After the flood

June 20, 2018 2:51 PM

When occasional journalist Max Robinson filmed his town being devastated by floods the video went viral -ending up on television, including some places he didn't want it. On getting caught up in the news cycle, treatment of sources, and FOX not taking "fuck off" for an answer.
posted by Artw (8 comments total)

Through a rather convoluted chain of thought, this reminded me of that Granny Weatherwax quote by Terry Pratchett: "Sin is when people treat other people as things," though I think I'm paraphrasing.

There isn't a clear "sin" here, but... something tho think about, definitely.

Thank you for sharing this; it's a good read.
posted by seyirci at 4:19 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]

It really seems like copyright laws only work one way in this country. If a big company with lots of lawyers makes something, its worth enforcing the rules, but if an individual creates a piece of content the big media companies can use it weather they get permission or not.

> Anyone but Fox News can use my photo or video

I would love to see more license agreements along these lines.
posted by KeSetAffinityThread at 5:01 PM on June 20, 2018 [19 favorites]

We discussed Max's report of his experience in the Ellicott City flood right after it happened (3 weeks ago)
posted by hydropsyche at 5:25 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]

Wow, I had missed that first article by Max, and had honestly forgotten about the sneering mockery of the "rain tax". Holy shit, I am FUMING.
posted by codacorolla at 6:29 PM on June 20, 2018 [3 favorites]

seyirci: "Through a rather convoluted chain of thought, this reminded me of that Granny Weatherwax quote by Terry Pratchett: "Sin is when people treat other people as things," though I think I'm paraphrasing."

"And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself." -- Carpe Jugulum
posted by Chrysostom at 7:44 PM on June 20, 2018 [7 favorites]

Anyone but Fox News can use my photo or video

Should have put that line in all of his release contracts.
posted by StickyCarpet at 8:00 PM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]

A large number of law practices need to have an anti-rapaciousness statute applied to them. That is why the big, weathy orgs tend to get away with so much. They can afford hungry lawyers. The average person, or, in this case, an amateur journalist can't.
posted by Samizdata at 9:56 PM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]

That linked list of media protocols from St. Peter's is fantastic. And needs to become THE standard for anyone trying to "help" after such a situation.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 4:05 AM on June 21, 2018 [6 favorites]