Page:Culture.vs.Copyright 01.pdf/97

 Beta: And I would like to reiterate what stands out for me. Each single use or reference increases the value of a creative work and the publicity of its author.

Kappa: By the way, royalties don’t!

Delta: Too bad.

Alpha: Hey, stay focused.

Gamma: I think we are. One of our initial observations was that cultural phenomena increase in value while being used. I believe that relates somehow to what I was saying.

Alpha: How can we determine this increase in value? I agree that references might cause an increase in value. But competition causes a decrease in value. These two ideas are just ideas. They are not proven facts. At any rate, we cannot take that increase as a given.

Kappa: All right, now at least we have a problem statement!

Delta: Wait, wait. I hardly see a problem here. Competition is always seen by businessmen as something harmful! Still, it is considered a positive phenomenon for the entire society!

Kappa: Actually, yes. . . and if we turn to our very subject, this is even more so, ... I think.

Delta: Why?

Kappa: Because knowledge is more valuable the more it is known! Isn’t that obvious? . . . I mean, valuable for society.

Teacher: What do you think, Alpha?

Alpha: I think that someone saw a problem two minutes ago and now doesn’t. Someone changes opinions pretty quickly!

Teacher: Still, what do you think about the idea that knowledge is more valuable for society the more it is known?

Alpha: I have to think before I can say what I think.

Delta: Exactly.

Alpha: Exactly. Applies to everyone.

Teacher: This is a very important point, of course, although a conversation itself can work pretty well.

Alpha: So, what’s your advice? Just to keep talking without thinking?

Teacher: Hmm, a tough question. . . I would say that I have to do two things in a conversation like ours. First, I have to unconditionally accept new ideas, and that means putting thinking aside. Second,