Page:Culture.vs.Copyright 01.pdf/83

 Media gradually physically depreciate while being used, like tools do, but inscribed cultural phenomena appreciate. People who buy and “use” them are the audience. features, but now derive their value from unintended cultural use. These are unique old buildings, cars, tools, other relics, collectibles, etc. People who buy them or buy access to them are collectors, visitors, tourists.
 * Artifacts are things which once were valuable for their physical

There are two general points we have to stress. First, some of above described uses can be combined. Second, such combinations are related to people’s attitudes. For example, a family can live in a unique old mansion suitable more as a museum than for casual dwelling. Another example is when a profound work of art is considered simply “entertaining” and because of that attitude often is forgotten. In this case the work is turned into a consumer good and correspondingly the audience transforms itself into consumers.

The above were my first thoughts, which were not as clear as I would have liked them to be. Anyway, I brought them to my students. I had not even tried to be very elaborate, because I expected nothing but an avalanche of thoughts and essential clarification of the subject in the end. Well, it turned out otherwise this time. A lot of new questions were what I got. Moreover, the subject had slipped away and provoked us to turn to economics, ethics, etc. You can see and judge for yourself.

When I finished my short speech in the class, I was faced with five puzzled looks. It did not take long to get the first question.

Books, People, Meals Alpha: Why is it that “cultural satisfaction” increases desire? When you watch a movie, you get satisfied and return home or go to a restaurant or just walk and talk.

Beta: I agree, you do not watch and watch and watch.

Kappa: Some people do.

Beta: Yeah, some do. I would not call them people of culture. What do you think?