[zzo38computer]

I think they are more harmful than good (although in the past it might have been more neutral, although I am still against copyright/patent laws in general). I think patents and copyright should be abolished (although trademarks might be useful, although I don't know if the trademark laws should be altered a bit maybe). Stuff I write myself I make it to be public domain because I don't like copyright. Copyright/patents don't promote inventions; they tend to hinder it instead, I think.

[david_w]

What is your counter-argument to people who write for a living and say they need copyright to protect their livelihoods? Say fiction or technical manual writers? It's the entirety of their work product. Should they just find something else to do? How should they be rewarded for their time and effort? Not trolling, just trying to understand how an anti-copyright advocate would argue this case.

[zzo38computer]

Question Copyright has many ideas (and there are also counterarguments in the comments, although there are problems with some parts of some of the counterarguments). I would buy a book if I want a printed copy, at least. There is also possibility of agreeing to write or modify it in exchange for payment, and there is also trademarks (including the "Creator Endorsed" mark), and I am not suggesting to abolish trademarks (although a lot of fair use should be allowed in many circumstances, maybe more than the current laws I don't know). Also, I am not suggesting that someone should be forced to publish something, but if they do, then someone could copy it (if they want to), with or without modifications (although the author should be allowed to specify (if he want to) that altered versions should not be confused with the original version (except for technical compatibility purposes in some cases, e.g. if a file format requires the file to contain the text "This file is authorized by [company name]", then it does, although the documentation that comes with the file would mention that it is not true and is only included for the compatibility reasons)). You can also charge money for a CD, DVD, admission fee for a concert, etc, or even for download if you want to (although I am not advising it, and even if you do, others do not have to change for the download too). If you have not sold any DVDs yet, then nobody is allowed to steal one in order to copy it or trespass on your property in order to make a copy, but once you sell a copy to someone who wishes to copy it, then they can (including format shifting). Also, a company providing it as a service could still have terms of service that say they can terminate your service (but cannot force you to pay for it in this case, unless you have already paid and received the service in exchange) (also, someone can still set up a competing service if they don't like their terms of service, anyways).

[0] https://questioncopyright.org/understanding-free-content