Changing attitudes on digital copyright

Michael Rogers Columnist • Profile • E-mail

Memo to Hollywood: Based on reader reaction to last week’s column, "Will Hollywood Lock up Our Movies?," you may actually be able to avoid the online fate of the recording industry (in March, 275 million songs were downloaded illegally versus 25 million online song purchases).  But you’re going to have to choose copy protection that gives buyers flexibility, along with a whole lot of consumer education. And under no circumstances use Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez as spokespeople for the cause. 

The reader reaction, in an unscientific way, suggests a distinct attitude shift since I last addressed the issue of digital piracy in 2003. Back then, my suggestion that the music industry had a right to protect its intellectual property brought a barrage of e-mail, ranging from self-righteous to outright nasty, running more than 90 percent against the industry. 

This time — with movies folded into the mix — there’s been another barrage of e-mail, but this time about 60 percent is in favor of reasonable digital copy protection. It’s not quite clear what’s triggered this change of heart, but it would seem that the rise of legal alternatives like iTunes as well as the greater perceived value of movies are part of the shift.

James H. Smith, Cary, NC: I have to agree with the artist and corporations, even though I am dismayed by the proposed "broadcast flag" and built in control chip concepts. However, it is the thieves that are causing these "innovations" to be developed. I'm not an artist or a media company, but stealing is still stealing, no matter what kind of "liberation" you want to call it. The artist and studios didn't take the time, energy and expense to create their products for nothing. They did it to earn an income and a profit so that they can create more of what we enjoy.

Jeff Tigner, Kent, WA: Why should anyone be able to obtain movies/music, etc., without paying "royalties" to those involved in the production/distribution of said products? You wouldn't walk into a Wal-Mart store and just pick up what you wanted and walk out, and expect there to be no ramifications, would you?

Casey, Montana: This is a real bummer for those of us who follow the rules. I buy movies, CDs and digital television with cash. I have never pirated any of them, as I feel that it is a slap to the face of the talented people who bring us these entertainments. Unfortunately, it is a rising trend that American's feel that they entitled to anything they can get for free.

Daylynne Starr, Tacoma, WA: This is bad news for us who love our movies and TV in the home! However, piracy is getting SOOOOO bad that you can hardly buy a legal copy of a DVD on EBay!  The industry must do something so we can continue to get high quality shows.

Of course, some familiar arguments in favor of personal media piracy still arise:

Ashley, Woodland Hills, CA: If the entertainment industry is so unhappy with consumer piracy, they should start producing buy-worthy products. If they make music or movies that are worth the money I would have to pay, then I will pay.

Somehow this reminds me of the old Woody Allen joke about the two women dining at a resort: “This food is terrible,” says one. “Yes,” replies the other, “and the portions are so small.”

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