Somebody Needs to Warn Wikipedia.org

I think there is a great hypocrisy in the mainstream media outlets. On the one hand they want people to pay for everything from a photo to music to a news article on the internet. On the other hand, they have no problem taking things from the internet without paying to use in profitable materials.

I have had bits of my blogs and diaries published without ever being asked. I see entire TV shows made up of clips from Youtube. The tabloids use pictures from internet sites or of internet sites for their gossip collumns. Worst, I think, is the music industry who rely upon the constant goodwill of young, vulnerable musicians uploading their own music to the internet. The music companies listen, like, and then offer the band a bad record deal, and then they claim to own the copyright to someone else's work.

I think my generation and the younger generations do not want to support such a corrupt system. I do not see why I should enrich someone else when I use their image in a non-profit venture, yet they will not enrich me if they use my work in a highly profitable venture. Many people have profited from the internet, many choose not to, including it's inventor.

To me, I think the lines are clear. If I am using something that will create profit for me, I will pay for it or ask permission to use it. If I am using it for my personal education or enjoyment, I do not think I should have to.

(Interestingly, Bill Gates mentioned in the past having a clear policy of tolerating piracy; Microsoft has the power to deal a big blow to piracy, but chooses to tolerate it because it helps their buisness expand!)

Not sure I understand Ash, if you use for our "enjoyment" is a wideopen use. I enjoy making money, therefore I will use about anything... hehehe

This is not an issue of groups rights, it is an issue of individual rights. I as one person need to be protected against the bigger group.

Funny to me, the whole world wants to volunteer free images, video, and photos to the mainstream media rich.

On Topic, Wikipedia.org is the "Mainstream Media," it is no longer just a bunch of kids, although Jimmy Wales putting up his breakup with a wome, would say it still is...