Private and Noncommercial

"Recut, Reframe, Recycle," discusses the proliferation of user-generated content, more specifically, short-form, streaming videos. The report discusses the several different methods popularized by creators to get their point or story across by altering original content into a separate creation. Some examples are protected by fair use; others are not; some straddle the line ambiguously. My biggest question perhaps is, why does it all matter? Who cares if people are creating video montages by splicing in copyrighted content if these productions are not for sale? Was the intent of copyright not to protect private property which is an economic issue? The majority of user-generated content is a creative practice intended for entertainment and participation amongst a community. Not for financial gain. The report explains, "On the other hand, extensive quotation that does little or nothing to reframe quoted material is certainly vulnerable to copyright infringement claims—unless it can be justified on the grounds that it is strictly private and noncommercial." Privacy is impossible. Internet technology has made it incredibly difficult to prohibit sharing amongst other members of society, so the Fair Use statutes will inevitably have to adapt to our changing culture.