To me, the most important distinction here is the "smell" analogy. Whether or not we agree with content piracy, our assent or dissent is largely moot. It's happening, and it will continue to happen. In this sense, moralistic arguments are somewhat pointless. And legislative attempts -- even if successful -- will succeed only in plugging today's leaks. Innovators will figure out new ones tomorrow. Those in the content business need to make peace with this fundamental reality.
But the fact remains: people who invest a nonzero sum of money in the creation of content would probably like some way to recoup their investment. Or else they need to have deep enough pockets, or deep-pocketed patrons, to be able to abide simply giving it away outright.
I suggest that there's a middle ground between giving all content away (no IP ownership, as some advocate for) and trying to stanch the tide of digital distribution altogether. That middle ground involves differentiating content and price based on audience segments. Those willing to pay can pay for the things they want to pay for. Those unwilling to pay aren't going to pay. It's the job of the content creators to figure out three things: 1) what people are willing to pay for, 2) how to optimize that product to that willing-to-pay segment, and 3) how to convert unwilling-to-pay into willing-to-pay.
This strategy involves carrots, not sticks.
At the risk of getting all self-promotey, I wrote a piece on this topic recently, based on some case studies from the music and publishing worlds:
The real world contradicts the theory that only people with deep pockets or deep-pocketed patrons (other than, y'know, a day job) would create skillful artistic works. People do it for free every single day.
"The real world contradicts the theory that only people with deep pockets or deep-pocketed patrons (other than, y'know, a day job) would create skillful artistic works. People do it for free every single day."
That wasn't what I meant to say, and I apologize if I worded things confusingly.
Rather, my point was that people who spend a lot of money creating content need to recoup that investment, unless they can afford to give it away (or are financially sponsored). I didn't really say anything about quality levels, or about whether a profit motive is necessary in achieving something of skill.
> But the fact remains: people who invest a nonzero sum of money in the creation of content would probably like some way to recoup their investment. Or else they need to have deep enough pockets, or deep-pocketed patrons, to be able to abide simply giving it away outright.
There's a chance that some people may just enjoy creating art without requiring compensation.
Sure, but those people are (by definition) not professional artists. There is a demand for well crafted art, people will certainly pay for it, but the old model (RIAA/MPAA) doesn't work and is counter-productive.
It seems that the question is not "should artists get paid," but "what is the best model for artists to get paid?" For example, if all music everywhere was always free for personal use, musicians would still be able to make money touring and selling merchandise and licensing their songs for commercial use.
True. I'm mainly concerned with the business aspect of the content world, however. I think the world should be able to accommodate both, and so I think it's an interesting exercise to figure out how content actually can be monetized.
If you admit that art will always exist regardless. Then why is it important that it is monetized at all?
Personally I believe that not only arts will exist. But it will also be funded. Just look at kickstarter. But I don't understand why some people feel that we must find them better business models. Art will always exist even if we don't. So why does it matter?
But the fact remains: people who invest a nonzero sum of money in the creation of content would probably like some way to recoup their investment. Or else they need to have deep enough pockets, or deep-pocketed patrons, to be able to abide simply giving it away outright.
I suggest that there's a middle ground between giving all content away (no IP ownership, as some advocate for) and trying to stanch the tide of digital distribution altogether. That middle ground involves differentiating content and price based on audience segments. Those willing to pay can pay for the things they want to pay for. Those unwilling to pay aren't going to pay. It's the job of the content creators to figure out three things: 1) what people are willing to pay for, 2) how to optimize that product to that willing-to-pay segment, and 3) how to convert unwilling-to-pay into willing-to-pay.
This strategy involves carrots, not sticks.
At the risk of getting all self-promotey, I wrote a piece on this topic recently, based on some case studies from the music and publishing worlds:
http://www.dvwlr.com/post/18500285071/piracy-doesnt-matter-b...