an email extract from me to Liew
Just some thoughts:
The desire for a certain item could only be curbed if one's position is threatened or if there is a better item than the first item desired. The strategy of "threatening" through the use of surveillance, punishment and judging the offender to be morally wrong have already been carried out and proven to be ineffective. Humans are usually resilient and would resist by finding other ways of getting what they feel they need and desire for - they could even form a subculture of offenders if they have to, in order to ensure their goal is attained and their existence is maintained.
By instilling fear in them, it could easily backfire - they themselves to distrust the authorities and continue what they are doing. With this distrust, how then to educate them and communicate with them effectively? I agree with the change of "image" that the authorities have and wonder what MPA will do about it. But the change of image must be followed by concrete actions. If we were to adopt EMI/iTunes' way of doing things and also the copyleft strategy, would they really work? I do not know.
But I do believe that it is better to reasonably "give in" (cooperate) by providing a solution and make consumers believe that they are being benefited much more than before (EMI/iTunes) than simply telling them that it is wrong and they should keep on doing this "proper" way instead. Who are we to judge them of their improper-ness? (People usually do not like that, because it is demeaning to themselves)
The idea of copyleft has always fascinated me but to implement it in reality is extremely hard. The Singapore society I think prefers the copyright way of doing things. However, copyright itself takes away freedom from the user and inhibits creativity. This is pretty ironic actually, since Singapore is trying very hard to promote its creative industry, yet limiting people from access to resources (you have to be licensed to do this and that, blah blah blah) and by having whole lot of red tapes everywhere.
Anyway, the idea of copyleft was introduced by us since it is cool :p
I believe people can only be educated if they have the opportunity to be part of the process. Simple as that.
Mr. Brennar looks skeptical though and he should be.
It is another Singaporean identity - to be cautious - which is good because it is a heavy burden that he is bearing and would be answerable for if things do not work. Furthermore, the two ideas proposed by us have yet to show much success as they are still in their infant stages.
Okay someone just smsed me to download a Linkin Park song online. I am in an ethical dilemma.
To get a free one or pay for it?
I do understand the importance of downloading legally, but does it really matter? I am just an end user. I am not an important part of the process. I do not really know how the process goes, so why should I care. I do not want to be part of this capitalist system, I want to be free.... and irresponsible and selfish... how important am I to others in this society? How much will I affect society as a whole?
Life's tragic.
The desire for a certain item could only be curbed if one's position is threatened or if there is a better item than the first item desired. The strategy of "threatening" through the use of surveillance, punishment and judging the offender to be morally wrong have already been carried out and proven to be ineffective. Humans are usually resilient and would resist by finding other ways of getting what they feel they need and desire for - they could even form a subculture of offenders if they have to, in order to ensure their goal is attained and their existence is maintained.
By instilling fear in them, it could easily backfire - they themselves to distrust the authorities and continue what they are doing. With this distrust, how then to educate them and communicate with them effectively? I agree with the change of "image" that the authorities have and wonder what MPA will do about it. But the change of image must be followed by concrete actions. If we were to adopt EMI/iTunes' way of doing things and also the copyleft strategy, would they really work? I do not know.
But I do believe that it is better to reasonably "give in" (cooperate) by providing a solution and make consumers believe that they are being benefited much more than before (EMI/iTunes) than simply telling them that it is wrong and they should keep on doing this "proper" way instead. Who are we to judge them of their improper-ness? (People usually do not like that, because it is demeaning to themselves)
The idea of copyleft has always fascinated me but to implement it in reality is extremely hard. The Singapore society I think prefers the copyright way of doing things. However, copyright itself takes away freedom from the user and inhibits creativity. This is pretty ironic actually, since Singapore is trying very hard to promote its creative industry, yet limiting people from access to resources (you have to be licensed to do this and that, blah blah blah) and by having whole lot of red tapes everywhere.
Anyway, the idea of copyleft was introduced by us since it is cool :p
I believe people can only be educated if they have the opportunity to be part of the process. Simple as that.
Mr. Brennar looks skeptical though and he should be.
It is another Singaporean identity - to be cautious - which is good because it is a heavy burden that he is bearing and would be answerable for if things do not work. Furthermore, the two ideas proposed by us have yet to show much success as they are still in their infant stages.
Okay someone just smsed me to download a Linkin Park song online. I am in an ethical dilemma.
To get a free one or pay for it?
I do understand the importance of downloading legally, but does it really matter? I am just an end user. I am not an important part of the process. I do not really know how the process goes, so why should I care. I do not want to be part of this capitalist system, I want to be free.... and irresponsible and selfish... how important am I to others in this society? How much will I affect society as a whole?
Life's tragic.