Author Archives: Tim Wu

So how often do you actually visit sites in other countries? How about in other languages? If you’re like many users, the answer may “not that often” (apologies to the foreign readers of Lessig Blog). Its a small sign of the Balkanization of the Internet, a process that is happening faster than anyone is noticing. What we once called a global internet is becoming, for many practical purposes, a collection of nation-state networks, still linked by the internet protocol, but for many purposes, separate. Some of the evidence:… Continue reading →

If it is true, first, that widespread piracy at some point diminishes the incentives for industry to invest in new works; And if it is true, second, that piracy is limited to a demographic, say, 15-25 year-olds (perhaps because people older than that are lazy or value their time more); Won’t the eventual response of industry be to simply begin investing in films like “On Golden Pond,” and music like “Air Supply, Greatest Hits part 6?” In other words, doesn’t piracy carry its own punishment? (And conversely, doesn’t paying brings its own rewards?) That’s how the rest of the market… Continue reading →

As Mark Frauenfelder and others have documented, the Guthrie family and probably Woody himself think the JibJab parody just fine. In the words of Grandaughter Cathy Guthrie (pictured here), “this parody was made for you and me.” But here’s the thing: much of the JibJab Brouhaha was actually caused by a lack of author’s rights……. Continue reading →