Well, sadly I don’t have the time to comment on Ernest Miller’s latest batch of Hit List items at the moment, but I want to ensure everyone is at least aware of the articles. I will try to add commentary when/if time allows.
- Hatch’s Hit List #5 - Automatic Online Translators
Ever do a search on Google and some of the results weren’t in English? Notice that little “Translate this Page” next to the link? Yeah, that’s an inducement. Google is practically begging you to create a derivative work.
- Hatch’s Hit List #6 - Legos
Take for example Lego Mosaics, which would be derivative works of the original image. Lego will let you upload a picture file and then, using their Brick-o-Lizer, let you create a custom Lego mosaic from the photo. The next step is for Lego to ship you the custom kit, after you pay them $29.95 (aka commercial viablity).
- Hatch’s Hit List #7 - VoIP
Inevitably, some of these developing and interesting uses for VoIP are going to lead to copyright infringement. Why is the attached .wav file necessarily a phone call? VoIP is so cheap in many cases, why not use it as a streaming radio station (which might merely be a form of conference call)? All these interesting and innovative uses will likely make our telephones even more useful than before. However, how much innovation will Hollywood permit in the development of unique VoIP applications if the INDUCE Act passes?
- Hatch’s Hit List #8 - Worth1000 Photoshop Contests
Worth1000 is “a daily image manipulation contest site.” Basically, it is a website for competitive photoshopping. Everyday, there are new photoshopping contests such as Unsung Vending Machines 2 and If Dogs Ruled. The contest entries are frequently hilarious and often brilliant work. Additionally, W1K is not only a contest site, but a community where people share their knowledge and love of this new art form. Too bad that the INDUCE Act will make the site lawsuit-bait.