TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
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<< Napster wasn't shutdown because of the thin argument that it ignored an
artist's rights; it was shutdown because it left greedy copyright
holders -- not necessarily the artist -- out of the payment loop. >>
I think "greedy" is an awfully strong word to use. People who own something (i.e., the right to reproduce and distribute a work, whether it's an article or a song) shouldn't be expected to give it away simply because technology makes it possible.
<< As this relates to (technical) writing, the goal of most writers is to be read. >>
Actually, I doubt most technical writers follow the "starving artist" model... at least not in our tech writing lives. My goal is to pay the mortgage on time every month.
<< The goal is not to become rich off of the copyright, because this is sure to lead to the work not getting read. >>
Yeah, tell that to Stephen King... ;-)
<< Getting read by large numbers of people has its own rewards, direct and indirect. >>
Personally, I would agree with that statement for non-work-related writing, but as a tech writer, it doesn't apply. I don't own the copyright to anything I produce here, obviously, but those "greedy copyright holders" are the ones signing my paycheck. We lose thousands of dollars in sales every year because people copy our materials instead of buying them, and you know what? It does *not* make me happy. I am not basking in the warm glow of their appreciation. I guess you'd consider me greedy too. What can I say... baby needs new shoes. ;-)
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Tracy Boyington tracy_boyington -at- okcareertech -dot- org
Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education
Stillwater, OK http://www.okcareertech.org/cimc
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