RE: Net publication of Jewish Music Conference papers, London 2000

[Ed Sieb <sieb...>]

Hi all,

Anything created from human effort has some kind of intrinsic value at the
very least. If it is an expression of ideas that is new, innovative or if
this work contributes to our understanding of other ideas or creative
works, then this work is life affirming and thus becomes doubly valuable by
society?s (or ?market?) standards.

There are simple reasons that we charge for certain commodities.  Charging
a fee signals that there is a cost involved in producing, storing and
disseminating the commodity. Included within this fee is the intrinsic or
perceived value that society (or the ?market?) itself places on the
commodity.  Since nothing is produced cost-free, a fee must be charged
otherwise a cumulative  (and often unbearable) deficit occurs that must be
borne by someone.

Lastly, and this is quite important, charging a fair fee insures that only
the most deserving acquires the commodity.  At first glance, this may sound
odd; radically ?libertarian? in fact, but it?s actually quite true.  A fee
discourages the casual, indifferent browser from acquiring the item at the
detriment of the producer. A fee insures that only serious, interested
persons, who are willing to trade something of value (money) for something
else of value, (the artists? work), actually receive it.  If too many
casual users acquire the commodity for free, its value becomes debased in
the marketplace. A fee ensures that a nominal value is attached to the
commodity. Anyone acquiring (purchasing) this commodity will always assign
at very least, this nominal value to this commodity. Placing a value on it
means that it won?t be given away, lent out or otherwise disseminated
(i.e.: ?copied?). Charging a fee protects the original producer and any
subsequent users from inappropriate use of the commodity. It maintains the
value the original producer assigned to it and protects and maintains a
market for the producer, so that he/she can continue producing more
creative product and continue to receive an honest return for it.

If the original artist/producer is willing to allow a certain quantity of
this commodity to be available free, then that?s his prerogative. But it
should be understood that anything that is free is also uncontrolled and in
fact ?liberated?, and out of the control of the original producer.  It this
is his intention, then fine, but he should be aware of the consequences of
this freedom.

OK. My flameproof suit is on. Let the Molotov-cocktails and flame-throwers
begin!  :-)

Ed  Sieb

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