In the beginning . . .
When we see a little child sing or dance, or perhaps recite a poem, we are all fascinated with the talents which that child possess. Even if we heard and see that child perform, we would always want her to do it again and again. We readily conclude that the child has a promising and bright future.
We started to go to the theaters to watch those little children, and some have grown up to become actors and actresses, perform live in front of the stage. They sing, they dance, and they act. We were, simply stated, entertained.
The artists became more creative, and they really were inspired by the outpouring of accolades and praises for their work. Hence, they created more and they worked hard more.
As for us the general public, we show them our support and actually, literally support them by patronizing their work. Through this manner, they also earn a living, and focus their energies on what we like best from them.
Then came the phonograph and radio or tube technology . . .
When we watch a television program or a movie, we are also filled with joy that there are those who can act, or stay in front of the camera and never cease to amaze us with what they can do to make us laugh, cry, or smile. When we listen to the radio, we do so with the use of our faculty of imagination, and try to visualize what is happening on the other side from the studio to the airwaves.
The artists were thrilled. So is the general public. There was an interaction never dreamed before, never imagined before even if they do not see each other in person.
Because we continued patronizing the artists, and those others in their respective industries, and considering that the returns were greater, they provided us with an even more remarkable and amazing performances. The support was overflowing, and the motivation is not an issue.
Alas, the tape technology was invented . . .
And because we were having so much fun, we want the songs we heard, and the acts we have watched, to hear and watch them over and over again, at our own time, at our own pace, and at our own pleasure whenever we want to be entertained.
So we had enjoyed using portable reel tapes, cassette tapes, beta tapes, vhs tapes, among others. It was fun indeed and gadgets even became status symbol.
It was an era of endless possibilities.
But in an age of portability, the inventors of these gadgets and their manufacturers were the ones getting most of the returns rather than the artists themselves.
Digital technology has taken over . . .
The endless possibilities became the realities, the signs of the times. You don’t talk of possibilities, you talk of realities. We are in an age of dreams come true – in real time. Its not about the future, but it is the future travelling back in our period of time, to bring us now what the future should have been giving us in the years to come – supposedly, yet.
Clearer and even more realistic. 2-D and 3-D technologies have given us more than we have asked for. They are great and they are really cool.
But our local entertainment industries have suffered and our artists, who have, through all these years, sacrificed a lot for our sake, are now dwindling and their works are likewise diminishing.
The big guns have taken over. Movies produced by the hundreds of millions of dollars. Foreign singers and performers have dominated the concert scenes and the radio waves. Rappers, hip hop, and skateboard generation are now beginning to comprise the cultural heritage of tomorrow.
We can now hear the remix, remastered, and revival of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s. Even movies have been remastered and retouched. Colors and soundtrack were enhanced but the stories are the same and the actors are the same. Nothing have changed really.
Yet we demand from the artists so much. But we no longer provide them with the support that they need so much. In terms of inspiration and motivation. Where are they now?
We are just contented with being entertained. Yes, simply entertained and no longer being immersed in the work of art, or in the rich culture, even of our own.
Related industries are shaking and are in danger of tumbling, like a domino, one after the other unless we, the general public, would patronize only the original, and join the combat against piracy. The government and law enforcement agencies can only do so much due to limited resources and manpower.
For instance, over the internet alone, everyday, we can expect that netizens would browse, click, listen and/or even download, copyrighted materials, be it a song, a movie or software. Then these are transferred from the personal computer to certain gadgets such as a mobile phone or to another computer. Others would burn them to another disc, among others.
This practice is piracy.
Another scenario is when people buy cds and dvds from ambulant or sidewalk vendors. The same is true when softwares, music or movies are sold and downloaded in shops, stores or booths without the necessary licenses and permits.
This again, is piracy.
Sharing of original copies of works and softwares to another person without the requisite license or permits are also rampant.
This is also piracy.
And what is wrong with piracy?
The act deprives the artists, and those others in the industry such royalties that they deserve to receive for their works. It is not the money but it is the compensation due them for having given their energies and talents in order that we may benefit from what they have willingly shared to the general public, either for pleasure, for entertainment, for therapeutic purposes or simply for enjoyment.
Now, if and when piracy continues, this would have an adverse impact not only on the industries concerned but on the need for the artists to be supported in order that they may able to pursue and enhance their works.
Piracy is stealing and it is a crime.
We would not have any right to sing to the artists, “you don’t bring me flowers anymore . . . “ when in fact, and the truth would be, we tolerated the pirates to destroy the fields where flowers grow. In fact, even the stems may already be gone.
No more flowers, no more stems?
Stop Piracy before its too late.
- Caloy Caliwara in support of OPM & Anti-Piracy Campaign
