Hear, hear. I’m always surprised by the number of ‘artists’ who, in any given discussion on digital distribution of art, chime in with the usual “but copying my work hurts me, denies me a living!”.
“I will not accept the enslavement of my fellow man, nor any imposition upon his liberty, as reward for the publication of my art”
Naturally, you are free to take any liberties you wish with these published works. However, should a privilege ever be granted to constrain your liberty then its holders constrain you thus: the liberties you take may not be withheld from those to whom you give these works (or your combined/derivative works), who you must similarly constrain.
So, dear artist, being your best customer:
I’m pleased to read Bob Blakley’s latest blog entry:
The New Studio
Welcome to the second age of enlightenment Bob, where artists cease their mercenary suspension of each others’ liberty via the unethical privileges of patent and copyright.