[throw10920]

> I think many proposed solutions to the creator compensation problem end up glossing over a fundamental difficulty: once an easily-distributed work (like anything digital) is in a consumable state (and thus copy-able), it becomes basically free.

You've re-discovered the purpose of copyright laws.

[motoxpro]

Yeah, it might be easier with digital, but once Mickey Mouse gets drawn and becomes popular, drawing him again is super easy for the random artist who can say it is "theirs" and draft off of the millions of dollars Disney spent marketing. Hence the need for copyright.