If you're on the internet in this day and age, there's a pretty good chance you've either created a remix or adaptation...or you've at least watched one. And you've probably seen an article or video (several, really) on how someone got hit by a copyright claim and either tried to fight it or had to just take down their creation. Remixes, adaptations, and other work that falls in with these are probably the single most instructional tool where copyright and Fair Use are concerned. And that's kind of sad.
But this isn't about how people learn more about copyright from internet projects than they do in school. This is about situations where copyright and remix culture have collided.
For me, this is the really interesting set of stories, because remix culture (and all of its little buddies) are an important part of the autodidact's learning process. (For those new to that term, an autodidact is someone who has learned what they know through personally designed study paths. You might have heard the term "self-directed learner". It's the same thing.)
The legality of remix culture is also important because once upon a time, apprenticeship programs relied heavily on copying a master's work until the apprentice mastered the skills being taught. And today's remix culture has a similar quality when executed correctly and thoughtfully. We can't lose sight of that.
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Copyright for Creatives
Non-FictionWe hear a lot about copyright...when it's coming into play. Celebrities and YouTube Personalities recently sued a game for using their trademark dance without permission. And then a bunch of old stories, poetry, and movies were released into the Pu...
