M/C Journal 'copy' Issue Launched

Today I sent out the announcement for the latest issue of M/C Journal, edited by Rachel Cobcroft and Susanna Leisten:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8 July 2005

                          M/C - Media and Culture
            is proud to present issue three in volume eight of

                                M/C Journal
                   http://journal.media-culture.org.au/

          'copy' - Edited by Rachel Cobcroft and Susanna Leisten

Embracing emulations, imitations, and attendant questions of authenticity, 'copy' confronts the divide between 'original' and its replica: the fake, the forged, the fabricated, alongside the legally duplicated and faithfully reproduced. In no small way, the modern economy relies on the process of 'copy': mass production works according to templates, making use of licencing under patent agreements ('For a fee, you may copy this'). Creators often copy the latest trends, and design often emulates accepted norms. But are we allowed to 'rip, mix, and share' at will? In exploiting and examining this commodification, where Campbell's soup tins become icons, is 'fair use' enough? Does fidelity to the original remain the marker of quality and respect?

This issue addresses such questions, and we invite you to share the insights of our contributing authors.

  Feature Article
"Good Copy, Bad Copy: Covers, Sampling and Copyright"
  - Steve Collins

Steve Collins examines the value of 'copy' where musical creativity and copyright law intersect. The recontextualisation and reshaping of music with regard to cover versions and sampling brings into relief the disparity in current legal and licensing provisions. When creativity is stifled by copyright, the original intention of the law is lost. Collins argues that creators are now subject to the control of an oppressive monopoly, which clearly should be addressed if innovative cultural expression is to thrive.

  Articles
"The Affect of Selection in Digital Sound Art"
  - Owen Chapman

"Copy/Paste: The Joys of Plagiarism"
  - Gauti Sigthorsson

"When Did They Copyright the World Without Us Noticing?"
  - Frederick Wasser

"Copyright and Public Goods: An Argument for Thin Copyright Protection"
  - Francis Raven

"Digital Doppelgängers"
  - Lisa Bode

"Doubling: Capitalism and Textual Duplication"
  - Kirsten Seale

"Slipping and Sliding: Blind Optimism, Greed and the Effect of Fakes on Our Cultural Understanding"
  - Robyn Sloggett

---

Upcoming M/C Journal issues in 2005:

'scan'   - article deadline:  1 July 2005
           - release date:     24 Aug. 2005

'review' - article deadline: 26 Aug. 2005
            - release date:     19 Oct. 2005

'affect' - article deadline: 21 Oct. 2005
          - release date:     14 Dec. 2005

---

M/C Journal 8.3 is now online: <http://journal.media-culture.org.au/>.
Previous issues of M/C Journal on various topics are also still available.

---

Visit all three M/C publications at <http://www.media-culture.org.au/>.

---

All contributors are available for media contacts: mc@media-culture.org.au.

---