James Monaco replies:

> I don't think this is off topic. In fact, the imminent death of
copyright is maybe the most important topic in film (or books or music)
today. I think it may result--just possibly--in a saner, more lively
culture. And not necessarily at the expense of the author.

Others on the list here know much more about the subject, but I think
it's a bit premature to proclaim the "death of copyright."  Given the
metastisization of what counts as "intellectual property," not to
mention "ownership" issues of celebrity faces, voices, etc., etc., I
don't see a "saner, more lively culture" emerging any time soon.
Terry Gilliam, for example, has remarked that he could never do now
the kind of cut-and-paste animations that he did for Monty Python.  The
internet and various digital media have certainly complicated the
issues, but those who hope to make a buck (or euro or whatever) off
such material will usually find a way.

Don Larsson


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Donald F. Larsson, English Department, AH 230
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN  56001

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