About the Book:
Over the last decade or so, file sharing has become a widespread phenomenon. As much as having the possibility of exchanging information almost instantaneously can represent a blessing in terms of communication and progress, it obviously opens the door to pursuits that enjoy a far less angelic reputation.
Still, the overall picture suggests that a significant number of internet users participate in such ill-famed activities. Considering this state of affairs, could illegal file sharing actually be a positive process for those downloaders, and for the collectivity alike ? The question is generally approached from the angle of its economic impacts, but there is evidently more to the issue than its pecuniary dimension. Takers Economy proposes an alternative look at illegal file sharing in light of the role of art in society, and in the context of the oneness of all beings and things.
In addition, the inquiry explores the global picture from which the circumstances emerge, and attempts to characterize the underlying culture that gives rise to them. Finally, the essay introduces a philosophy of endosymbiotism that aims to foster attitudes and behaviours that accord with the ethics of the inherent unseparateness of being.
My Thoughts:
How many of you download? I am sure we all do it, I have an iTunes and Amazon account so I download music from time to time. Of course all of the songs are paid for but there many people who don’t pay for it. I was surprised by how many actually don’t and how big it has become. I am guilty however of some of things that Stewart talks about without realizing it. For example watching an innocent YouTube video where there is music playing and the artist has not given their permission to use their work. It is something we don’t think of. I have one video I posted on YouTube where there is some music playing in the background but YouTube recognized it and credit is given. All in all Takers Economy is a decent read but can be a bit wordy at times.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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Sounds like an interesting read, since this topic is so controversial.
File sharing was something that was so popular in college. but I was scared to do it
This sounds like an interesting take. I think that what is happening is a drastic change in business-models for traditional music, film, and art promoters, The whole “contract with a record company” aim is becoming outdated. In the past I owned the record when I went to the store and bought it. I could share it as often or give it away as I pleased as long as I didn’t use it for personal profit without permission, and there were checks in place to see that I didn’t. But those old rules don’t apply to downloads when the ability to download removes the trip to the store to buy the copy. I don’t know what will replace it, but I hope that in the end more will go to the artists.
I don’t believe most people are “pirates” or thieves for downloading. I think we are just exercising new wys of doing things that don’t yet have a fair set of rules yet in place.
Sounds like an interesting read for sure I know alot of people who illegally download I prefer not too because one its breaking the law and two i sure dont want a virus on any of my devices. I never even thought about YouTube I’ve posted videos of my kids dancing to music that isn’t giving credit to the artists.
I know some people who have downloaded music knowing it was illegal. One time someone I knew did it and their computer got a nasty virus that costed them a lot to remove. Hopefully they learned their lesson there!