Re: What are a programmer's rights to what he writes?

["Nathan M. Andelin" <nathanma@xxxxxxxxx>]

I'd like to say something about programmers rights, creativity, and quality.
I don't have data to support this, but I'd bet money that the following is
true:

If you take a statistical sampling of programmers, and empower them with
rights to their creations (actual ownership), then the quantity, quality,
and creativity of their work will be substantially higher on average than an
equivalent group of individuals who hold no rights to their creations.

The purpose of copyright law historically has been something that fostered
creativity and ingenuity for the public good.  It did so by rewarding
creative people with rights to their creations.  The fact that, in today's
economy, most programmers hold no rights to their works by virtue of the
employer-employee relationship, is a great damper on the creative potential
in this country.

You combine this with the dampening effects of corporate and government
culture on creativity and you get a double whammy that hurts the economy,
hurts society, and hurts creative people.

Why do I switch gears to add something about the culture in business
organizations?  Has anyone else noticed how organizations have a Borg-like
collectiveness that preserves the status quo of the group at the expense of
the individual?  Has anyone else noticed the buck-passing when it comes to
failed projects.  How does a corporation reward creativity?  The really
creative people are moved into management - thus draining the creativity
pool!




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