> Does this evil system sound familiar? It should, because it's exactly what we have now
I disagree. Our situation is very different to back then. If the situation was the same as back then we wouldn't need any copyright reform.
The little guy is protected from publishers legally. The problem that the little guy has with publishers now is that serious brand development, marketing and production investment is needed to make consumers buy books/music/film/games these days, at least in numbers that can provide a decent, sustainable income. The publishers, of course, are looking for a ROI on their investment (and they will try and negotiate the best rates from the artist, as any investor will - including copyrights if necessary).
Then, as competition in the high-investment high-return music business increases, risk-aversion also increases and publishers tend towards sure bets and artists who are most likely to sell well (constructing them to fit a market if necessary). This is what makes it harder for the little guy today, not large publishers copying their work indiscriminately.
I disagree. Our situation is very different to back then. If the situation was the same as back then we wouldn't need any copyright reform.
The little guy is protected from publishers legally. The problem that the little guy has with publishers now is that serious brand development, marketing and production investment is needed to make consumers buy books/music/film/games these days, at least in numbers that can provide a decent, sustainable income. The publishers, of course, are looking for a ROI on their investment (and they will try and negotiate the best rates from the artist, as any investor will - including copyrights if necessary).
Then, as competition in the high-investment high-return music business increases, risk-aversion also increases and publishers tend towards sure bets and artists who are most likely to sell well (constructing them to fit a market if necessary). This is what makes it harder for the little guy today, not large publishers copying their work indiscriminately.