Re: Some Thoughts on Copyright Term

On Fri, 6 Nov 1998, Lance Purple <lpurple[_at_]netcom.com> wrote:
>
> Look at Disney, the ones who screech the loudest for copyright
> term extensions to keep their early works out of public domain.
> The first six animated films Walt ever made in 1922 were based
> on public domain stories from "Kinder- und Hausmarchen" (1918)
> by the Brothers Grimm.
>
> And Disney has kept at it. Here is a list of all 36 videos in
> their "Disney Classic" series, with asterisks next to the 40%
> of them which are based on public domain works.
>
> * Snow White and Seven Dwarfs (Classics #1)
> * Pinocchio (Classics #2)
>

[snip]
>
> The arts are NOT a zero-sum game, and when entities like Disney
> have profitted so immensely from the public domain, they have
> an obligation to give materials BACK to the public domain.

Disney's profits flow from considerable investment of money, time, and creativity. Their retelling of classics is unique. Why should their opportunity (and yours) be cut short?

You too can use Snow White etc. without infringing the Disney property. If wish to "quote" some specific text, music, or image, you can apply for permission. If permission is denied, you can create an alternative. What is the problem?

Albert Henderson, Editor, PUBLISHING RESEARCH QUARTERLY <70244.1532[_at_]compuserve.com> Received on Tue Nov 10 1998 - 23:30:29 GMT