Copy, Rip, Burn: The Politics of Copyleft and Open Source - Softcover

Berry, David M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745324142 ISBN 13: 9780745324142

Publisher: Pluto Press, 2008

Synopsis

From downloading music and movies to accessing free software, digital media is forcing us to rethink the very idea of intellectual property. While big companies complain about lost profits, the individual has never enjoyed such freedom and autonomy. Berry explores this debate in a concise way, offering an ideal introduction for anyone not versed in the legalistic terminology that -- up until now -- has dominated coverage of this issue. Looking at the historical development of the free software and the open source movement he examines its growth, politics and potential impact, showing how the ideas that inspired the movement have now begun to influence the wider cultural landscape. He explores whether free software offers us the potential to re-think our relationship with technology in the information society. This book will appeal to students of media and journalism, and anyone interested in new opportunities for creating a truly independent and democratic media.

About this title

Review:

[A] fresh intellectual contribution, this book is a must-read for any scholar or activist interested in...free software or open-source. -- Times Higher Education Magazine, 12 February 2009

Synopsis:

Open source technology, like OpenOffice, has revolutionised the world of copyright. From downloading music and movies to accessing free software, digital media is forcing us to rethink the very idea of intellectual property. While big companies complain about lost profits, the individual has never enjoyed such freedom and autonomy in the market. Berry explores this debate in a clear and concise way, offering an ideal introduction for anyone not versed in the legalistic terminology that - up until now - has dominated coverage of this issue. Looking at the impact that the open source movement has had on journalism, printing, music and design, they show how the ideas that inspired the movement have begun to influence wider cultural and political transformations. This is a key text for students of media studies, journalism and anyone interested in new opportunities for creating a truly independent and democratic media.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0745324142
• ISBN 13: 9780745324142
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272