Why can't I use your content?

In a world where "google" is a verb and you can find just about anything on the internet, the line between using and misusing content can be difficult to understand.

Individuals and organizations around the world use access control technologies for digital rights management (DRM). 

To clarify, DRM allows owners to protect their content and keep other people from using it without permission.



This concept extends to everything from hardware developments and patents to intellectual property such as art and even jokes.

There are several different, widely-held opinions about DRM. 

-> Some say it is necessary and helps protect people's rights and creations.

-> Others say DRM doesn't actually work and only inconveniences the people who would follow the rules anyway.


I understand the frustration of wanting to use a piece of content, because it perfectly fits a presentation or blog post, but finding myself blocked by a huge watermark or pay wall.

However, I would say it is important to protect original content. 

Someone took the time to code a layout, take a picture, write down their thoughts, etc., and it wouldn't be fair to the original creator if everyone could take that product and claim it as their own.



Beyond being selfish and untrue, claiming other people's work as one's own devalues original creativity and hard work.

Why should people take the time to create something new if there was no reward or credit, and if they had no say in how their product would be used?

Yes, many people create unique things because they enjoy the process and want to share their creativity with other people, but if professional photographers were not able to charge for the use of their photos, they would soon need to look for another profession to pay the bills.

So, I say DRM is generally a good thing. 

It can be frustrating to work with and make using content more complicated, but DRM helps protect original content and maintain the value of genuine creativity and hard work.