I've been nearly completely inactive in my social networks since mid-July or so. Not that I wouldn't have liked to participate, but I have been engrossed in the redaction of the above essay.
When I tackled the project, I thought it would take a few weeks at most, and that I would be able to maintain my regular pace in other activities. However, I soon realized that the endeavour required great amounts of attention, and that the most efficient way of discharging the task was to dedicate as much time as I could to it, as quickly as practicable, so that it wouldn't drag on forever.
I finished the first draft a little over one week ago, and the final revision was completed yesterday. If the process was more protracted and demanding than originally expected, it nonetheless led to some very interesting insights and discoveries, notably in terms of the implications of the oneness of all things and beings, and with regard to the existing initiatives and organizations that work to improve the conditions of creators and inventors.
Essentially, the document elaborates on the points that I had attempted to convey in concise form through several conversations held in June and July, which in retrospect weren't the best context for such an exercise. In hindsight though, there was clearly something impelling me to finally voice my position on the question, after I had silenced it for too long. Given all that is expressed in the text, I doubt that it would have been possible for me to come up with an effort as exhaustive any sooner. So, perhaps the timing was perfect, or at least better than I reckoned when I began writing.
I am glad that the undertaking gave me the opportunity to explain my conception of art and of its nature, value, and function, as I had tried to achieve this in the past, but circumstances had ultimately prevented me from attaining the objective.
Hopefully, the perspectives that I offer on the issue of illegal file sharing and its consequences in the lives of downloaders, artists, and the whole of society, will prove useful and enlightening to many readers.
To access the essay, simply click in the embedded reader above to enter the full page view mode, or follow the « Read on Issuu » link if you want to download it for free.
The description follows below. I wish you a most enjoyable reading !
Over the last decade or so, file sharing has become a widespread phenomenon. As much as having the possibility of exchanging information almost instantaneously can represent a blessing in terms of communication and progress, it obviously opens the door to pursuits that enjoy a far less angelic reputation.
Still, the overall picture suggests that a significant number of internet users participate in such ill-famed activities. Considering this state of affairs, could illegal file sharing actually be a positive process for those downloaders, and for the collectivity alike ?
The question is generally approached from the angle of its economic impacts, but there is evidently more to the issue than its pecuniary dimension.
« Takers Economy » proposes an alternative look at illegal file sharing in light of the role of art in society, and in the context of the oneness of all beings and things.
In addition, the inquiry explores the global picture from which the circumstances emerge, and attempts to characterize the underlying culture that gives rise to them.
Finally, the essay introduces a philosophy of endosymbiotism that aims to foster attitudes and behaviours that accord with the ethics of the inherent unseparateness of being.
Comments
Hi christopher, you have takers and sharing in the same title, is that a little contradictory.
Though, internet file sharing is the least of our concerns, I would look at the real systems that take and share very little in return for that taking, like money systems, real estate, taxes, etc, etc..
These are the true parasitic systems, that compel humanity to compete with one another over a false illusion of lack of resources of basic needs.
There is no lack of anything, only a lack of will and compassion to see that all needs are met.
The main CAUSE of people not sharing freely in all areas of human creativity, is due to these other taker systems.
Whereby, these taker systems, such as the monetary system, compel inventors, artists, etc. to charge or place conditions upon the sharing freely of these creations, in order for them to acquire the ink paper (money) to pay for their basic needs.
This formula is a recipe for disharmony, poverty, hardship and a general lack of true progress in humanity cultures.
The reason it causes a lack of true progress, is because every new vested interest that comes along, will fight to keep whatever monopoly creation is created, to enable the most money to be siphoned from such endeavor and prevent any competition, even if this competition would improve the lives of humanity.
Money and all other taker systems, cause a resistance to sharing freely and thus, cultures will stagnate or people will realize the problem and make choices to change things.
One choice is, sharing freely files on the internet, so people that don't have the ink paper to buy movies, books, etc, etc. can enjoy these things, whereas, without this sharing, they could not enjoy these things.
This same principle applies to all areas of human life, meaning, if people shared food freely as some share internet files, their would be no hungry people.
Same also applies to the so called land owners, land lords, governments that think they own the land, etc, etc., if these people and groups shared freely the land and its use, would any human go without a house or shelter.
So what system is in place, that causes these humans and groups of humans to resist sharing freely all these things, well, as i said, monetary systems are the main impediment to humans sharing freely and the idea of property and ownership. What good is property or ownership (copyright) when a culture goes down the toilet because of these ideas and systems, then what good is that copyright or so called ownership, it becomes worthless, just like the ink paper they create to dominate peoples and cultures.
peace love light