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Copyright, Digital Content, and the Internet
The second World Copyright Summit, which took place last week, at the Ronald Reagan Conference Centre in Washington DC, was a well attended and successful event that drew great interest from all key stakeholders in the 21st Century’s fast-evolving, global creative economy.
Note: This post is taken from the executive summary of a report I have written about this event, which can also be found here:World Copyright Summit 2009 – Report.pdf
The main objective of the Copyright Summit was, as stated on the conference tag-line, to explore “New Frontiers for Creators in the Marketplace”, and this was achieved by providing a platform for the stakeholders (represented in both speakers and audience) to engage with each other in a series of dialogues, interviews, discussions, keynotes and general networking. One immediate outcome from this has been the wider recognition of a few key messages, which are outlined below as follows:
1. Time to Change Copyright
Right from the very first keynote, on day one, to several sessions on the second day, it became increasingly clear that most stakeholders are in agreement over the need for some far reaching changes to be made on the current copyright system before it can become more effective in protecting and incentivising creative works in a dynamic digital environment.
2. Need a Central, Unified and Authoritative Global Rights Registry
The above was identified in several of the sessions as a key enabler towards a more appropriate and effective rights management mechanism in a global digital context. The key issues are global / technology related, therefore the solution would appear to lie in taking a unified approach to implementing what some refer to as a global database for content rights
3. Accelerate the Shift towards New Business Models / Mindsets
The Google Books Settlement was repeatedly held up as a prime example of the art-of-the-possible in reaching a constructive and satisfactory outcome for all stakeholders. This model may be more difficult to accomplish in other media formats, but the fundamental requirements of an open, collaborative approach / mind-set by all stakeholders is mandatory for success. It is also becoming clear that content in digital / non-physical forms may be more appropriately positioned as a collaborative service, instead of the product-unit-centric worldview of the pre-digital content world.
In conclusion, and on the above terms, this summit can be deemed a success, and CISAC -the event organisers, deserve a hearty congratulation for their commitment in putting it all together. However, it might even be more of a success if and when the mid – longer term outcome of this Summit leads to some concrete changes in the world copyright system; and perhaps in the evolution of an authoritative / unified global rights registry; as well as the adoption of a more collaborative approach, in both business models and mindsets, by the content industries and all other stakeholders.
It is this author’s sincere hope, and recommendation, that the next version of this Summit will see the inclusion of more representatives from the developing world, as well as the much over-looked consumer / end-user stakeholder group, (which includes: ordinary citizens, students and the younger, next generation of users), that will ultimately deliver the verdict on any / all future initiatives on copyright..
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Jude Umeh is a senior consultant and enterprise architect within Capgemini, and is something of a rights management evangelist. You can follow his Tweet-stream here
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Note: This post was previously published on my BCS DRM Blog, where you can find the original post, and reader comments, in the archives. Also published at: http://www.capgemini.com/technology-blog/2009/06/copyright_digital_content_and/
Blog on Bloggers: The Top 3 Qualities Of Great Bloggers.
Last week I attended an informal Bloggers Meetup event in London’s West End, mostly out of curiosity, and to see what some of our fellow bloggers looked like in real life. From observing and conversing with a few of the attendees, I started to pick out some of the key qualities that make for an excellent blogger.
First of all, I can gladly confirm that bloggers are real people too, and given the right amount of drinks and nibbles, they can be very talkative indeed – just like everyone else I’m sure. So if like me, you wish to become a great blogger, below are my top 3 list of attributes that should help you on your way:
- Be Topical – Great bloggers challenge and stimulate their audience with thought-provoking takes on issues (both online and off-line). For example, during a conversation with two Computer Weekly bloggers (i.e. Phillip Virgo and Tony Collins) at the event, it did not take very long to dive into controversial IT / Government topics-du-jour like: The impending Digital Economy Bill; the general elections (and the role of IT); as well as various spectacular IT disasters which you’ll find mentioned on their respective blogs. Result: A very informative and entertaining conversation.
- Be Experienced / Accomplished – How else can you hope to have an informed opinion on your subject matter? The fact is that most blog audiences are probably quite well informed already, and they are more likely than not to be after some added value, or a different perspective, on topics of interest them. So if you don’t know it, don’t blag it, or else you’ll lose them pretty fast.
- Be Passionate – Somebody once said that a truly blessed person is one that actually gets paid for doing what they enjoy, (and might perhaps otherwise do for free). So the third key attribute is all about having an emotional connection with your chosen subject, be it about technology or chocolate, and not being afraid to show and share it with your audience. The rewards can be self evident in the higher levels of engagement with that audience.
The above 3 qualities may be observed in any one of the really great blogs out there, and I believe that with these, and a dash of other optional attributes (e.g. style, humour and originality), it won’t be long before you too are on the road to blogging greatness. In any case, the Bloggers Meetup provided an interesting opportunity to meet / network with other bloggers and to see how they look, sound and act like in person. Thanks to the organisers and sponsors for an excellent evening, and I hope they’ll do more of the same in future.
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Note: Originally posted on Capgemini’s Technology blog. You can see the original post, including comments, at: http://www.capgemini.com/technology-blog/2010/04/blog_on_bloggers_the_top_3_qua.php
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