GOOD AND BAD

After watching the film Good Copy, Bad Copy, I realized there really are a lot of technicalities of copyrighting and pirating. It is not black or white and there are many gray areas that need to be determined and reevaluated in the eyes of the law.  This film shows both sides of each argument as well as an understanding for both sides of this issue. I think this film shines a great light on how important it is to discuss these issues further, due to all of the new technology that has been developed over the past couple years. It is hard for me to give a hard opinion for either side because I agree with both sides to a certain extent.

The beginning of the film brings up the term “Sampling”. I am familiar with this practice because I am very intrigued when it comes to the music business. I learned a lot about how illegal it actually is and how artists, sometimes, do not receive the credit that is deserved. While I agree that sampling should be limited and not taken advantage of, I also think that there should be a new law implemented with new terms and conditions regarding this process. I think that sampling should be aloud for much less than produces and record labels currently have it for now, which are millions of dollars for only a couple seconds of that song. I understand that they want to make money off of their original creation, but I do think that there should be some leniency, especially if there is credit being given in whatever is being created and they are being compensated for what is being used for a lesser price. I feel artists and producers should be honored that people want to sample their music or riffs or drum solos, to create something fresh and new but still want to keep the classics. I think sampling is an excellent way to be able to show younger generations where good music has originated. It was interesting to learn that Djs or people like Girl Talk, are at risk for their creativity even though they are just another medium getting artists even more heard than they already are. (3:26).

As for the topic of piracy, I do not agree with recording movies or TV shows and selling them for a cheaper price. They are not just “sampling” the product; these people are easily ripping the original creators off because they know people will sacrifice lessened quality for a much cheaper price. People worked very hard and spent a lot of money on sets, and actors and storylines, and they shouldn’t be taken advantage of for that. Movies and T.V series eventually get old and go on sale anyway so if someone really wants to view something and can’t afford it, they can either wait or watch it with someone who can afford to see it. I know this sounds harsh but companies like Pirate Bay and other torrent sites deserve a much harsher punishment because no one is being compensated for them selling these things or streaming them over the Internet. I understand that it is not illegal in other countries but if a movie is made and produced in America, then I believe that they should have jurisdiction if things like this is going on. (14:00).

The last part of the film that was interesting to me was the part about the Internet being a way of producing a mixture of cultures. I think this is so true and extremely relevant to our generation nowadays. Everything is being mixed together. Black, White, Spanish, every type of artists are being thrown together to form another sound or another collaboration that I find to be amazing. People are creative and I don’t think that this should be inhibited. I agree with moderation and appropriate compensation, but I do not think people should be punished for being creative and making a new art form. The world is changing at a fast pace and even faster now thanks to the Internet and technology that has been developed. No one should be liable because they happen to take advantage of these resources. (55:00).