Help! Distributing old shows, and thoughts on the morality/legality thereof - 11/16/05 01:29 AM
Hi guys,
I have to write a term paper for my 'ethics and law on the digital frontier' class. We're pretty much allowed to pick our own topics; at first I was all set to write about fanfic, but someone did that last term and my professor didn't seem too keen on the idea of me covering the same ground again. So for the moment I'm considering writing about fan distribution instead, and I'm curious to see what other people think about the issue.
For instance, I downloaded copies of L&C when there were no DVDs to be had. When the copyright holder refuses to capitalize on a franchise, what harm does it do for the fans to make do with what they have? When the DVDs came out, I bought them, so personally I see no harm done. Of course, that's easy for me to say since I'm not the copyright holder
Or, for another example, I've downloaded episodes of Muppet Babies in the past. I adored that show as a child, to the point of having my own troupe of imaginary muppet babies instead of imaginary friends. But there are no DVDs or videos available and no plans to release them. Someday I'd like to be able to show Muppet Babies and the other shows I grew up with to my own children (especially if it means I can prevent them from watching some of the garbage that's on TV today), and it upsets me that they're not available. Is it wrong of me to download them? Any thoughts? Are there other shows people would like to see released? (Obviously there are a lot of shows someone somewhere would like to see, but I'm interested in the specific things people here want.)
Also, years ago I remember someone posting a link to a website that maintained a library of video tapes of shows that were no longer on the air. They would make copies for you for the cost of tapes and postage. I'm not even sure if they're in business anymore, but I wanted to see if they could tell me anything. Does anyone remember what they were called or what their web address was?
Or, since the knowledge and resources of this community never fail to amaze me, if anyone has anything else to add I'd be happy to hear it
Thanks!
Kaylle
I have to write a term paper for my 'ethics and law on the digital frontier' class. We're pretty much allowed to pick our own topics; at first I was all set to write about fanfic, but someone did that last term and my professor didn't seem too keen on the idea of me covering the same ground again. So for the moment I'm considering writing about fan distribution instead, and I'm curious to see what other people think about the issue.
For instance, I downloaded copies of L&C when there were no DVDs to be had. When the copyright holder refuses to capitalize on a franchise, what harm does it do for the fans to make do with what they have? When the DVDs came out, I bought them, so personally I see no harm done. Of course, that's easy for me to say since I'm not the copyright holder
Or, for another example, I've downloaded episodes of Muppet Babies in the past. I adored that show as a child, to the point of having my own troupe of imaginary muppet babies instead of imaginary friends. But there are no DVDs or videos available and no plans to release them. Someday I'd like to be able to show Muppet Babies and the other shows I grew up with to my own children (especially if it means I can prevent them from watching some of the garbage that's on TV today), and it upsets me that they're not available. Is it wrong of me to download them? Any thoughts? Are there other shows people would like to see released? (Obviously there are a lot of shows someone somewhere would like to see, but I'm interested in the specific things people here want.)
Also, years ago I remember someone posting a link to a website that maintained a library of video tapes of shows that were no longer on the air. They would make copies for you for the cost of tapes and postage. I'm not even sure if they're in business anymore, but I wanted to see if they could tell me anything. Does anyone remember what they were called or what their web address was?
Or, since the knowledge and resources of this community never fail to amaze me, if anyone has anything else to add I'd be happy to hear it
Thanks!
Kaylle