The Right to Make Copies

For those who are not accustomed to my obscure and annoying ways, a disclaimer. This post, though being written on the 28th anniversary of one of the most vicious violations of human rights, is not about the Bhopal tragedy. I used this disturbing image not just so that we do not forget about what arrogance can lead to but also because 1. it is not mine, but by a photographer called Pablo Bartholomew, and I am reproducing it without his permission 2. I believe that human tragedy is a lesson to learn from and 3. because this is the outcome of corporatization and commercialization of human knowledge - tragedy without accountability. This post is about reclaiming that which was always ours but has been stolen from us by the concept of mine.

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I get up in the morning, go through all the updated blogs of my friends, and make a list of facts and ideas that I can use for a post of my own. Sometimes, it works. At other times, it is frustrating, especially during blogging contest season, which in the recent past has been almost once a month. It is terrible to wake up and find everyone writing the same stuff. One of the good ones (in terms of copying) has been the recent ideas and outline for a real love story. This has everything that one can ask for. Many of the ideas are great, they are all supposed to be factual. A treasure-house for diligent copiers like me. Okay, I lie. Some of the ideas are great.

What about copyright and social boycott, you ask? That is there, but I cannot be any more socially boycotted than I already am, given my views on all things dear to most people, and as far as copyright goes, well, it goes. Here is a publishing house and a bloggers platform telling you to share your facts and ideas on your blog, taking care only to leave the climax out. Where is the problem if I use them? And for better or worse, I don�t need a lot of help with a climax. (Note to self: Post that love story before it shows up as someone else�s idea.)
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