This article is not specifically about the Internet and politics. However, since
our politicians make our laws, and this article relates to the Internet, here it
is.

I have used many peer-to-peer networks. In fact I have been using Napster-like
networks for over thirty years!

I don't need a computer and they are available just about anywhere. They are
also legal.

I am in a coffee shop. I want to read a newspaper. I don't have to buy one;
there is always somebody that will give me their paper when they are done with
it. When I finish reading it, I give it to someone else. Some people even leave
their copies on the table when they leave.

What do I do when I finish reading a good novel? I pass it on to a friend. They
do the same when they finish that book. Others pass on books to me. I also go to
the library where I can borrow books, CDs, videos and DVDs.

Many people sell used books and CDs at yard sales. There are also many used book
and CD stores.

I buy new and used CDs. I listen to them at home, in my car, on a portable CD
player, and so on.

However these everyday activities take on a different set of rules in
cyberspace. Does this make sense?

I respect the copyright laws and believe the concept of copyright is necessary.
I make my living as a writer, musician, and photographer. I lose when people
don't respect my copyrights.

However, the concept of usage and copyright must adapt as technology evolves.

I believe that legally purchased MP3s may be played on as many different devices
as necessary. That person also has the right to make as many copies as they
desire for their personal use.

Quite simply, if somebody plans to illegally distribute copyrighted materials
they will. They will find a way to bypass the copy protection scheme.

Don't penalize the innocent. They outnumber those that break the law.

The same concept applies to eBooks (digital books). There is no reason why I
can't read one version on my desktop computer, laptop, and handheld computer.
Heck, I will even let someone read an eBook on my laptop as I read it.

I use the Creative Commons licenses (creativecommons.org) to protect my works.
This organization provides me with a variety of licenses that give people more
flexible use of my works. For example, one license I often use allows people to
reproduce my work as long as they agree to 3 requirements:

1. They credit me as the author
2. They do not change or modify the work
3. They only reproduce the work for noncommercial uses

Creative Commons offers other licenses in addition to the traditional copyright.

Digital technology profoundly affects creative works. Not only does it change
how we create, but how we distribute and use these works. Our laws and
philosophies must also change.