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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free summary
Laws for the Internet Age
12 mins
Brief summary
'Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free' by Cory Doctorow explores how creativity and knowledge are affected by the current laws and regulations around intellectual property. It offers a compelling argument for balancing creative freedom with financial sustainability.
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Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free
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Key idea 1 of 5
Despite the internet, people still want to pay for quality content.
People often say that the rise of the internet precipitated the downfall of record labels and copyright law. Huge record labels no longer have much say in who emerges as the next big musical star. Stars now rise and fall online, and the internet has its own criteria. It’s in this environment that no-name indie bands like the Arctic Monkeys can achieve monumental success.
But how does this work?
Well, the internet has made fundamental changes to how consumers access creative content. If you want to listen to a song or look at a painting, for instance, you no longer need to pay for an album or a museum ticket; you just need to go online. As a result, people are growing accustomed to free access. We stream movies; we listen to music on YouTube; we search for images.
But, in such an environment, artists must be unable to earn money from their content, right?
Actually, not really. If given the opportunity, people still want to pay for quality content. In fact, since the advent of art, there have always been people willing to pay for it. For instance, long ago, patrons greatly influenced the creative process of artists like Michelangelo. More recently, this power was wielded by major labels like EMI, who paid bands like The Beatles for their music. And today, thanks to the internet, lovers of art can directly pay those making it.
So, the internet is actually advantageous for artists.
When people are given free creative content, like music on YouTube, a lot of them will check it out, appreciate it and move on without spending a dime. But there will always be a few who want to support and appreciate the artist by paying, especially if paying the artist is easy. If all it takes is typing a song name into the iTunes Store, some consumers will always pay their fair share instead of illegally downloading a lower-quality file.
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What is Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free about?
Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free (2014) is a guide to copyright laws, censorship and the needs of the modern interconnected world. These blinks explain what ownership means in the digital age and explain why we need to reform our copyright system.
Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free Review
Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free by Cory Doctorow (2014) is an enlightening exploration of the intersection between creativity and the digital age. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its insightful analysis of the digital landscape, it provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by artists and creators.
- The book offers practical guidance for navigating the complex world of copyright, intellectual property, and the internet, empowering readers to protect their work.
- Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, Doctorow brings to light the importance of open access and the need for a more inclusive creative economy.
Best quote from Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free
Information doesnt want to be free – people do.
—Cory Doctorow
Who should read Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free?
- Fighters for a free and open internet
- People interested in the ins and outs of copyright law
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Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free FAQs
What is the main message of Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free?
The main message of Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free is the importance of understanding the relationship between creativity, copyright, and the internet.
How long does it take to read Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free?
The reading time for Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free a good book? Is it worth reading?
Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free is a thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the digital age. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free?
Cory Doctorow is the author of Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free.
What to read after Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free?
If you're wondering what to read next after Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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