thing 10

A quick note to emphasize the importance of copyright and the "damndableness" of needing it. As an amateur who writes music and poetry, I often think about royalty fees and how I could make all this money if I could only sell some of what I write. If I spend a lot of time writing something, I would hope that someone would compensate me for the time spent. The practice of copyright allows for the just recompense on such creative output and ensures that this creative output will continue. On the other hand, when musicians get together to "jam," it doesn't seem to matter who's ideas are used for the improvisation. It is also true that when the community gathers, the community is engaged in the creation and is entertained by that product as well. What is good for the community is also what is good for the individual. No individual is above the good of the community. In some churches, prayer is made on behalf of "the common good." It is where all begins and where meaning is true. It seems to me that the "common good" is in some ways in direct opposition to individual rights; and that if the society moves away from community it will fall apart. People used to sit on the steps of their houses and talk to those who walk by. Today people are so absorbed by the music on their iPods that there is little communication. And so which is better? In today's world the realist understands that one person won't change society by individual actions. So protecting the creative output of individuals is one way to also protect the creativity of the community. Today is December 27th; I thought this had been posted last month but apparently distractions ruled. Isn't that a librarian's real task... to be interrupted?