I wanted to briefly point out how Lessig manipulated the end of his argument in his presentation. He points out that “the other side” wants to eliminate copyright and then has the balls to ask ASMP & photographers to help him fight against this.
Does he mention that these anti-copyrightists are people mostly of his own creation? How his presentations and writings for years have encouraged and egged on exactly these sentiments? And that he still encourages these people when he talks about “democratizing” culture? (democratizing = free access to all, according to him, even though that is a bastardization of the concept). No, of course not.
Instead, he takes no responsibility for shifting the cultural attitudes about copyright (and IP protections in general) which has made the idea of having to pay for IP somehow a violation of a natural person’s rights (at least in the minds of an entire generation), but then he flips the table so that he is somehow an advocate FOR IP protection. And then he feigns pathos in asking for our help.
The man has an ego beyond belief. Besides the fact that he started this whole mess just because he cannot admit he was wrong (see previous posts) now he is positioning himself to ASMP and the creative community as the potential savior for IP protection. Nice spin. Here, I have set your house on fire and only I can save you from being engulfed in the flames–you can thank me later.
I seem to remember a history lesson like that…
Leslie-
Lessig did the same turn-about in 2008 when the Orphan Works Legislation was nearly passed in to law.
He inspired the Orphan Works thinking a few years before and when many creative organizations together opposed it, he came out and said that he too opposed the 2008 Orphan Works legistlation as written. (and the Copyright Office promoted it)
However, I do not understand why Lessig be minimized with regards to the discussion. As you said and I wholeheartedly agree, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me, which brings another bit of wisdom, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Lessig and his thinking is extreme and threatening to those the make their living off IP, while he is paid for the same, yet is protected as a educator, (Tenured?)
Ultimately, there will be something that does release IP that is locked up and should be available for society, but protects those making a living off IP. Working with Lessig, knowing his agenda, would I believe be in everyone’s best interest.
Just my thoughts.
Martin
Martin: While the saying about keeping enemies close is an old and often wise one, not here. We already know his agenda, we have nothing to gain from keeping him close, and everything to lose.
-Leslie
Oh, and there is this too: http://tinyurl.com/piratelessig
Leslie-
I don’t believe leaving Lessig out of the discussion gives the ultimate conclusion whatever it is a real final ending.
I agree his thinking is skewed and he does not offer any real value, but many folks already agree with him and if he is not part of the solution, the ultimate solution will not be seen as a real solution.
If Lessig is not included in the discussion he always will be outside banging on the window.
Just my limited thoughts since I have not really followed this since 2008.
Martin
I’m going to be terribly blunt here: screw him. Let him bang on the windows. Just don’t let him in. -L
Looks like this IP protections issue is getting White House attention. See:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/05/19/hearing-america-intellectual-property