While browsing the web I came across an interesting article which argues for the abolition of copyright law, http://newasiarepublic.com/?p=29418. The author’s contention is, in a nutshell that content creators and publishers need to become more innovative in how they generate revenue. If authors, for example can not survive in this world of file sharing then they, basically deserve to go out of business leaving the field open to the more fleet of foot.

There exist a number of excellent reasons for opposing this perspective and one of the comments, in response to the piece,from an expert in intellectual property law, does a good job of challenging the contentions promulgated in the article. My own thoughts are as follows. Last Monday I contracted with a plumber to repair a dripping tap in my kitchen. In return for his labour I paid him £40. Imagine the situation, if you will had I refused to pay this honest tradesman. He would, quite naturally have become irate. At worst I would have been taken to the Small Claims Court for not honouring a contract/committing theft and, at best the plumber would have blacklisted me informing other local trades people not to touch that Mr Morris with a barge pole.

We are all, I think in agreement that failing to pay a tradesman constitutes theft, so why should the failure to pay for content which I or any other person has produced be construed as anything other than stealing? Maybe I am obtuse but I fail to see the difference.

I would as always be interested to hear your views.

Kevin