[geoschmo]

[quote]Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:

So, I propose that if we allow mere possession of a work to count as 'fair use' after a reasonable length of time we could possibly allow copyright on exploitation to continue for the author's lifetime with no problems. You wouldn't be able to lift 'Satisfaction' by the Stones and use it in a movie soundtrack, or perform a cover Version with your own band. Just have a copy in your possession. 10 years, 20 years. I dunno. Something like that. Allowing people to experience their own culture without being taxed/fined/persecuted would go a long way towards restoring respect for copyright law.

This sounds great. In fact I would be in favor of a "Fair use" clause, but (there's always a but) how does that apply to the "sharing" of it. I think almost any reasonable person would agree that if you bought a copy and wanted to give that copy to someone you'd have that right. But does that translate into the right to copy it and give the copy, or give the original and keep the copy? That is the whole crux of the dispute as it relates to Napster.

Would giving copies away qualify as fair use in your mind or exploitation? With technology advancing to the point where a copy is for practical purposes indistinguishable from the original that becomes a problem.

Geo