We need a copyright police officer

Usually, when I drive over the speed limit and police officer stops me, he/she asks if I know how fast I was going. I then have the option of answering the rhetorical question or saying that I didn’t know there was a speed limit because I didn’t see the sign. If I can argue my way and prove that the sign was not visible, I can avoid the very expensive ticket and traffic school.

I feel as though copyright laws are similar to going over the speed limit. The sign is there, but who really respects it all the time? And if the driver fails to respect the law, is she/he just going with the flow or is she/he really speeding? Besides, is the driver correct to argue that the sign was not visible? In the same light, I feel as though copyright laws should always be stated clearly on each website where the creator wants his/her products to be used according to the copyright laws. Educators have quite a bit on their plate and always have deadlines and will do things at the last minute. Providing them with easy access to these laws helps the creator better protect their property.

I have presented one side of the argument, the driver’s side. The officer is also right to give the driver a ticket because one should be conscious of when one is driving too fast, no matter how vague too fast may be. We also have the responsibility to teach our students that it is not good to cheat or lie, so we should not be borrowing without permission and using materials in our class that do not rightfully belong to us.

As Lessig argues in his presentation, the internet is giving us and our students a new platform for being creative with our ideas and talents. Yet, at the same time, this creativity is being lost in the web of multiple copies of the same work and the lack of recognition for creativity and originality.

I really liked this week’s topic. I personally do not know enough about copyright laws and I am sure that I am using materials without permission. This chapter gives me enough resources to become better informed and be more respectful of materials posted online and at my disposal.

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