[Nottingham] Media Centre Linux distro?

[Jason Irwin]

On 09/05/12 09:00, Michael Erskine wrote:
> These particular laws are artificial constructs: just a way of
> ensuring (enforcing) a revenue stream. 
That wasn't the original plan, it was to ensure the creator could earn a
crust but now corporate machinations have taken over.  Many creators are
salaried (e.g. animators) and the copyright is owned by a non-human,
immortal entity (the company).  The companies also have form for
screwing over the artists they employ/represent (e.g. Harry Potter made
a loss!).

In the fight to overthrow the corporate hold on cluture I fear that a
large middle-ground of artists might be getting it in the neck.  They
derive funds from directly their work and are thus at direct risk of
piracy (the real minnows are more at risk from obscurity than piracy).
Piracy is no real risk for the majors anyway.  Despite being heavily
pirated the new Avengers movie just broke box office records (grossing
US$200mill).  Piracy is thought to have knocked about 0.5% off the top
(that is assuming that every piracy was a lost theatre sale; it probably
wasn't).  So for around US$1-2mill, corporates want to slaughter our
culture and make copyright a effectively tax for future generations.
That cannot be right.

I am not sure what the answer is, but I do think the laws need revisited
as the balance has shifted too far in favour of the corporates which is
bad for society, bad for art and bad for the artists.  By "art" I mean
any creative process; painting, music, acting, writing etc.

> it is tough to opt out.
No it isn't.  It just a matter of doing so and not buying their output.

Plenty of good music on Jamendo and Magnatune, plenty of good movies
coming out via other channels ("The Tunnel", "Iron Sky").  You won't see
any major players and you will have to seek out decent stuff ("Rathole
Radio" might be of help).  Personally I am not incensed enough to do so
(yet), but I do try my best to avoid the major cinema companies and
frequent the independents like the Savoy (cheaper too).

So even if one doesn't want to give up one's Miley Cyrus fan club
membership just yet, there are still things one can do.

You may wish to check out UK rapper "Dan Bull" to see what he thinks of
the matter.  Rather funny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZUSn7I-zNo

-- 
Jason Irwin