. Some people don't even care about licensing their work and are able to give up all rights. There's so much information and content available on the Internet, I think giving credit to the appropriate people would help them gain exposure and inspire them to work on more media.
ReplyDeleteI agree Shahnaz, that if people want to use the internet to showcase their creativity for free and for exposure more power to them. But, I still think that commercial artists' that do care about their intellectual creativity being stolen from unscrupulous people should be prosecuted under the laws of the 1978 Copyright Act. Musicians and actors have the right to be paid for their services like anyone else who performs a job or service (and they provide us with laughter, sadness, love, and creativity that not all people have the talent to create).
ReplyDeleteNice work Suzanne. You are the first one to site an example of how CC works to help indy artists make money and still give others the freedom to use their work.
ReplyDeleteA few notes that don't affect your grade - but will help improve the overall look of your blog. Please take these as constructive criticisms.
1. Not that I don't love the puppies (I do) but they aren't really relevant to the blog and you should remove them.
2. Same goes for the fish. Cute - but not professional. It demeans the quality of your writing.
Good job on the posts!!
Thank you Professor Grocoff,
ReplyDeleteI agree the dogs and fish did need to go;and I will find something more professional to fill in when its appropriate to the subject matter on hand. I have personally seen some of my favorite bands: "Three Doors Down" and "Radiohead" use the internet to get free exposure because they were ripped off by the record companies for not promoting their music. Whether they use Creative Commons website would be something I am going to investigate and will let you know if these commercial bands have.
Suzanne