In fairness, one issue here is whether we want to permit the development of a professional class of writers, which is what copyright (when done right) facilitates. Prior to the development of the printing press, and even afterward (previous to copyright, printers were licensed and no one else could use the technology), writers were either independently wealthy or made money in other ways -- such as patronage. Even after the development of copyright, most writers did not make their money exclusively from copyright but from paid appearances.
Still, copyright facilitates a class of professional writers by making it possible for people who have the skill to write to receive royalties. Interestingly, however, the real money out of copyright is not in creation, but in control of distribution. This is why many professional writers often have other jobs, because only a small percentage of professional writers live comfortably from royalty payments. Many professional writers are salaried, paid commissions, or have other, non-writing sources of revenue. But the highly profitable distribution system makes it possible to support these writers better than if they had to rely on a wealthy patron's personal largess.
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Date: 2009-07-08 01:54 am (UTC)In fairness, one issue here is whether we want to permit the development of a professional class of writers, which is what copyright (when done right) facilitates. Prior to the development of the printing press, and even afterward (previous to copyright, printers were licensed and no one else could use the technology), writers were either independently wealthy or made money in other ways -- such as patronage. Even after the development of copyright, most writers did not make their money exclusively from copyright but from paid appearances.
Still, copyright facilitates a class of professional writers by making it possible for people who have the skill to write to receive royalties. Interestingly, however, the real money out of copyright is not in creation, but in control of distribution. This is why many professional writers often have other jobs, because only a small percentage of professional writers live comfortably from royalty payments. Many professional writers are salaried, paid commissions, or have other, non-writing sources of revenue. But the highly profitable distribution system makes it possible to support these writers better than if they had to rely on a wealthy patron's personal largess.