I feel like humans have lost something fundamental and I blame the internet, particularly social media, for much of it. What has been lost? Decency; thinking of the greater good; putting others first. Doing right, even if it doesn’t directly benefit ourselves. Trying to be better.
For example, it used to be that we were shocked when a pornographic video of a famous person was discovered. We were embarrassed for the (usually) young person who was thus exploited and often that person would fade from public life. Now, people are making porns just to try to get famous.
People (even politicians!) used to have honor, now far too many will lie without a second thought and will sell their votes to the highest bidder, even if it hurts others.
We have become far too greedy and selfish. A quiet proposal is rare–now it has to be instagrammed and scripted and shown off. A first dance can’t just be a moment between new spouses–it must be a choreographed and recorded event. A simple ring as a gesture of the promise is now rejected because it must be better (read: bigger) than our friends’ rings. How sad is that? We can’t just be happy for the happiness of others without comparing ours to theirs (and making sure we “win”).
Why am I bringing this up here? Because it affects your business, and mine. I was reminded of this today when I saw that Unsplash has a photography contest and that Medium is a part of it. I tweeted that it was a terrible idea for photographers, because Unsplash’s terms generally are terrible and even worse for the contest. I warned photographers to stay away and that it hurt all photographers by devaluing photography. Sadly, of course, someone had to tell me how it was good for him so I should essentially shut up.
Sigh.
There is right and wrong. Sometimes, what we want we could get by doing wrong; however, if we choose to do that, we are very likely doing much more harm than we realize, including (as in the case of Unsplash and similar) hurting ourselves in the long run.
I could make more money (a lot more) if I took any case brought to me, asserted claims that were questionably colorable (meaning maybe or maybe not supported by the facts and the law), or defended infringers. I could also work more slowly when I’m billing hourly. I could do all that and have fewer financial worries and drive my dream classic Porsche rather than my significantly cheaper (but much loved!) Miata, but I couldn’t look myself in the mirror.
Why do I make these choices? Because I became a lawyer to help people and, yes, to do good. Yes, everyone is entitled to a defense, but to me representing infringers would be inherently a conflict with the work I do for my copyright creator/owner clients. So, I say “no.” Also, I will never assert a claim for a client if I do not sincerely believe it is legitimate. And I know how hard people work for their money so wouldn’t it be ethically wrong to try and squeeze more out of any hourly client by working more slowly? Yup.
Would I like to make more money? Sure, of course. But not if it requires lowering my ethics and standards.
We’ve been pulled into the muck of trying to be famous rather than trying to do right. We’re trying to be more interesting on social media, rather than quietly making a positive difference in the world.
As we head into the holiday season, I suggest we all take a moment to think about our choices and consider doing better.