Linux Mint Forums

I've started a petition to shorten copyright terms in the United
States. Here is a copy of the petition:

> WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:
> Shorten excessive copyright terms.
>
> Current copyright terms are much longer than necessary for promoting
> progress. Excessive copyright terms limit the usefulness of the works
> they cover without leading to the creation of more works.
>
> I ask the government to limit copyright terms to a maximum of 10 years
> with no exceptions. Compared to current copyright terms 10 years may
> sound very short, but 10 years is a long time; it may still be too
> long. I also ask that currently active copyright terms all end within
> 10 years.
>
> It is not society's duty to reward authors and artists for their
> creativity or hard work. Copyright should only exist as an incentive.
> The excessive monopoly terms must end.

You can find the petition at
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petiti ... s/XMc72zjc. If you are a
U.S. citizen and agree with the position expressed in the petition,
please sign it.

Interesting, but would probably affect authors who have a long-term series going. Think in terms of Mercedes Lacky or Anne McCaffrey. I would certainly support doing something about patent trolls, though...