Sorry Guys but Viacom is right...sort of

Viacom's lawsuit that supposedly threatens the web is hopefully finally going to help us face facts about what and how we should access information on the internet. The lawsuit is against YouTube over copyrighted material that is uploaded on the website.

Obviously, Viacom made this stuff and as things have worked until now if you make something it is yours and if you want to share it you are allowed to charge or not as you feel fit. To make a profit and be able to survive in the world. Well obviously this is true and Viacom is right, people are regularly violating the company's copyright on the web in general, but particularly through web services like YouTube.

But the question is, what should be done? YouTube asks you if you have copyright of what you post. They close accounts of people who violate copyright laws. Both users and YT employees can flag videos for removal. But there really is little way to hold users accountable for their violations. Not only should accounts be closed but fines against violaters be levied. Repeat offenders should face jail, like current copyright laws dictate (nb. I don't know if copyright laws ever say jail is required, but perhaps if fines exceed ability to pay a person goes to jail...I don't really know)

However, I don't think YouTube should be responsible for this prosecution (in the same way record companies can fine DJs for playing music at a wedding for which copyright isn't paid). But YouTube should perhaps develop a mechanism to make it easier for record companies to track down where their music/movies etc are being used/distributed illegally. And contact those users who are violating copyright. I know perhaps it begs some interesting privacy questions, but IP addresses can be tracked, so personal computers can be found (i think). If you're breaking the law, tough shit. Don't break the law and you don't have to worry.

But maybe, media companies need to be more proactive about the whole Web 2.0 revolution and find ways to get their media available for people who want to watch tv on the subway or listen to Canadian Indie Music in Khazakstan. The fact is it's easier for people to move around this vast globe of ours and we clearly want to take our media with us. Companies like Viacom should stop bitching and get to work, from grammaphone to CD through what ever music/media transmission is now (I'm still at somewhere just after CD but I know my luddite ways have kept me well behind current trends) keep innovating new ways (like YouTube) to share media, to be creative and entertain each other. And people will pay for it, but you need to be proactive about it, the fact is if 1.5billion people are watching a film (you have already made a profit on) you can't possible expect them to even pay 1$ for that privelege. Perhaps membership fees, limited access to certain stuff.

I think the porn industry has it about right. Access to a certain amount of media, some free stuff, but membership fees to those who want to use their services heavily. I mean, come on people.