From "the most important thinker on intellectual property in the Internet era" ("The New Yorker") comes a landmark manifesto about the genuine closing of the American mind.
"Ideas that were as solid as rock in one age
crumble in another." (Very interesting concept and one that can be pondered on extensively)
I like that line - can you believe we used to own the heavens above us into infinity and that was law that had to be changed?!?
Think maybe I can get into this book and hopes it goes in a straight direction and not circuitous (?) - referring to a recent read from last week - (oh, Doris, turn it loose!) -
Larry and I went to high school together in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. To say that we all knew that Larry would excel in life is a gross understatement! Larry, even then, had a depth of character rarely found in a teenager. Larry always knew what he wanted to do, and who he was; he was comfortable with himself, "geek" though he was. Another rare attribute in a teenager.
One of Larry's exceptional abilities is that he can write about complicated legal issues in such a way as not to confuse the reader; you don't need a law degree to understand what Larry is saying.
"Free Culture" is just one of four books that Larry has authored; if you enjoy this one, you will enjoy his others.
This message has been edited by chapteraday on Apr 18, 2005 11:44 AM
Just in case you missed it - go to last week's book "The gift of change" for the website for transcript of Thurs. nite's discussion with Williamson and others -
Oh, my God - I was already beginning to lose faith in RCA, etc. and then the ending of this read just knocked my socks off - I know, I know - you would think as old as I am I would not be surprised to learn of yet another travesty of justice - but seems there is always something else I read or hear to make me exclaim again - "Oh my God" -
I love how he flatly explains culture and how it is changing. I've been thinking on this subject myself. Music could be immortal, but now you have to pay $1 song. get real! end of music industry for me. I guess that's for people who are also shelling out $50-$80 month for cable tv, or willing to listen to boorish deejays.
you can't even search for an mp3 file anymore. no matter who is uploading it.
just when it was getting difficult to find a really good tune anyway. oh well.
This message has been edited by chapteraday on Apr 20, 2005 9:39 AM
I wonder what would have happened if the truck had come first. Would we be shipping everything by railroad now? This book is fascinating but I wish I had it in my hands.
One respondee said his books are so intellectual yet still easy to understand - I was doing fine until today which I read and reread very slowly and still did not understand - could someone please give me a simple synopsis of what he meant by all those words?
I do not consider myself the brightest light on the tree - but not the dimmest either - any help would be appreciated -
Okay, have been to my regular website and read some reviews of this book - so now I feel I know more of what its subject matter and intent is - should have gone there first - however, any comments would still be appreciated -
This is starting to be one of those books that when you put it down for a minute and then start reading again you don't realize for five minutes that you're rereading. Either that or I instantly forget what I just read. Too abstract for me and I don't understand how he defines his terms so I don't know if I am 'getting' what he means. But it sounds as though the next bit will be more concrete. Frustrating because I love new ideas and stretching my brain. Can't seem to find the direction to stretch here.
I am not going to buy this book, but I've already requested it from the interlibrary. I want to read all of it! Not that I understand it too well, but it is clear Lessig feels strongly about his point of view!
