Week 8 Collaboration

Group Exercise - DISCUSSION

Relinquishing Ownership

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 - Do you usually think your ideas are the best?

            No, generally I feel mine are not as inspiring as others.

02 - Are you shy in presenting ideas?

            Yes, because I look at others work and they seem more advanced thinking.

03 - Do you hold back your best ideas?

            No, when I think I have an intriguing idea I get excited and want to share it.

04 - Are you happy when others want to change your ideas?

            Yes, because even though there would be changes I feel good that I came up with the original concept.

05 - Are you totally truthful when you are asked for opinions on other’s work?

            Yes, I don’t see the benefit with sugar-coating my opinion it doesn’t help others if they cannot get constructive criticism.

06 - Would you ever present somebody else’s idea as your own?

            No, I have only ever been sparked by someone idea to modify and make something that compliments my whole concept.

07 - Would you borrow just a little bit?

            Only if it was a group project and I was required to expand on someone else’s idea.

08 - How would you feel if somebody borrowed just a little bit of your idea?

            If it was for a group project and they were to expand on my concept for the greater good then I would be ok. However, if they were to use it for their own personal gain or because they are lazy I would be upset. At the same time I would be worried because I wouldn’t be sure if I tried to notify someone, that I could prove without a doubt that it was my original idea.

09 - Do you think you have any ideas that are totally original?

            Sometimes, they are a bit obscure though.

10 - Would you feel the same way about that original idea in 30 years?

            No, because as time passes so do trends and themes so the idea might be out of date.

11 - Does a knowledge of design history help or hinder your idea originality?

            It can be a bit of both because you can get inspiration from designers though history but if could also affect your originality of your future concepts.

12 - Would you be prepared to sell an idea?

            I would suppose if there was an offer but I would have to think about why they wanted it and for what greater purpose would it serve.

Blog Exercise – The Legal Framework / Creative Content

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE LAW

Research and blog on the following:

1. The Berne Convention

The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, usually known as the Berne Convention, is an international agreement governing copyright, which was first accepted in Berne, Switzerland in 1886.

Reference:(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berne_Convention_for_the_Protection_of_Literary_and_Artistic_Works)

2. IP (Intellectual Property) legislation in Australia

            Intellectual property protection in Australia, as in all advanced economies, reflects international agreements such as the Berne Convention that establish basic standards for IP protection and seek to harmonise the legal regimes of individual countries.

            Reference:(http://www.caslon.com.au/ipguide3.htm)

3. Australian Copyright Law

Copyright is a form of intellectual property recognised under the Berne Convention and embodied in Australia in the Copyright Act 1968.

The Act applies to certain materials, including works:

• literary works;
• dramatic works;
• musical works; and
• artistic works;

Reference: (http://www.aesharenet.com.au/backgroundinformation/026outline.asp)

4. Creative Commons

            Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Mountain View, California, United States devoted to expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and to share. The organization has released several copyright-licenses known as Creative Commons licenses free of charge to the public. These licenses allow creators to communicate which rights they reserve, and which rights they waive for the benefit of recipients or other creators.

Reference: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons)

5. P2P networks and software licences

            Peer to Peer networks allow people to share software, data and files with each other with no licences required. Software licences can help prevent sharing of products illegally because even if someone shares the software, others will still need to purchase the product to obtain a licence to activate the software. Once a licence is acquired the person has is legally allowed to use the software at their discretion.

           

PART 2: DEFINING YOUR OWN ETHICAL APPROACH

Answer these questions:

1. Is it illegal to copy a design?

            In most instances it is unless the design is noted open sourced.

2. Is it ethical to sell a non-original design as your own?

            No. There is no excuse or grey area about it…

3. What is the difference between ethics and law?

            Each individual has their own ethics, what they consider as right and wrong whereas the law is established by governing parties and if you do not obey the law there will be consequences that will follow.

4. Do you value others intellectual property the same as your own?

            Yes, because I am not someone that likes people to take parts of my ideas and using it to their benefit , I would respect their right to not share either. Other peoples work inspire me but if I were to copy or “manipulate” their work and pass it as my own I would feel absolute shame and disgusted

PART 3: APPLYING YOUR CODE

Make a list of 5 behaviour principles you consider essential for each of these:

1. At CDU in the MacLabs

• If other peoples work left behind or found, hand it in to lecturers
• Restart someone’s computer if they are already logged in
• Don’t steal peoples USB’s if found;
• Respect peoples property left in the room
• Keep noise levels to a minimum

2. Outside class in a social setting

• Respectful
• Light-hearted
• Honest
• Considerate
• Friendly

3. In a professional workplace in which you may be employed after studies

• Respectful
• Punctual
• Well groomed
• Honesty
• Clear communication

 Reference: ( http://shaemediaatekc.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/australian-copyright-law/)

This is the common symbol used to clearly show something is covered under copyright act. You can create this symbol in Microsoft Word using (C).