I think my reference to "the Golden Rule," was misinterpreted to "eye to eye" or similar.
It is not what is done or offered should be replicated (referencing those who are thrilled to have their work enjoyed, and endless copies employed). The analogy would be; if one was poor and starving, they are more entitled to steal bread than a wealthy person or one who isn't as hungry? Theoretical or moral debate can go on, but the core of it all, is it is still stealing. Heart and logic engaged, one would realize that purchases of designed material are intended for individual use, and one naturally may prefer to make a copy to keep their original intact. A kind heart could be endeared by someone to make another copy for a friend who cannot afford the book, etc. Of course this kind of coffee klatch thing has gone on, but as I say to my children, "Just because everyone is doing it, doesn't mean it is right." The core of it is, whether one is thinking of the source or not, and whether they are giving carte blanche to share (rare) or not, it is still stealing, as one is taking from another to benefit personally (perhaps in the most positive interpretation; to be seen as a nice person, but still, an agenda veiled in nice, regardless). The Golden Rule engages two things: not only justice, but empathy and consideration. This is what is missing within moral code, and unfortunately needs to be regulated by law, initiated by those who have been harmed. My point is that if one thought of others as much or more than oneself, then much of this would fall to the wayside. Ultimately, and overly simplified, copyright is to protect the originator from the profiteering of another, by renaming/reusing the work (and portions in degree) as their own for profit, or using it to produce items for sale for profit, etc. There are those who argue to one extreme about even a working copy being legal, or even reselling an original item (as you used the original pattern and then it is passed on to another to do same, thus the originator is shortchanged). The other extremes, we have awareness of. Even if someone does their work as charity, they have to pay their expenses, and not asking for some equity in the purchase and replication undermines those fairly need to be compensated for theirs. The Golden Rule would include if we are being fair to our fellow authors or designers. Has this undervaluing not, in many ways, been a major contributor to it's decrease? We are working to share and inspire, but also create value for our works. For instance, those who are working for artistic and right brained creations, to be valued as much as those of technical left brained and better paid jobs. (General categories for simple conveyance of concepts). Will you pay your computer tech $100 an hour to mostly sit and watch your system run, vs. balk at paying a seamstress $20 an hour to sew a dress or an artist to paint a picture? This doesn't even begin to address in many places, how compensation would vary if a man was doing it, vs a woman. The Golden Rule engages not only the person replicating the publication for themselves and/or others, thinking about what they are actually doing, and how that affects the author, publisher, bookseller, etc. That also includes someone undervaluing their work with a low price, or giving undefinable permission so it compromises their peers, which limits others from contributing, as perhaps they cannot donate all of their time and funds for free (or at a loss). Some go into situations wondering what they can contribute to the benefit of the whole, and most go in thinking about what they can get out of it. We are all interconnected, and what goes around, comes around. I still feel that if one checks in within, one knows what is truly appropriate or not, and the essence of the Golden Rule, is the singular best concept I can engage to qualify, what in essence is inate and constantly in attendance, (but too frequently ignored). Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
