Theft

"If a person does not have the right to a product of his own mind, what in fact does he have the right to?" - Peter Samelson



"Something about copyright" was what the operator of the web site posted as an explanation for removing video files from his web site. He had posted Victoria*s Secret commercials on his site for distribution on the web and, according to him, Victoria*s Secret emailed him and told him to remove the files. Obviously, the web site did not have permission to post and distribute the files. But it wasn*t just something about copyright, it was about theft.



A definition of theft is easy to find. Look it up in a good dictionary. It is quite clear. Yet, so many people don*t seem to understand what theft is, or worse, even care. The web is awash with web sites trafficking in stolen property.



If we look at only advertising, we can find many images and video files of advertisements that are posted and distributed without the authorization, or sometimes even the knowledge, of the owners. Worse still, many web sites place a personal watermark on the stolen property, as if they are the ones who own the image or video! The stealing of a person*s creative work is no less theft than stealing a person*s car. Theft is theft. There is no way of looking at it another way, but some people still try.



Here is something else some people need to look up a definition for "public domain". I have seen this term used as worthless justification for theft many times. What is and what is not public domain should be reasonably clear to most people, but it is not to some.



The photographs in a magazine or catalogue are not public domain just because the magazine or catalogue was distributed. The television or radio commercial is not public domain just because it was broadcast. The video or image file is not public domain just because it was found on the web. These things do not belong to the community at large. They are protected by copyright and are the property of the the rightful owners. You need permission before you post them on your web site to be viewed and downloaded, or use them for commercial purposes. Getting permission to distribute or use other people*s work is not always difficult. Sometimes, all you need to do is ask.



Years ago, I wrote to Jockey and asked them if they would send me some copies of their print advertisements for my personal collection. Jockey mailed me the ads and thanked me for my interest. Just recently, I wrote to Wonderbra (USA) asking about obtaining copies of some of their print ads. I received a prompt and courteous response giving me the phone number of their marketing department.



As for the "Something about copyright" web site, the site is still posting unauthorized video from Victoria*s Secret (and others) and placing the web site*s watermark on the videos. Maybe the operator of the site will get another communication, this time from Victoria*s Secrets lawyers who I am sure will be happy to explain exactly what copyright and theft is and exactly what they are going to do about it.







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The Art of Magic is said to be the world*s third oldest profession; the second is said to be advertising.

Quote

penpusher wrote "Theft" is removal of property.

Theft and stealing is the same thing.



steal, stole, stol*en, steal*ing, vt.

1 - to take or appropriate (another*s property, ideas, etc.) without permission, dishonestly, or unlawfully, esp. in a secret or surrpetitious manner. 2 - to get, take, or give slyly, surreptitiously, or without permission. 3 - to take or gain insidiously or artfully.



- Webster New World College Dictionary







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The Art of Magic is said to be the world*s third oldest profession; the second is said to be advertising. - Inspired by Max Maven.