Future Now 003 — Chokepoint Capitalism with Cory Doctorow
Apr 17, 2023
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Cory Doctorow, a journalist and sci-fi author, discusses Chokepoint Capitalism with Marina Goribis. They explore challenges in the creative labor market, copyright issues in the digital era, the impact of exclusive rights on creative workers, and the need for systemic solutions to prevent labor exploitation.
Importance of systemic solutions for equitable distribution of wealth in creative labor market.
Shift towards collective view of art as a collaborative effort rather than individual creation.
Advocacy for job guarantees over universal basic income for material abundance and creative pursuit.
Deep dives
Corey Doctorow and the Problems in the Creative Labor Market
Corey Doctorow, a science fiction author and journalist, discusses the issues in the existing creative labor market, focusing on systemic solutions to distribute wealth and resources more equitably among creators and audiences. He co-authored the book 'Choke Point Capitalism' with Rebecca Giblin, addressing the challenges faced in the industry.
Structural Interventions in Market Structures
Doctorow emphasizes the need for structural interventions in market structures, highlighting the impact of consolidation in industries like publishing and entertainment. He discusses how the concentration of power among a few giant firms influences the distribution of wealth and resources, affecting creators' ability to negotiate fair deals.
The Shift in Artists' Collective Enterprise
There is a shift in how artists view themselves as part of a collective enterprise rather than individual creators. Doctorow points out the historical trend of conceiving art as a collective effort, emphasizing the importance of building upon the creativity of others and celebrating influence in the creative process.
Market Structures and Collective Rights
Doctorow critiques the current market structures that favor large corporations, limiting the bargaining power of creators. He discusses the adverse effects of granting more copyright to creators in concentrated markets, drawing parallels to giving a bullied child more lunch money that eventually benefits the bullies.
Job Guarantees vs. Universal Basic Income
Doctorow advocates for job guarantees over universal basic income, emphasizing the importance of socially inclusive federally funded jobs with good wages and benefits. He argues for a shift towards job guarantees to ensure material abundance, good working conditions, and the pursuit of creative endeavors.
Reforming Non-Disclosure Agreements in Royalty Statements
Doctorow proposes a structural intervention by amending state laws regarding non-disclosure agreements in royalty statements. By enabling artists to challenge discrepancies in royalty payments without being silenced by NDAs, this change could empower creators globally and ensure fair compensation in the industry.
In this episode, Marina talks with Cory Doctorow, a longtime journalist, science fiction author, and IFTF advisor, who co-authored the new book Chokepoint Capitalism. Marina and Cory explore the problems with the existing creative labor market and discuss systemic solutions to distribute wealth and resources in ways that will benefit creators and audiences alike.
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