[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

I was careful to use the term "intellectual property", rather than simply "writing".

It still costs megabucks to make a blockbuster movie. Creating the software programs that enable electronic publishing still costs hundreds of millions. For that matter, almost all of the cost of computer hardware is in the intellectual property embedded within it. A huge chunk of the economies of the U.S., and other western nations is in the form of intellectual property.

That doesn't mean that reform of the laws isn't required. Clearly, copyrights for books, music, etc. are for too long a period. Sites like FR should be able to post articles for comment. Also, people should be entitled to make backup copies of their music and movie collection. Just so long as there is sufficient remuneration to cover expenses, and pay the creators for their work.

When it comes to writing -- so much crap is being published that it is now worth paying not to see most of it.

[muawiyah]

Still, "writing" is the greater part of all intellectual property ~ so whatever laws are written must DEAL WITH WRITING FIRST.

Pictures will, no doubt, receive short shrift.