A Writing In Regards to Jurisprudence, InkBunny, Art, and Copyright
Some artists seem to be censoring their art because it seems that other less scrupulous individuals have been selling them, posting them where they were not allowed, and generally doing terrible things. More often than not, this is considered theft. . Victimized artists frown upon it.
But then I was hit with a large dose of irony.
One artist engaging in self-censorship as a way to thwart art theft announces quite boldly that he is streaming a full length recently featured film.
Do you see a problem with this?
If not, please allow me to explain. The RIAA and the MPAA both say that streaming copyrighted material to people other than yourself constitutes as distributing pirated material, and that watching or listening to this material constitutes as theft.
The same thing said artist was somewhat upset with when it came to his art begin circulated in places it shouldn't be.
What is even worse, if said artist uses InkBunny to stream the copyrighted material, InkBunny becomes the host and in itself is engaging in illegal behavior, unless the ToS absolves it, but even then the case can still be argued. It seems though that InkBunny only acts as a method of advertising streams rather than providing the service, which absolves it from any action in regards to material copyright. This relieves me greatly.
So I have two huge conflicts.
The first is that I want to see InkBunny be successful. I don't want it to fail. I don't want it discontinued (like Softpaw Magazine). But on the other hand, I don't want to confront people about this issue, as I HATE being the one who spoils the party of others, or getting labeled as some kind of "moralfag." I dislike being called names and I dislike causing trouble.
The second is that I find myself highly frustrated that someone could feel so bothered about their stuff being stolen and used without their permission, and then engage in the behavior they are wanting to discourage. I believe in an equal application of rules and morals, and when such things are not enforced or practiced with the same respect, I find myself puzzled and somewhat disturbed that a person could be so protective about their own work, yet thoughtless with the work of others.
If you, reader, find that you do this, lets not argue about the morality of the situation. That's pointless. Actually, I'd rather you not tell me anything unless you happen to see the irony of this behavior.
The internet is a great thing to share things on, but please, lets share the things WE make and made, rather than what other people have made or make and not given us permission to have done so.
