<
https://walledculture.org/another-reminder-that-what-copyright-destroys-unauthorised-copying-can-save/>
"There’s an interesting post on
TorrentFreak that concerns so-called “pirate”
subtitles for films. It’s absurd that anyone could consider subtitles to be
piracy in any way. They are a good example of how ordinary people can add value
by generously helping others enjoy films and TV programmes in languages they
don’t understand. In no sense do “pirate” subtitles “steal” from those films
and programmes, they manifestly enhance them. And yet the ownership-obsessed
copyright world actively pursues people who dare to spread joy in this way. In
discussing these subtitles, TorrentFreak mentions a site that I’ve not heard of
before, Karagarga:
an illustrious BitTorrent tracker that’s been around for more than 18 years.
Becoming a member of the private community isn’t easy but those inside gain
access to a wealth of film obscurities.
The site focuses on archiving rare classic and cult movies, as well as other
film-related content. Blockbusters and other popular Hollywood releases
can’t be found on the site as uploading them is strictly forbidden.
TorrentFreak links to an article about Karagarga published some years ago by
the Canadian newspaper
National Post. Here’s a key point it makes:
It’s difficult to overstate the significance of such a resource. Movies of
unflagging historical merit are otherwise lost to changes in technology and
time every year: film prints are damaged or lost, musty VHS tapes aren’t
upgraded, DVDs fall out of print without reissue, back catalogues never make
the transition to digital. But should even a single copy of the film exist,
however tenuously, it can survive on Karagarga: one person uploads a rarity
and dozens more continue to share."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
