Noah Webster started it in the 1830s, and then Mark Twain extended it in the 1900s. A quote from him:
“Necessarily I am interested particularly and especially in the part of the bill which concerns my trade. I like that bill, and I like that extension from the present limit of copyright life of forty-two years to the author’s life and fifty years after. I think that will satisfy any reasonable author, because it will take care of his children. Let the grandchildren take care of themselves.”
But, I agree we need to go back to the original maximum of 28 years. Fuck Twain’s argument that it should last so long it benefits his kids. They can get a goddamn job from the nepotistic connection alone.
Noah Webster started it in the 1830s, and then Mark Twain extended it in the 1900s. A quote from him:
“Necessarily I am interested particularly and especially in the part of the bill which concerns my trade. I like that bill, and I like that extension from the present limit of copyright life of forty-two years to the author’s life and fifty years after. I think that will satisfy any reasonable author, because it will take care of his children. Let the grandchildren take care of themselves.”
But, I agree we need to go back to the original maximum of 28 years. Fuck Twain’s argument that it should last so long it benefits his kids. They can get a goddamn job from the nepotistic connection alone.
But it would benefit his kids anyway, all the excess wealth during his lifetime would accumulate anyway.
Copyright of that length is garbage. 14 years max. Make new work like everyone else.
(Or do basic income for everyone so people’s needs are met. That’s fine too)