Copyright Law - some thoughts!

Well, this is a domain that I really know little about nor have much experience with other than abiding by the notices by the photocopiers!!!

Fascinating stuff - I had not realised that copyright applies immediately when an idea is expressed (recorded, written, filmed etc)... so, that means, now that I have selected my copyright licence, anyone who actually uses my material without attribution and/or derivatives is actually breaking the law!!!

I listened to the podcast (go to the wiki to get the link) where Richard Niven, Solicitor and Copyright manager, discusses copyright law (I hope I have adequately referenced here?). Very interesting! I personally make the choice to BUY CDs rather than burn or download. I personally don't think it fair to cheat the system in this way - after all its the musicians that really stand to lose if no one actually pays for their creations... however, I must confess... and I am feeling awkward to admit this in a public forum.... I DO own an MP3 player on to which I put my fave tracks from the CDs I OWN! I had not realised that this was not strictly legal, however, feel comforted that this was discussed as being awkward... afterall, that would mean the MP3 players as devices are actually illegal - they require the user to break the law (how else would you get MP3 files - legally?)... weird. Interested also to hear that this is likely to change (or has done???) with the review of copyright law (please see the aforementioned reference). It sounds like this form of "format shifting" so long as you own a copy of the CD (and retain it) will be permitted.

Interesting too, that taping a TV programme to watch later (if you can not be there to watch it when aired) is only legal if the copied form is kept only as long as reasonably necessary...i.e. delete or tape over once watched!

And how much responsibility will be put on the Internet Service Providers? will the 'P' soon stand for 'Police'? - that is really changing the role of the ISP and putting a huge onus on them to keep the law in check....

Its all a wee bit scarey - mostly in that I feel still slightly unsure about the law and nervous to put a foot wrong... well at least I know that my intentions are not for commercial gain, I do not plan to degrade anybody else's work, or claim it as my own, and any copying will be only for myself and personal education purposes... so, so long as I attribute the author / artist and stay within the copyright act in terms of % of works copied, I should be okay.... however, its THIS BLOG that makes me nervous....