Copyright

What do I know about copyright? Almost nothing at all, that was until Mr. Hardin gave us his presentation on the subject of copyright. I definitely learned a lot about the topic of copyright that I never knew before. For example, I learned that not only is copyright for our protection, but it is the government assurance that one will receive all profits and control over one’s property. In addition to this, the U.S. will protect an author’s work for his/her lifetime plus 70 years after his/her death. Another fun fact is that copyright laws date as far back 1790 and is part of our Constitution. Out of everything I learned, the topic that I found most interesting was fair use. Under title 17 we have the right to use anyone’s work-if it follows the 4 government descriptions of fair use: our purpose of the use, the nature of the work, the amount reproduced, and the effect our use has on the right holder’s revenue stream.

“If it’s free then I can have it.” This is a problem that has continuously been growing for some time now amongst Internet users. Movies that are in theaters can be watched from a computer; software one would usually have to buy is now available for free; there is no song one can’t find for the free. Some think that it’s ok to do all of these things, one can save one’s money and still enjoy these products so who wouldn’t do it right? Wrong. We no longer are willing to support the people behind all the products that we use and that is unfair. These people work hard and so they should be paid, no one would hand over their hard work for free would they? So be respectful and support the products that you love.

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