The author of Free Culture shows how we harm our childrenand almost anyone who creates, enjoys, or sells any art formwith a restrictive...
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Oct 09, 2010
Ben
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I'd recommend Remix to anyone who creates content, whether as part of their day job or simply as a hobby in their basement. Lawrence Lessig takes the complicated issues surrounding modern copyright and explains them in terms laypeople can comprehend. Moreover, he makes a compelling argument from an economic standpoint as to why less copyright could lead to more profit.
My favourite quotation from this book is:
My favourite quotation from this book is:
Copyright law has got to give up its obsession with "theMore...
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Feb 02, 2009
Michael
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Lessig does it again, and does it better.
My Amazon.com review says it all, but here's what I'll say here:
What is completely new about Remix is that it finally and fully embraces the human context that was always present in Lessig's writing, but always subordinated to facts and arguments. In Remix it becomes clear that we can no longer dismiss his writings as "of the elite for the elite by the elite". More dramatically, and speaking as a father myself, I believe More...
My Amazon.com review says it all, but here's what I'll say here:
What is completely new about Remix is that it finally and fully embraces the human context that was always present in Lessig's writing, but always subordinated to facts and arguments. In Remix it becomes clear that we can no longer dismiss his writings as "of the elite for the elite by the elite". More dramatically, and speaking as a father myself, I believe More...
Dec 06, 2008
kthread
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Larry Lessig beckons us in his new book, Remix, to think about the future of a generation weaned on pirated media. In his usual elegant style, he clears the bramble around thorny issues of gift economies, fan labor (though he doesn't use the term), and what he calls the "Copyright Wars." (Here's video of the author reading the book's introduction.)
If you regularly read books in this genre you will recognize many of these examples; accordingly, Lessig works to reinvigorate More...
If you regularly read books in this genre you will recognize many of these examples; accordingly, Lessig works to reinvigorate More...
Sep 24, 2011
Justine
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Larry Lessig offered me a very inspiring thought in his book, which is "The law is a way of speaking and thinking and, most important, an ethic. Every lawyer must feel responsible for the law he or she helps make ... the law is made as it is practiced. How it is made depends upon the values its practitioners share."
In Remix (published in 2008), he puts copyright and IP law into perspective vis a vis the digital age. Where laws are created without the anticipation that entirel More...
In Remix (published in 2008), he puts copyright and IP law into perspective vis a vis the digital age. Where laws are created without the anticipation that entirel More...
Mar 09, 2010
Lessig's book is the first I've read regarding copyright that examines preferable alternatives to the current system: one that might reward artists and allow for collage-remix creativity. His alternate version of file-sharing sounded hopeful but was not fleshed out enough to seem totally believable. I think I would favor his proposed tax on digital technology that would be distributed to artists according to the frequency of their work being downloaded but wasn't entirely convinced it would work
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May 31, 2011
A. T.
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This was a solid introduction to some of the problems with our current cultural and legal systems when it comes to encouraging culture. Lessig calls our current culture "Read Only," and argues that this is the expression of professional culture and commodity culture, but that true culture building comes from what he calls "Read/Write" culture; that is, the freedom to "mash-up" parts of culture into new forms. He says that our laws serve to protect RO culture to the
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Feb 08, 2012
Zerenus
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I had high expectations for this book and was generally pleased to that end. I have known about Lawrence Lessig for awhile because of some involvement in past virtual communities he helped establish and because of his work in helping establish the Creative Commons, an alternate to standard copyright.
In the book Lessig argues that modern communication and information technology has reached a point where what was once an esoteric, highly expensive and exclusive set of activities (cre More...
In the book Lessig argues that modern communication and information technology has reached a point where what was once an esoteric, highly expensive and exclusive set of activities (cre More...
Jan 12, 2012
Giovanni
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Nel medioevo i signorotti feudali vantavano una serie di diritti di proprietà sui beni d'uso collettivo o individuale, per i quali pretendevano il pagamento d'una tassa: il focatico per il diritto ad accendere il fuoco, il legnatico per il diritto di fare legna nel bosco e così via, includendo l'uso del mulino, dei pascoli e chi più ne ha più ne metta. Collettivamente questi diritti si chiamavano "angarìe" o "angherìe", e il fatto che oggi la parola "angheria" non s
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Oct 19, 2010
Sonia
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We live in a remix culture. We share, exchange, spread, criticize, and build upon numerous creative works. Because of the increasing digitization of our culture, every use of a work produces a copy; hence copyright laws are more far-reaching. Too far, Lessing says. He says that copyright laws need to be redefined.
He proposes:
1. Deregulate Amateur Creativity
2. Clear Title
3. Simplify
4. Decriminalize the Copy
5. Decriminalize File Sharing
What do More...
He proposes:
1. Deregulate Amateur Creativity
2. Clear Title
3. Simplify
4. Decriminalize the Copy
5. Decriminalize File Sharing
What do More...
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Jul 28, 2010
Shawn
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This is a very convincing argument that copyright laws as they stand are not doing the job. Anyone interested in this issue should at least give this a skim. Lessig's writing style, full of unfunny asides, can get annoying and there are some obvious editing mistakes that I can't believe weren't caught. There are also (as is typical in business books) way too many examples and not enough content binding them together. In sum, I'd say read the opening, skim the middle pages and tune back in fo
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Nov 01, 2010
Xabier
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There are only two 'buts' to add to this extraordinary, and also temporary, work: one is its sometimes weak approach to the main economic models (sharing / money / hybrid) where, with a more solid system of quoting some of the key previous works on the field, the results could be better. The other one is also a perhaps too naif examination of the European Law concerning the 'fair use'. Both of these aspects are, however, quite marginal for the purpose of the book. It's a book needed to be read.
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Aug 21, 2009
Josh
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An interesting perspective on the current state of American Copyright law that easily gets off topic, but none-the-less makes valid points. The book doesn't clearly lay out a solution, but if it could, I imagine the law itself would be easier to change - and as it stands now, it is not.
While the book is about law, it is written for the layman and is easy to understand. Lessig talks about economies and society as well as law and none of his points are particularly confusing. At times, More...
While the book is about law, it is written for the layman and is easy to understand. Lessig talks about economies and society as well as law and none of his points are particularly confusing. At times, More...
Oct 10, 2009
Alexandra
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Because I began to work on line, I found it necessary to start finding out what was happening to my stuff on line, and that is why I began to read this new literature. This is actually like a mini text, much to learn and new terminology, but very clear. Lynn's style is very artistic, it is entertaining and clear. Beware there is a lot of information in this little book, pay attention and read with caution. I can tell already it is 5 stars, it satisfies my initial curiosity and instructs for furt
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Oct 02, 2011
Garrett
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Disappointingly limited in scope, Lessig spends only one chapter discussing proposed changes to the actual copyright regime. Even then, these changes are only vaguely described, with no explanation of how they would actually be implemented. Instead, this book is a short polemic about the problems that current regulation has with creative artists like Girl Talk. You'd have to imagine that anyone purchasing this book is already familiar with that problem, and so this book isn't terribly interestin
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Jul 28, 2009
Peter
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Excellent suggestions for revision to the law, esp. regarding decriminalization of copyright infringement. The numerous examples of shared culture, and non-financial incentives to create new works were useful. The nuanced approach to copyright law -- protect the blockbuster film that WILL lose money if pirated, but let a new artist's work be pirated freely to thier benefit -- is interesting. But is it likely to actually happen? Maybe through the courts, but that could messier than the current s
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Jun 26, 2009
Mark
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Remix, the latest from Larry Lessig, is in essence a well-organized long essay/argument from one of the captains of the Copyleft movement. Anyone wanting a springboard to understand the compromise embodied in the Copyleft and/or the Creative Commons licensing, as well as their relationship to the commercial and sharing economies, should pick this up. Remix is thought-provoking, often suggesting further analysis and consideration without specific solutions. After comparing and contrasting "
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Aug 02, 2011
If we want to see our industries of culture and innovation grow we need an alternative to the old copyright system. In this technological era we live in the old system is killing creativity and Professor Lessig has envisioned an approachable solution: hybrid economies. A "remix" between commercial and sharing economies. This book has the details.
Jan 06, 2009
Terry
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The book never really came together. There were a lot of strains regarding cultural organizations, law, and such that were never brought together well. Much like Free Culture, the book didn't have much of an easily state-able central argument exception "de-criminalize youth" and "we need to change copyright".
May 09, 2009
Mercedes
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Lessig thoughtfully explains our "read-write" culture where technologies have allowed us to be more creators than just passive consumers and how copyright laws have not caught evolved yet to embrace this change. It really makes you question why images, music and film are treated so different from text.
Mar 20, 2011
Chrystal
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An accessible, enjoyable read from the (former?) leading expert on remix culture and copyright in the Internet age. While there are definitely weak points in Lessig's thesis, the book offers a good intro to an area of tension between culture and the law that is becoming increasingly pertinent.
Feb 02, 2011
Marti
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I don't buy Lessig's reasoning about our laws (re: copyright) are making criminals of our children--where is the personal responsibility element? But, after studying copyright for awhile now, I'm coming around to a less corporate point of view.
Jan 01, 2012
Frederick
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A book about copyright and intellectual property in the digital age. The author contends that copyright law is outmoded and needs to be revised. It is way too restrictive and stifles creativity.
Mar 24, 2011
Ryan
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Heck it still feels like this book just came out, but it is almost old news now.
If you are watching the internet take over marketing and wondering what to do about it you might want to start here.
If you are watching the internet take over marketing and wondering what to do about it you might want to start here.
Jan 25, 2011
LP
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Larry Lessig makes a convincing case for expanding the definition of fair use. This book ought to make anyone think about intellectual property, copyright, and creative work in a different light.
Nov 15, 2009
Rebecca
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Another one by Lessig that I had to read for a class. Again, very readable but enlightening. I particularly enjoyed his notions about remix content as a form of curriculum for the digital age.
Dec 05, 2008
Brandon
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Great follow-up to Free Culture. Really valuable for its views on how we risk criminalizing our youth with anti-piracy lawsuits. Compelling, highly readable style, as per Lessig's usual.
Jul 31, 2009
Raihan
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Honestly, this book is a little dry but I can see it being a top-tier textbook for a public policy or copyright law class. I enjoyed it. Professor Lessig knows his stuff.
Dec 01, 2008
David
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This is so far the clearest book I've read on how digital culture might be managed into an economy that could benefit musicians and consumers.
Dec 20, 2008
Wish me luck - hopefully I'll actually read it. That should be my New Year's Resolution. Read Nonfiction!
Feb 07, 2012
Eric
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I really enjoyed this book. Lessig is the man, and this book gives good perspective to the SOPA/PIPA fight and related arguments around copyright, intellectual property, etc.
