Essay : Takers Economy : An Inquiry into Illegal File Sharing

[Christopher Stewart]

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I've been nearly completely inactive in my social networks since mid-July or so. Not that I wouldn't have liked to participate, but I have been engrossed in the redaction of the above essay.

When I tackled the project, I thought it would take a few weeks at most, and that I would be able to maintain my regular pace in other activities. However, I soon realized that the endeavour required great amounts of attention, and that the most efficient way of discharging the task was to dedicate as much time as I could to it, as quickly as practicable, so that it wouldn't drag on forever.

I finished the first draft a little over one week ago, and the final revision was completed yesterday. If the process was more protracted and demanding than originally expected, it nonetheless led to some very interesting insights and discoveries, notably in terms of the implications of the oneness of all things and beings, and with regard to the existing initiatives and organizations that work to improve the conditions of creators and inventors.

Essentially, the document elaborates on the points that I had attempted to convey in concise form through several conversations held in June and July, which in retrospect weren't the best context for such an exercise. In hindsight though, there was clearly something impelling me to finally voice my position on the question, after I had silenced it for too long. Given all that is expressed in the text, I doubt that it would have been possible for me to come up with an effort as exhaustive any sooner. So, perhaps the timing was perfect, or at least better than I reckoned when I began writing.

I am glad that the undertaking gave me the opportunity to explain my conception of art and of its nature, value, and function, as I had tried to achieve this in the past, but circumstances had ultimately prevented me from attaining the objective.

Hopefully, the perspectives that I offer on the issue of illegal file sharing and its consequences in the lives of downloaders, artists, and the whole of society, will prove useful and enlightening to many readers.

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The description follows below. I wish you a most enjoyable reading !

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Over the last decade or so, file sharing has become a widespread phenomenon. As much as having the possibility of exchanging information almost instantaneously can represent a blessing in terms of communication and progress, it obviously opens the door to pursuits that enjoy a far less angelic reputation.

Still, the overall picture suggests that a significant number of internet users participate in such ill-famed activities. Considering this state of affairs, could illegal file sharing actually be a positive process for those downloaders, and for the collectivity alike ?

The question is generally approached from the angle of its economic impacts, but there is evidently more to the issue than its pecuniary dimension.

« Takers Economy » proposes an alternative look at illegal file sharing in light of the role of art in society, and in the context of the oneness of all beings and things.

In addition, the inquiry explores the global picture from which the circumstances emerge, and attempts to characterize the underlying culture that gives rise to them.

Finally, the essay introduces a philosophy of endosymbiotism that aims to foster attitudes and behaviours that accord with the ethics of the inherent unseparateness of being.

[Lynn Paul]

Chris, I'm really interested in reading and critiquing your thesis - I may need a week or so to get enough time to read it in one sitting. But I wanted to thank you right away for making it available for us. It is an interesting topic and one that transcends media. I'm looking forward to it.