This idea that a single person creates Star Wars is one gap in understanding of a healthy system. A person does not exist in my or your present state or create anything but for the work of millions if not billions of other people.
The solution has been repeatedly demonstrated and isn’t complicated. The benefits should accrue to the system that creates them in a balanced way. Limits on the return of capital, implemented as either voluntary donation or taxes and progressive income taxes.
People scoff at taxes vs representation but right now, today, they can avoid those taxes by donating that money.
The choice of "Star Wars" as an example is pretty ironic. There has been so much discussion about how Star Wars was a result of the work of so many people. And how George Lucas, who would be the candidate for "single person", when left to his own devices made worse quality Star Wars films.
In particular, there was:
- Marcia Lucas, credited for "saving Star Wars in the editing"
- John Williams
Not to mention all the people working on the special effects, the sound designer Ben Burtt, the list goes on.
The reality is that a "single person" doesn't create things like that. The "visionary/great man" ideal is just good PR.
> The "visionary/great man" ideal is just good PR.
I reject that proposition. It's how record labels (investors, etc.) gaslight their artists (founders, etc.) into signing bad deals.
The businessman ("anthropomorphized lawnmower"[1]) has excellent PR. What interests him is an ownership stake in your vision and execution.
> “From the beginning of [Dischord Records], people have said that the way we do things is unsustainable, unrealistic, idealistic, and we were just dreaming,” he said. “Well, the dream is now 35 years old, so they can go fuck themselves.”[2]
Both can be true, depending on the regime of operation.
A credible relationship (such as an individual bringing value) can be (and has been) exploited by individuals who want more money for themselves.
Another credible relationship (that the network is the value) can be exploited by individuals who control the choke points.
Your examples are where individuals control the choke points, introducing artificial controls and preventing the healthy accrual of benefits to the whole structure.
