"Sharing" isn't "Stealing"
There is a difference between "stealing" and "sharing."
If I loan someone a copy of my book, and they read it, have they now "stolen" the content?
What if I was given that particular book by someone else. Are we all therefore, "thieves?"
Or are we only questioning the rights to "electronic" versions of our work. Why?
Should books have a coin slot on them, requiring a payment each time the cover is cracked, by whomever?
These types of debates, over music, video, and now over electronic "books" have been hashed and rehashed so many times that the hash is now mush.
Better still is what I have long advocated, that is, the provision of a site or sites that allow an individual to ANONYMOUSLY contribute a payment to an artist, publisher, or distributor, for the "use" of their work.
Welcome to the Artists, Authors, and Others royalty share site!
Enter the name of the work, artist, or individual to which you would like to contribute:
"Amanda King Rowling"
Several works are attributed to that author. Please select one.
"The Zombie's Guide to Erotic Cooking for Vampires" (copyright 2012 John David, BTW, don't "steal").
Thank you! The suggested share contribution for that title is $1.20 US, although you may contribute more or less. Enter share amount.
$1.20
Thank you! $1.20 has been credited to the account of Amanda King Rowling.
Of course, income from the site can then be TAXED by the appropriate authorities, and SHARED with contributors to the particular work, according to the specific rights agreements that are relevant to it.
Everybody wins!
I believe that most people will, if given the opportunity . . .
Do the right thing.
EDITED: 03/10/13
Since the original publication date of this post, my book Ten Questions was pirated and an unauthorized ebook version was offered for distribution. Despite this, I still stand by my original thesis, that is, there does need to be a mechanism to allow consumers of artistic work to voluntarily contribute to the creator of the work, regardless of the manner by which they acquired it. With a pirated work, there is no attribution to the artist, but mere banditry, as one person takes credit for (and profits from) the work of another. I am vehemently opposed to this type of "sharing."
If I loan someone a copy of my book, and they read it, have they now "stolen" the content?
What if I was given that particular book by someone else. Are we all therefore, "thieves?"
Or are we only questioning the rights to "electronic" versions of our work. Why?
Should books have a coin slot on them, requiring a payment each time the cover is cracked, by whomever?
These types of debates, over music, video, and now over electronic "books" have been hashed and rehashed so many times that the hash is now mush.
Better still is what I have long advocated, that is, the provision of a site or sites that allow an individual to ANONYMOUSLY contribute a payment to an artist, publisher, or distributor, for the "use" of their work.
Welcome to the Artists, Authors, and Others royalty share site!
Enter the name of the work, artist, or individual to which you would like to contribute:
"Amanda King Rowling"
Several works are attributed to that author. Please select one.
"The Zombie's Guide to Erotic Cooking for Vampires" (copyright 2012 John David, BTW, don't "steal").
Thank you! The suggested share contribution for that title is $1.20 US, although you may contribute more or less. Enter share amount.
$1.20
Thank you! $1.20 has been credited to the account of Amanda King Rowling.
Of course, income from the site can then be TAXED by the appropriate authorities, and SHARED with contributors to the particular work, according to the specific rights agreements that are relevant to it.
Everybody wins!
I believe that most people will, if given the opportunity . . .
Do the right thing.
EDITED: 03/10/13
Since the original publication date of this post, my book Ten Questions was pirated and an unauthorized ebook version was offered for distribution. Despite this, I still stand by my original thesis, that is, there does need to be a mechanism to allow consumers of artistic work to voluntarily contribute to the creator of the work, regardless of the manner by which they acquired it. With a pirated work, there is no attribution to the artist, but mere banditry, as one person takes credit for (and profits from) the work of another. I am vehemently opposed to this type of "sharing."
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My overarching point is that if an individual has found benefit in an artist's work, either "accidentally" or otherwise, that there should be a mechanism in place to allow folks to anonymously contribute in support of that artist.Theoretically, I suppose, this concept could even extend to more literal works of "art," perhaps paintings and sculptures, for example. If one viewed a particularly moving work, then they might also be moved to reward the artist financially. Even a nickel, dime, or quarter per "view" (multiplied by many thousands) would help support many a starving artist, and would nourish the creative spirit of the arts, and of the nation.
If you were receiving a monthly "share" amount from anonymous donors, you might feel less angry and cheated by the online "sharing" of your work. I know that some folks are leery of "legitimately" purchasing certain genres of literature, for fear that their names and "predilections" might be uploaded into some database somewhere.
When viewed from this perspective, we authors and artists would be providing a mechanism for such folks to anonymously "purchase" our work.
Life--Observed and Reported
Read at your own risk.
Your opinion may vary.
Comments are welcome.
Your opinion may vary.
Comments are welcome.
- John David's profile
- 31 followers
I know I've used shareware software without paying. But then I've also used shareware software for which I have paid. I suppose the difference was in how much I liked it. In the last year, I've sent voluntary contributions to the guy who made adblockers (I LOVE ad-free web browsing!) and the guy who made Social Fixer (that makes my Facebook work better). Both of those ask for voluntary contributions. I wonder if each of them is making enough money? Interesting question.
I give some of my electronic work away free. But when I do, it's *my* decision. I choose which story, and when. I do feel angry and cheated when I find my work posted for free on some file-sharing site. It hasn't happened too often, and I've been fortunate, I suppose, in how quickly the sites have responded in taking my work down when asked.