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by patrickod 4162 days ago
I'd recommend Cory's latest book: "Information doesn't want to be free" where he addresses the problems presented by DRM and other copyright issues. It's a short read but hugely valuable for folks creating digital content. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R4ZJTMO?btkr=1
2 comments

The book is recommended (and the print version is surprisingly attractive). It may be somewhat disappointing if you've been following Cory for a while though as the book doesn't really tread any new ground from his previous works, speeches, etc.

That said, he seems to be trying to hit a different audience with this book and his message is communicated simply enough to make an impact. It seems that hitting a broader audience would be a core mission of this "1201" project with the EFF.

I agree, but would put a more positive spin. The book didn't break open for me any new ideas about the topics that Cory's been super eloquent on in the past... but it was marvelous in it's simplicity and encapsulation of concepts. I felt better for reading it, if only because it provides new ways of communicating these arguments to others.
The positive spin is more fair and accurate. I didn't intent to come off so negative. Part of the reason I've kept reading and listening to Cory is because, as you note, he provides new ways of communicating arguments and it was interesting to see him work to direct this at a broad audience at the same time. For example, at the end of a long section talking about the fluidity between the roles of creator, investor, intermediaries, and audiences in the introduction he closes with: "...and some of the most dedicated audiences are made up of creators themselves (which is why authors are usually photographed standing in front of a wall of other people's books.)"

It's not fully represented in this quote, but when you read that closing line it instantaneously becomes obvious how blurry the lines have always been and how silly many of the distinctions truly are. We're talking about something bigger.

For those preferring fiction, "Pirate Cinema" is both an exciting adventure and a pamphlet against DRM.