Sunday, September 4, 2011

Wk1: BlogResponse - Alicia Welch


Wk 1 - Copyright

In watching the videos on Copyright and Fair Use, I believe that I am even more confused than before. I have to admit that concerns about copyright have been one of my biggest challenges throughout EMDT. When we all began the program, about 10 months ago, it was stressed to us that plagiarism unacceptable - something I am sure we all already knew. However, as we continued, we began to utilize material in our projects and performances. This materials was often found on the web. This is the material that I have shied away from. Even though a source is referenced, I was concerned about how the copyright laws could effect me. Several times I did not use something, like a piece of music or photo, because I was concerned about where it would fit into the context of the copyright laws.

In watching these videos, I can see how copyright could protect me as well as the original creator of the work. There are also many grey areas. Areas that copyright could be pushed too far. It was stated that ' a small bit' could be used in specific circumstances? That leads to the question, how small is a small piece. What if I use too much? What then? As you can probably tell, I am somewhat of a black/white person. I have to admit that I am uncomfortable with these broad definitions.

1 comments:


dhburch said...
Alicia, there are big time gray areas. I think the very fact that each major court case has to be contested and the decisions interpreted shows that instances can be found that support both sides in most cases. You mentioned that your concern was mainly in the use of material you are creating, This is an important concern and I struggle with it also, but I am even more concerned with how to teach copyright observation to my graphic design students. There is always the "thou shalt not steal" answer, but many designs offer homage or significant change to lexicons of modern culture. Just as brand names like "Kleenex" or "Catsup" were once privately owned names and have now become household with words with expired rights, the images, phrases, songs and movies that are part of our culture should be available to be referenced in new art. Where is that line drawn in a practical way? How does national law (not to mention non-existent international law) keep pace with a globally collaborative digital society?

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