I said it first!
Intellectual Property, as this week's readings have described, is a growing concern for many individuals. How are we supposed to give credit where credit is due if we are unable to limit the usage of our creations. The answer, I believe, will not be found using our current sociological system. Capitilism is about creating enterprise and oppurtunity through your own or combined works. The credit is given to the individual and therefore the individual is rewarded monitarily. I don't deny that individuals should receive credit for their own works. However, as my college days have shown me, we are all in this world together. The creation of the internet and the ability of intellectual property to be spread throughout the world in a blink of an eye sheds light on a new coming of age. Global expansion has given many countries the opportunity to create growing economies and with that, increased knowledge. We need to look at the use and recreation of our intellectual property as a way to better our own quality of life. Yes, someone may elaborate on your budding idea, or someone may remake your invention. But, if that helps in lifting one man up from the depths of poverty, who could deny that it isn't for good.
Comments
You mention that it is very hard to give credit where it is due. I think most users of someone elses intellectual property would tend to use the information and continue on with their life. Adding the task of searching for the creator to give credit adds time and work to the task and I don't think many people would bother. The only way to control unlicensed distribution is to modify the information as you mentioned. The photographer's name plastered across the photo changes the product dramatically. Only when the credit is given should the user receive the original product.
Good post
Mike
Posted by: md2506 | April 5, 2007 08:00 PM
I found your comment interesting about how we're all in this world together and that there is nothing wrong with elaborating on another's idea in order to do the general public some good. I think that it was interesting because it's so true. We are in this world together and we have made it this far, partly because people shared their ideas with one another. For example, what good would one person's discovery of fire be if he/she didn't share it with others who then spread the discovery to even more people. We all depend on each other to make our lives easier. We have friends and family and business partners who are all collaborating and giving each other support to make life easier for everyone.
Posted by: Natalya Goncharova | April 8, 2007 03:30 PM
While I like to see someone rise from the depths of poverty as much as anyone else, I would still have to disagree. People still have the right to their own intellectual property, even in a Robin Hood situation.
Posted by: Matt Erickson | April 8, 2007 08:17 PM
You took a very interesting approach to this weeks topic, and I must say I agree with you. I think being able to share information and build upon each others thoughts and ideas, is something that people to welcome, instead of fighting over. I think this is how our world is going to become more of a global economy. There's so much out there that we are not aware of, that someone else may be aware of, that could definately benefit the better good of all of us. But, I think we must remember that we live in a very competitive economy as well, where organizations fight and work hard to gain recongition as the top organization within their field.
Posted by: Erin M. | April 8, 2007 09:43 PM
I respectfully disagree when considering the work that an individual has to go through to develop an idea. I've read up on inventing and what a person has to go through in order to craft their idea. It is hard work with no guarantee of success. If someone dedicates their life to realizing their vision, I think that their idea needs to be protected. However, if they do find incredible success, I think that they have an obligation to help leave the world a better place.
Posted by: Blender | April 8, 2007 11:19 PM