> 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.

> 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).