The Google Book Settlement Essay Example for Free

The Google Book Settlement Essay In this economic slump, the book industry is actually holding up, when compared to other business that have suffered deeply. In the face of adversity there is a business that has emerged and is taking over the digital book market. This company is not Microsoft, or Amazon. In fact the giants are actually against the entity that created a monopoly in this area. In 2002 Google began a project to scan all books in libraries by making parts of them digitally available online through their servers, all the while benefiting from ads displayed through the book searches. The project plan had two parts: ?Under Partner Program: Google was given permission by publishers to scan their books and make parts available. ?Under the Library Project: Google planned to scan millions of books from universities and public libraries (Laudon, Traver, 2009). However, Google did not contact the publisher or pay a royalty fee, which is when the controversy began! In 2005, players in the publishing industry filed lawsuits at the program claiming copyright infringement. Google however, claimed they were operating fairly under the â€Å"fair use† doctrine codified in the Copyright Act in 1976. (Copying/lending of books has been fair since 1930’s) (Laudon, Traver, 2009). In 2008, Google came to a settlement over the lawsuit with authors and publishers. They would pay cash and give other accommodations to the parties accusing them of copyright infringement. In return, they would retain non-exclusive right to sell books, place ads, and make other uses of their scanned book database. Google then gave the publishing industry a chance to OPT-OUT, and basically were acting untouchable. Some prestigious universities backed Google’s projects but they soon found heavy opposition from  high- tech companies, authors, publishers, congress, department of justice, and some librarians. WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 3 In 2009, Google’s book settlement continues to be a controversial topic. Many companies returned to dispute the settlement, including privacy protection groups. Then the Justice Department began to investigate the antitrust issues of the settlement. Google’s library project has come about and is saying â€Å"Stop us if you can†! In the following paper I will discuss the issues at hand and attempt to give some concrete solution and alternatives. In looking at the situation, there tends to be quite a few unanswered questions. So let us look at it together and form or own solutions. Harm and solution The two main groups who are harmed by Googles Library program are book publishing companies and the authors of the books. The reason Googles program is harmful to both these entities is due to the fact that their copyrighted material is being made available to the public for access free of charge (Laudon, Traver, 2009).. The clear solution would be for Google to give monetary compensation to the book publishing companies; they could then pass on the earnings  to their authors. A reasonable payment structure would have to be worked out between Google and the publishers of the copyrighted books being indexed. Google pursuit and advantage Google will claim to provide public service to millions by giving access to â€Å"all Worlds’ information†. Simultaneously, can help publishers sell books. Obviously they have financial incentives to receive money from ads and the sale of digital books. Establishing a global digital reliance on the Google search engine, in this way Google will be able to divert money and gain attention for the information it provides to the public. Librarian support WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 4 A librarian who believes in the availability and free exchange of information should be in full support of Googles Print Library program, as the model is similar to that of a public library. Googles Library allows users to access a complete list of books. However on the other side of the coin Googles Library may pose a threat to the existence of conservative libraries as it would have an inexpensive edge over a physical library due to its limitlessness and convenience? Googles book database could potentially make many libraries obsolete (Laudon, Traver, 2009). Opposition and Support The reason Amazon, Yahoo, Microsoft and others oppose Google‘s library program is because Google will be able to invade the readers privacy, this means they would be able to track every e-book accessed and read. This program would have exclusive rights to sell books that are no longer in print, that are still under copyright, this would be millions of books (Laudon, Traver, 2009), and at the end of the day Google would have too much power. However, Sony is standing behind Google because their potential gain due the fact that they produce a series of electronic book downloader’s named the â€Å"Reader†. One of the products the company markets and sells is the â€Å"Reader,† a family of electronic book or â€Å"e-book† readers that allow users to download and read electronic copies of books on a hand-held device. In Sony Electronics’ view, the cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship the Settlement forges between Google and the copyright holders in the proposed class may have a profoundly positive impact on the market for e-book readers and related devices. For this reason, Sony Electronics believes the Settlement should be approved (Singel, 2009 pp. 7). Will Google be a de facto Monopoly? WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 5 The settlement allows Google to sell copies of works that no other organization in the U. S. can sell: so-called orphaned works where the original copyright holder cannot be located because, for instance, they went out of business, of poor record-keeping or mergers. This could eventually constitute the bulk of Google Books. As Fraser puts it, No other firm has ever been able to legally copy orphan works (Mims, 2010 pp. 4). So, in this way Google can and will become a monopoly of the money and power, that  Google has and will build upon. Google has deep, deep pockets (Laudon, Traver, 2009). Conclusion In summary, with Google leading the charge and has the resources to create such a useful program. And yet, Google is stepping on so many toes and big ones at that, but still not has big as their own. Google will gain a dominant control over the digital book world, creating a program that no one can compete with. This will be because no one can match the excessive costs that Google is undertaking. So, again you can see where Google says â€Å"Stop us if you can! † (Laudon, Traver, 2009). No one has been able to as of yet. References WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 6 Laudon, K. C. , Traver, C. G. (2009). E-commerce business, technology, society 2012. (8 ed. ). Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson Mims, C. (2010, October 18). Why there can never be a competitor to google books. Retrieved June 20, 2012 from http://technoloyreview. com/view/421247/why-there-can-never-be-a- competitor-to-google Singel, R. (2009, August 09). Sony sides with google in library of future settlement. Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://www. wired. com/business/2009/08/sony-google-book/.

The Chorus of Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

The Chorus of Antigone      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chorus was not only a major part of Antigone, but also the most insightful portion of this play's cast.   The members of the chorus tell Creon and the audience very important truths about themselves.   Throughout the play the chorus comments on Creon's actions, and gives us all unbiased views on our hypocritical species.   Without a chorus Creon's epiphany may never have occurred and we wouldn't have, as easily, seen our personal flaws.   The chorus is included in a very effective manner, the chorus talks about death, love, and other unconquerable forces that humans eternally try to defeat, it shows the audience great futility and lets us see the problems we face throughout life.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Creon changes greatly throughout the play, he starts as a best friend, or someone out to help the common man, but later in the play he becomes more and more ruthless as his power corrupts him.   At about the time his degradation reaches it's climax the chorus interrupts with a song about death, how man can control the most powerful of elements, and tame the wildest beast, yet death still comes.   He also learns through them some important things about love, especially that it is unconquerable.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Through the chorus Creon begins to see that he is wrong and God is superior to himself, but it takes a lot to shake his belief that a perfect society is run by an unrelenting rule.   This play also told me a lot about humans in general, that the they aren't interested in anything but the fulfillment of their own needs, and that they refuse to see that something may be more powerful than themselves.   This revelation is the major theme of the play and is very important in Creon's growth as a person.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This play couldn't have existed without a chorus, these singers give too much to the structure of the play, without them Creon would never have changed as a person and the play would have been much more ambiguous as to the relationship of Creon's problems to our own.   With the help of the chorus Creon learns that he is just a frail being in a world much greater than his own pitiful kingdom.

Miley Cyrus: A Teenage Inspiration

People screaming at the top of their lungs for the rock band that they idolize; an individual buying all the books and imitating the writing style of his favorite author; a young girl imitating the clothes of her fashion idol; the aforementioned instances are familiar examples of people who are practicing the idea of fandom wherein they are becoming huge fans of famous personalities or things. The idea of becoming a fan is perceived by people in different ways.There are individuals who look at the idea of being a fan as simply liking something or someone in a degree that is not common to other people. On the other hand, there are also those people who negatively look at fans, as individuals who are going crazy or psychotic for something or someone to the point that they are becoming obsessed. There are even allegations that fans eventually become stalkers, who do untoward decisions and actions. The opposing perspective of the term â€Å"fan† entails a more in-depth study about the topic.To be able to fully understand the meaning of being a fan, it is necessary that it is given due attention and importance. In doing so, I conducted an interview with three individuals, who have different backgrounds but is idolizing the same pop star.The pop star that I focus on is Miley Cyrus. My main motivation for looking for individuals who idolizes Miley Cyrus is due to the popularity and influence of this personality. In 2008, Miley Cyrus is included in Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.Due to this, I want to find out the reasons why people idolize her and its corresponding effects to their life. Moreover, by conducting the interview with three individuals who idolize Miley Cyrus, I learn more about the idea of being a fan. Summary of Cavicchi’s Book and Argument Based on the book of Cavicchi (1998) the term â€Å"fan† is used as both descriptive and prescriptive when it comes to describing individuals that are regarded as fans. Cavicchi even states that,On the whole, it [the term â€Å"fan†] is used both descriptively and prescriptively to refer to diverse individuals and groups, including fanatics, spectators, groupies, enthusiasts, celebrity stalkers, collectors, consumers, members of subcultures, and entire audiences, and, depending on the context, to refer to complex relationships involving affinity, enthusiasm, identification, desire, obsession, possession, neurosis, hysteria, consumerism, political resistance, or a combination (39). The interest of Cavicchi with the concept of â€Å"fan† is rooted from the fact that Cavicchi himself is also a self-proclaimed fan.The book that he wrote entitled Tramps like us gives an in-depth research and analysis of being a fan, especially when it comes to its corresponding effects to the individual who is a fan of something or someone. Cavicchi uses Bruce Springsteen as an example for his central argument that fandom is actually a useful and mea ningful behavior, which allows individuals to form their identities, establish communities, and make sense out of their lives and the society as a whole. Cavicchi (1998) points out that the contribution of Bruce Springsteen in the world exemplifies the advantageous effects of fandom.In the past, many critics have noted that the songs of Bruce Springsteen is unique from other singers in a sense that it actually exist in world of its own with its respective characters, settings, words, and images. The world that Springsteen creates is actually very relevant to other people wherein individuals who only have little knowledge or none at all about Springsteen can still relate with his music. Springsteen emphasizes the world of highways and factories, loners and underdogs, and many others. As such, the themes of the songs of Springsteen actually embody the ideals and struggles of most ordinary Americans.Being the case, Springsteen was able to substantially influence the American pop cultur e and also different societal debates. Springsteen has the ability to not only speak for his fans but actually to them with directness and sincerity, which actually touches the lives of his followers.Cavicchi uses three years of ethnographic research and his own experiences and impressions as a fan in writing his book. He provides an interdisciplinary study of the ways by which ordinary individuals who have special and sustained attachments to their idols actually were able to change and affect their lives because of fandom.Furthermore, it challenges the negative perception about the term â€Å"fan†, specifically the stereotypes of fans as being obsessive, delusional, and to the point of having mental problems. Cavicchi strongly emphasizes that fandom is a normal socio-cultural activity that aids in shaping the identity of individuals. Object of Fandom Destiny Hope Cyrus also popularly known as Miley Cyrus is an American pop singer, songwriter, and actress. Her rose to fame s tarted when she stars in the Disney Channel as Hannah Montana.After the success of her television series, she released a soundtrack CD of the songs that she sang in the Hannah Montana Show. The popularity of the soundtrack CD in the American market, especially for teenagers enables her to create a solo music career with her debut album, Meet Miley Cyrus. In her first album, Miley Cyrus was able to create her first top single entitled â€Å"See You Again†. The increasing popularity of Miley Cyrus paved the way for her to launch her second album called Breakout. Both the albums of Miley Cyrus top number 1 on the Billboard 200.In addition, the single of Miley Cyrus entitled â€Å"Party in the U. S. A. † was recognized as the highest charting and fastest selling single that reach number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100. The influence of Miley Cyrus reaches different nations, which is proven by the record-breaking sales of her albums that reach more than 15 million records. Miley Cyrus also shines in the field of acting. Miley Cyrus first extended play was The Time of Our Lives. Miley Cyrus also performed in the concert/film Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.In relation to this, Miley Cyrus also starred in Bolt wherein she recorded the soundtrack for the movie, which enables her to be nominated in the Golden Globe Awards. The hit show Hannah Montana was later produced in the film with Miley Cyrus as the lead star of the movie. Moreover, the prominence of Miley Cyrus in the society is recognized by Time magazine when she is included in the â€Å"100 Most Influential People in the World and she also ranked 35 on the â€Å"Celebrity 100† list of Forbes magazine for earning $25 million in 2008.Interviewee # 1The first interviewee is Zoe, a 16 years old girl that describes herself as an avid fan of Miley Cyrus. Zoe is a Caucasian American, who is currently studying in a public school. The interview was conducted through phone wh erein the queries in the questionnaires were asked and were substantially answered by the respondent.The main interest of Zoe mostly deals with normal young adult hobbies like shopping and hanging out friends. In addition, Zoe also stated that she is very much interested in music, especially from modern pop artist. As previously mentioned, Zoe is a self-proclaimed Miley Cyrus fan.She said that she first get acquainted with the pop star through her series in the Disney Channel, Hannah Montana. Zoe immediately likes the character of Miley in the series and she also took notice of her exceptional singing abilities. Zoe said â€Å"Miley has an exceptional and unique singing voice that can really attract its listeners, once I heard her voice she already mesmerized me. †Zoe opted to have the complete albums of Miley Cyrus instead of just downloading it from the Internet, which she said is a way for her to actually give worth to the singing ability of her idol buy adding to her CD s ales.In addition to this, Zoe is also a fan of Miley Cyrus in Facebook and she also follows her in Tweeter. The influence of Miley Cyrus on Zoe affects her fashion sense because Zoe admitted she is actually imitating the fashion sense of Miley. â€Å"I always look carefully at the outfits that she wear, as I really admire her unique fashion sense†, stated Zoe. Zoe explains in the interview that she has not really done anything outrageous as a fan of Miley, the only thing that she did is make a scrapbook of her idol, which other people finds weird.Moreover, Zoe strongly believes that Miley Cyrus exemplifies the normal life of a teenager that has to go through the awkward stage of adolescence, which Zoe can relate to. Zoe expressed in the interview that Miley Cyrus affected her life by making her believe in her dreams and do more things in her life, as Zoe said, â€Å"I can have the best of both worlds just like Miley†.Interviewee # 2The second interviewee is Samantha, a 13-years old teenage girl who is a die-hard fan of Miley Cyrus. She is an African-American that is studying in a public school.Samantha’s interests usually involve watching television, playing computer games, and the occasional going out with her friends. Samantha exclaimed â€Å"I love Miley Cyrus so much! † when asked in the interview on who is her idol. She explains in the interview that she was introduced to the pop star sensation while watching Hannah Montana because her parents only allow her to watch limited channels and this include the Disney Channel. At first, she likes the comic banter between Miley Cyrus and her dad because Samantha can actually relate to it because she said that she has the same relationship with her father.Later on, Samantha is really entertained by the singing capabilities of Miley Cyrus. In relation to this, Samantha can actually relate to the lyrics of Miley Cyrus’ songs that talks about related issues about being a teenager. S amantha keeps a collection of different Miley Cyrus memorabilia like bags, school supplies, and others. She even said that â€Å"almost all my things are Miley Cyrus inspired†. In addition, Samantha also applauds the acting capability of Miley Cyrus, especially when it comes to comedy that is why she even created her own fan page for Miley.Samantha informed me in the interview that she has not done any outrageous thing as a fan of Miley Cyrus because she believes that becoming a fan does not necessarily mean doing something â€Å"stupid†. Moreover, Samantha points out that Miley Cyrus is an inspiration to her and also to her friends because she represents teenager everywhere who are following their dreams despite the set-backs of the teenage life.Interviewee # 3The last interviewee is an 18 years old Asia who is actually on her way of going to college.She requested that I do not state her name in the paper, as she is afraid that someone might know that she is a fan of Miley Cyrus. The hesitation of this girl in admitting that she is a fan of Miley Cyrus comes from the fact that most of her peers perceived Miley Cyrus as a loser. As a result, this girl does not have any Miley Cyrus memorabilia and she does not join any networking site about Miley Cyrus. The main reason of this girl for idolizing Miley Cyrus is because she can relate with the life of the pop star.She states that â€Å"Miley Cyrus is just a typical teenager who commits mistakes like her photo scandal and other boyfriend troubles . . . she is being real to herself and to her public. † The girl idolizes Miley Cyrus because of her courage to be true to herself and to others even if she is already popular. In relation to this, she also thinks that Miley Cyrus is a strong individual that can properly handle all the criticisms that come her way. Being the case, Miley Cyrus influences this girl to also be true to herself and never give up. AnalysisBased on the answers of the three i nterviewees it is quite observable that most of Miley Cyrus fans are teenage girls who are undergoing the difficult and confusing stage of adolescence. Their main reasons for idolizing Miley Cyrus are due to her singing and acting talents as well as the way she handles herself. The interviewed fans of Miley Cyrus have not done any outrageous or stupid things for their idol because of the reason that they have other outlets in order to express their enthusiasm and support for Miley Cyrus such as buying her albums, patronizing her products, and joining/creating networking sites.However, in the situation of one girl, she cannot freely express that Miley Cyrus is her idol because of the negative perception of her friends when it comes to the pop star. From the answers of the interviewee it is clearly proven that Miley Cyrus becomes an influential and powerful personality in the society because she represents the life of most teenagers.Miley Cyrus’ songs, television series, and ev en her life exemplify the issues and problems of an average American teenager. Miley Cyrus has substantially contributed to the American pop culture because most of her fans can actually relate with her life. Moreover, Miley Cyrus has her way of actually inspiring the lives of teenagers through her songs and the characters that she portrays, which embody a strong woman that will not give up amidst the challenges of life.

The Different Elements of the Crime of Murder

The crime of murder is the willful taking of another persons life. In almost all jurisdictions murder is classified as either first-degree or second-degree. First-degree murder is both the intentional and premeditated killing of a person or as it is sometimes referred to with malice aforethought, which means the killer deliberately killed out of ill will toward the victim.​ For example, Jane is tired of being married to Tom. She takes out a big life insurance policy on him, then begins to spike his nightly cup of tea with poison. Each night she adds more poison to the tea. Tom becomes gravely ill and dies as a result of the poison. Elements of First-Degree Murder Most state laws require that first-degree murders include the willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation to take a human life. It is not always required that proof of the three elements are present when certain types of killing occur. The types of killing that fall under this depend on the state, but often include: The murder of law enforcement officerUsing unreasonable force that results in the murder of a childMurder occurring in the commission of other felonies, such as rape, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Some states qualify certain methods of killing as first-degree murder. These usually include particularly heinous acts, torturing to death, imprisonment resulting in death, and laid in wait murders. Malice Aforethought Some state laws require that for a crime to qualify as first-degree murder, the perpetrator  must have acted with malice or malice aforethought. Malice generally refers ill will towards the victim or indifference to human life. Other states require that showing malice is separate from, willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation. Felony Murder Rule Most states recognize the Felony Murder Rule which applies to a person committing first-degree murder when any death occurs, even one that is accidental, during the commission of a violent felony such as arson, kidnapping, rape, and burglary. For example, Sam and Martin hold up a convenience store. The convenience store employee shoots and kills Martin. Under the felony murder rule, Sam can be charged with first-degree murder even though he did not do the shooting. Penalties for First-Degree Murder Sentencing is state specific, but generally, sentencing for first-degree murder is the toughest sentencing and can include the death penalty in some states. States without the death penalty sometimes use a dual system where the sentence is a number of years to life (with the possibility of parole) or the with the sentence including the term, without the possibility of parole. Second-Degree Murder Second-degree murder is charged when the killing was intentional but not premeditated, but also was not done in the heat of passion. Second-degree murder can also be charged when someone is killed as a result of reckless conduct without concern for human life. For example, Tom becomes angry with his neighbor for blocking access to his driveway and runs into the house to get his gun, and returns and shoots and kills his neighbor. This could qualify as second-degree murder because Tom did not plan to kill his neighbor in advance and getting his gun and shooting his neighbor was intentional. Penalties and Sentencing for Second-Degree Murder Generally, the sentencing for second-degree murder, depending on the aggravating and mitigating factors, the sentence can be for any range of time such as 18 years to life. In federal cases, judges use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which is a point system that helps to determine the appropriate or average sentence for the crime.