Comment Re:Time to put an end to the "monopoly" myth (Score 1) 284
Well said.
Many people seem to forget that copyrights, patents, etc. were created with two purposes in mind:
1. Create an economic incentive for creators/inventors (the means)
2. Create a benefit for society by increasing the general body of knowledge (the end)
#2 is often ignored and it seems there are even some people who think that #1 = #2.
I think there is another model that would accomplish these goals far better than the current system. Oddly enough, it is currently in use in the radio industry. Consider that when a radio station plays a Celine Dion song, for example, she does not get to decide on how much the station must pay her. She also cannot prevent them from playing her songs. The radio station must pay a central authority a certain amount based solely on the number of times they play her songs.
I believe the same should happen with patents and copyrights.
Think about it. This would allow inventors and creators to focus on their work, rather than becoming distracted by the need to protect and control their creations and ideas. Also, they would benefit directly in proportion to the usefulness of their creations. Finally, this would take the control away from creators and allow anyone who is willing to pay the royalties the ability to produce goods based on these creations. It seems a win-win situation for everyone involved. This would also prevent the behavior, which I find offensive, of sitting on ideas or creations and preventing their use and benefit for society.
Many people seem to forget that copyrights, patents, etc. were created with two purposes in mind:
1. Create an economic incentive for creators/inventors (the means)
2. Create a benefit for society by increasing the general body of knowledge (the end)
#2 is often ignored and it seems there are even some people who think that #1 = #2.
I think there is another model that would accomplish these goals far better than the current system. Oddly enough, it is currently in use in the radio industry. Consider that when a radio station plays a Celine Dion song, for example, she does not get to decide on how much the station must pay her. She also cannot prevent them from playing her songs. The radio station must pay a central authority a certain amount based solely on the number of times they play her songs.
I believe the same should happen with patents and copyrights.
Think about it. This would allow inventors and creators to focus on their work, rather than becoming distracted by the need to protect and control their creations and ideas. Also, they would benefit directly in proportion to the usefulness of their creations. Finally, this would take the control away from creators and allow anyone who is willing to pay the royalties the ability to produce goods based on these creations. It seems a win-win situation for everyone involved. This would also prevent the behavior, which I find offensive, of sitting on ideas or creations and preventing their use and benefit for society.
