[ja27]

For a while I've been trying to think of other fields where this will happen. iStockPhoto has already expanded into stock video, stock illustrations and stock audio (environmental and music). It's also clearly happening with written articles and perhaps even entire books.

What's next? Software? 3D models?

[olefoo]

You already see that with software both GNU and non-GNU. The internet means that any good that can be reduced to bits on the wire will become widely available at low or no cost. And it's not just piracy, but competition between substitutes that cost almost nothing to reproduce. Automated fabrication means that this is beginning to happen to physical goods as well.

What you see happening is producers competing against all other producers in their field, past and present.

Uniqueness, originality and authenticity become the premium values for any creative work.