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I don't think it's wise to compare software development with other creative production. Software can provide a quantitative value through functionality to its u

I don't think it's wise to compare software development with other creative production. Software can provide a quantitative value through functionality to its users. Copyleft software often makes sense because it becomes possible to create a community of users that also support the project, making it cheaper and functionally superior for everyone. Media is a much different story, and transforming creators into beggars (as suggested) is not a solution. At that point, creators are competing with their ability to beg, and not their ability to create. Any person with a reasonable amount of self-respect and pride in their work would not tolerate that kind of existence.

chriswarbo 9y ago
Why is it "begging" if, say, a screenwriter does it; but it's "customer aquisition" (or equivalent) for everyone else on the planet?
- madmax96 9y ago
  Because "customer acquisition" means that a business offers something of value, reaches out to entities that might be interested in obtaining that value, and enters into an agreement to supply that value for another value. That process is totally different from asking for donations (which is literally begging -- no value is being offered, but value is expected to be received.) Kickstarter can certainly produce valuable media, but it eliminates the possibility of a small group of people taking a risk on content. That will undoubtedly have major effects on the kind of content that is produced, the question is what will that impact be?
  - chriswarbo 9y ago
    > That process is totally different from asking for donations Whilst donations might work for some, I was mostly talking about doing work (to provide value, e.g. writing, sculpting, etc.) for an amount agreed-upon in advance (either paid to an escrow service, or invoiced afterwards). Movie companies could take on the role of escrow service, rather than their current role as investment vehicle. > (which is literally begging -- no value is being offered, but value is expected to be received.) If 'no value is being offered' by movies, games, etc. then why do people already pay money for things like DVDs? Copyright can't be the reason, since that doesn't compel anyone to buy stuff they see no value in (copyright just restricts who can do the selling).
pmoriarty 9y ago
Content creators can not justly be called "beggars", because they provide services and create goods that people value. Most people recognize this and want these creatives to be rewarded. Sometimes it's done through donations, other times through commissions. Patronage of the arts through these means has been going on for most of human history.

chriswarbo 9y ago

Why is it "begging" if, say, a screenwriter does it; but it's "customer aquisition" (or equivalent) for everyone else on the planet?

madmax96 9y ago
Because "customer acquisition" means that a business offers something of value, reaches out to entities that might be interested in obtaining that value, and enters into an agreement to supply that value for another value. That process is totally different from asking for donations (which is literally begging -- no value is being offered, but value is expected to be received.) Kickstarter can certainly produce valuable media, but it eliminates the possibility of a small group of people taking a risk on content. That will undoubtedly have major effects on the kind of content that is produced, the question is what will that impact be?
- chriswarbo 9y ago
  > That process is totally different from asking for donations Whilst donations might work for some, I was mostly talking about doing work (to provide value, e.g. writing, sculpting, etc.) for an amount agreed-upon in advance (either paid to an escrow service, or invoiced afterwards). Movie companies could take on the role of escrow service, rather than their current role as investment vehicle. > (which is literally begging -- no value is being offered, but value is expected to be received.) If 'no value is being offered' by movies, games, etc. then why do people already pay money for things like DVDs? Copyright can't be the reason, since that doesn't compel anyone to buy stuff they see no value in (copyright just restricts who can do the selling).

pmoriarty 9y ago

Content creators can not justly be called "beggars", because they provide services and create goods that people value. Most people recognize this and want these creatives to be rewarded. Sometimes it's done through donations, other times through commissions. Patronage of the arts through these means has been going on for most of human history.